Top 10 Support Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a support engineer in the job market because they demonstrate proficiency in key areas of expertise. Certifications validate an individual’s skills and knowledge, which makes them more attractive to potential employers. Employers tend to view certifications as proof that a candidate has the necessary experience and qualifications to perform well in the role. They also provide assurance that the individual is up-to-date with current trends in the industry and can quickly adapt to new technologies. In addition, certifications can help support engineers stand out from other applicants who may not have the same level of technical knowledge or expertise.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the best certifications available for Support Engineers and to explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Support Engineer Certifications?

Support engineer certification is a professional designation for those who have demonstrated expertise in providing technical support and troubleshooting services. This certification is typically awarded by an organization or vendor after the completion of a series of tests to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency. It can also be earned through on-the-job experience.

Having a support engineer certification can help individuals stand out from their peers when it comes to job applications and promotions. It demonstrates that they have the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to provide quality customer service and technical support. Additionally, employers may view certified support engineers as more reliable and trustworthy than non-certified professionals due to their commitment to professional development.

The certification can also help support engineers stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, techniques, and industry best practices as well as increase their visibility within their field. Furthermore, many organizations offer discounts for certified professionals which can help them save money on training courses and materials. Finally, having a support engineer certification may open doors to new career opportunities such as consultant positions or leadership roles within tech companies.

Pro Tip: Make sure you take the time to research the certifications available for support engineers and find one that best fits your current experience level and desired career path. Also, look into any additional training or courses you may need to complete in order to obtain the certification. Finally, make sure you stay up-to-date on any changes in certification requirements so that you can keep your certification valid.

Related: What does a Support Engineer do?

Top 10 Support Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Support Engineers today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification program from Microsoft that validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and manage the physical and virtualized infrastructure of a Windows Server environment. The MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification requires candidates to demonstrate their expertise in areas such as networking, storage, virtualization, system management, identity management, and data center operations.

It typically takes between six months and one year of study to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure exam. Candidates must first pass the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) exam before taking the MCSE: Server Infrastructure exam. This includes passing three exams related to Windows Server 2016 or 2019.

To get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, candidates must pass two additional exams related to server infrastructure topics. These exams are designed to test an individual’s knowledge of server hardware, network infrastructure, Active Directory services, and virtualization technologies.

The cost for taking the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification exams varies depending on location and provider. Exams can range from $100-$200 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with training materials or courses needed to prepare for the exams.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of experienced IT professionals. It is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral certification that covers the fundamentals of computer technology, networking and security, as well as best practices for troubleshooting hardware and software issues.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to complete the two exams required to become certified. The first exam focuses on hardware and networking concepts, while the second exam focuses on operating systems, security and software troubleshooting. Both exams must be completed within 18 months of starting the program in order to earn CompTIA A+ certification.

In order to get CompTIA A+ certified, you must first register for the exams with CompTIA. You will then need to study for each exam using approved course materials or self-study materials provided by CompTIA. Once you have successfully passed both exams, you will receive your certificate in the mail within 8 weeks from your date of completion.

The cost of getting CompTIA A+ certified varies depending on which package you choose and where you purchase it from. Generally speaking, packages range from $200-$400 USD for both exams and include access to practice tests and other resources.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to manage and maintain a Windows Server 2016 environment. It demonstrates the skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.

To get the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 and Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016. The exams are designed to test your knowledge of the technical features of Windows Server 2016 and your ability to deploy and configure it in an enterprise environment.

It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification exams. This includes studying for the exams as well as gaining hands-on experience working with Windows Server 2016 in a lab or production environment.

The cost of taking the two MCSA: Windows Server 2016 exams is $165 each. However, there may be discounts available if you purchase exam vouchers from Microsoft or through other vendors.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program designed to help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. This certification is recognized worldwide as an entry-level networking certification.

The CCNA Routing and Switching certification requires passing one exam: the Cisco 200-125 exam. The exam covers topics such as network fundamentals, IP addressing, routing protocols, WAN technologies, security fundamentals, automation and programmability.

To get the CCNA Routing and Switching certification, you need to pass the 200-125 exam. It typically takes about 6 months of studying to prepare for the exam. You can find study materials online or in bookstores. You can also take online courses or attend instructor-led classes to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CCNA Routing and Switching certification varies depending on where you take it. The cost of taking the exam at a testing center is usually around $300 USD. If you choose to take an online course or attend instructor-led classes, the cost will vary depending on which provider you choose.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve service management within an organization.

The ITIL Foundation certification exam typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the format. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 65% to pass.

To get certified, you must first register for the ITIL Foundation Exam with an authorized provider such as PeopleCert or AXELOS. You will then need to study for the exam by reviewing material from books, online courses, or other resources. Once you have completed your studies, you can take the exam at an accredited testing center.

The cost of taking the ITIL Foundation Exam varies depending on the provider and location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

6. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Professional is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced cloud architects. It is intended for individuals who have two or more years of hands-on experience designing available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS. The certification validates an individual’s ability to:

• Design secure and reliable applications using AWS services
• Select appropriate AWS services to design and deploy an application based on given requirements
• Migrate complex, multi-tier applications on AWS
• Design and deploy enterprise-wide scalable operations on AWS
• Implement cost control strategies

The exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that are designed to assess the candidate’s ability to design and deploy secure and robust applications on AWS technologies. The exam covers topics such as networking, storage, compute, database, security, monitoring & logging, identity & access management (IAM), application services, deployment & management.

It typically takes around 4 months to prepare for the certification exam. This includes studying the official course material from Amazon Web Services (AWS) as well as taking practice exams. Additionally, it is recommended that candidates have hands-on experience with AWS before attempting the exam.

The cost of the certification exam varies by region but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD depending on your location.

7. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in virtualizing and managing data center environments with VMware vSphere. This certification validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot a vSphere environment.

To get the VCP6-DCV certification, you must first complete a VMware authorized training course. The recommended course is the five-day VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.x] course. After completing the course, you must pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) Exam and the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Delta Exam (VCPDCVD). Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

The cost of the VCP6-DCV certification varies depending on where you take the training and exams. The cost of the training can range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD depending on where you take it. The cost of both exams is $250 USD each.

In total it can take up to six weeks or more to get your VCP6-DCV certification if you include study time for both exams as well as any retakes if needed.

8. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., the world’s leading provider of open source solutions. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in system administration skills on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who are looking to advance their career and gain recognition as an expert in their field.

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions covering a variety of topics related to system administration, including installation and configuration, user management, storage management, network services, security, troubleshooting, and scripting. The exam can be taken at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Red Hat Learning Portal.

The cost of the RHCSA certification exam varies depending on which format you choose. The online option costs $400 USD while the in-person option costs $500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.

9. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to provide a foundation of networking knowledge and skills that can be used in any type of network environment. CompTIA Network+ certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it is not specific to any particular vendor or technology.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as networking concepts, network installation and configuration, network media and topologies, security, and network troubleshooting. To pass the exam, candidates must demonstrate their understanding of these topics by correctly answering at least 720 out of 900 questions.

To get CompTIA Network+ certified, candidates must first purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA’s website or an authorized reseller. Once they have the voucher, they can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. After passing the exam, they will receive their official certificate from CompTIA.

The cost of the CompTIA Network+ certification varies depending on where you purchase your exam voucher. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $200-$300 for the exam voucher itself.

10. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Network Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Network Fundamentals is an entry-level certification that validates a person’s knowledge of networking fundamentals. It covers topics such as network infrastructure, network hardware, and protocols and services. The certification is designed to provide students with the skills they need to pursue more advanced certifications or a career in IT.

The MTA Network Fundamentals exam typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours to complete. The exam consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions, which are based on the Microsoft Official Academic Course (MOAC) for Networking Fundamentals.

To get the MTA Network Fundamentals certification, you must pass the corresponding exam. You can register for the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through Microsoft Learning's website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $80-$120 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Microsoft that proves your achievement. You can also add this certification to your resume and LinkedIn profile so employers can see that you have a basic understanding of networking fundamentals.

Do You Really Need a Support Engineer Certificate?

Yes, a support engineer certificate can be beneficial in many ways. It is a great way to demonstrate your qualifications and expertise, and it can open doors to new opportunities in the field of technical support. With a certificate, employers may view you as more qualified than someone without one, making it easier to land a job or promotion.

A support engineer certificate also shows that you have taken the time to develop your skills and knowledge. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and sets you apart from others who may not have invested in their education. By investing in yourself, you are showing potential employers that you are serious about being an asset to their team.

Finally, having a support engineer certification can help build confidence in yourself as well as increase your chances for success when applying for jobs or promotions. Having this credential will give employers confidence that you have the necessary skills and knowledge needed for the position. It will also show them that you are dedicated to continuing your education and growing professionally within the industry.

In conclusion, having a support engineer certificate can be beneficial in multiple ways and is worth considering if you want to advance your career in technical support or other IT-related fields.

Related: Support Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Support Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Support Engineer Certification?

A1. A Support Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in the field of customer service and technical support. It is designed to help you become an effective problem solver for customers, both internally and externally.

Q2. How long does it take to get certified?

A2. The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the specific certification program, but most certifications can be completed within six months or less.

Q3. What types of certifications are available?

A3. There are many different types of support engineer certifications available, such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and CompTIA A+ certifications. Additionally, there are specialized support engineer certifications in areas like network security or cloud computing.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

A4. Yes, some certifications require that you have prior experience in the field as well as passing an examination or completing certain courses before you can be certified. Be sure to check the requirements for each individual certification program before enrolling in one.

Q5 What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A5 Becoming certified can open up new job opportunities, increase your earning potential, and demonstrate your commitment to professional development and growth in the field of customer support engineering.