Top 10 Support Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a support manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in their field. They show employers that the individual is capable of providing quality customer service and technical support, as well as understanding industry best practices. Certifications also give an indication of commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. This can help support managers stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Support Managers and explains how they can help advance a support manager's career.

What are Support Manager Certifications?

Support Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to manage customer support teams. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of customer service best practices, problem-solving techniques, and communication strategies. With this certification, professionals show employers they have the necessary qualifications to handle any customer service issue that may arise.

Having a Support Manager Certification helps individuals stand out from other applicants who don’t possess the same knowledge or qualifications. Employers value employees who can effectively manage their customer service staff and take ownership of resolving technical issues quickly and efficiently. This certification also provides professionals with the opportunity to stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments in customer service technology. Additionally, it can provide individuals with access to exclusive networking events and forums where professionals can collaborate on best practices for handling customer inquiries or complaints. Ultimately, having a Support Manager Certification allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality customer service and sets them apart from other candidates in the job market.

Pro Tip: When considering support manager certification, look for programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as customer service, conflict resolution, communication skills, problem solving and team building. Additionally, make sure the program offers hands-on practice opportunities to help you hone your skills in a real-world setting.

Related: What does a Support Manager do?

Top 10 Support Manager Certifications

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

1. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive overview of IT Service Management and the ITIL framework. It is designed to help individuals understand and apply the core concepts of ITIL, enabling them to provide better service to their organization.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. The exam is administered by accredited training organizations (ATOs) or PeopleCert, an independent certification body. To become certified, you must score at least 65% on the exam.

To get your ITIL Foundation Certification, you must first complete an approved training course. These courses can be taken online or in person, depending on the provider. The cost of the course will vary depending on the provider and the length of the course. Generally speaking, most courses range from $500-$1000 USD.

Once you have completed your training course, you can register for your ITIL Foundation Certification exam with PeopleCert or an ATO. The cost for taking the exam is usually around $200 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from PeopleCert confirming your successful completion of the ITIL Foundation Certification program.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is a globally recognized credential that validates the skills of entry-level IT professionals. It is designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair computer hardware and software. With CompTIA A+ Certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in areas such as networking, security, mobile devices, operating systems, cloud computing, and more.

The certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). To earn CompTIA A+ certification you must pass both exams. Each exam takes 90 minutes to complete and contains a maximum of 90 questions.

To get CompTIA A+ certified you need to register for the exams at the CompTIA website. You can take the exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers or online with ProctorU.

The cost for each exam is $219 USD per exam when taken at a testing center or online with ProctorU. When taking both exams together there is a discounted price of $339 USD for both exams.

3. HDI Support Center Analyst Certification

HDI Support Center Analyst Certification is a certification program offered by the Help Desk Institute (HDI) that recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in support center operations. This certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to provide quality customer service, troubleshoot technical issues, and effectively manage support centers.

The HDI Support Center Analyst Certification consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical exam. The online assessment must be completed within six months of registering for the certification program. The assessment covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication skills, and technical knowledge. After passing the online assessment, candidates must complete the practical exam within one year of registering for the certification program. The practical exam tests a candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

To get certified as an HDI Support Center Analyst, you must first register for the certification program on the HDI website. Registration costs $295 USD and includes access to study materials and practice exams. Once registered, you can take the online assessment at any time within six months of registration. After passing the online assessment, you will have one year to complete the practical exam at an authorized testing center near you.

The cost of taking both parts of the HDI Support Center Analyst Certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD per part (including registration).

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in using Microsoft products and services. The MCSA certification is designed to provide IT professionals with the skills necessary to install, configure, manage, maintain, and troubleshoot networks and systems running on the Windows platform.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for an MCSA certification. To get certified, you must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as networking fundamentals, Windows Server administration, virtualization technologies, storage solutions, security best practices, cloud technologies, and more. You can find a list of available exams on the Microsoft website.

The cost of getting an MCSA certification varies depending on the number of exams you take and whether you take them online or in person. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD when taken online or $200 USD when taken in person at a testing center. Additionally, some training courses may be required before taking certain exams; these courses usually cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD depending on their length and content.

5. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification program that validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, manage and troubleshoot network and system environments based on Microsoft Windows Server. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day administration of Windows Server systems.

To become an MCSA, you must pass three exams: one on networking fundamentals, one on installation and configuration of Windows Server 2012/2016, and one on either server administration or server virtualization. Depending on your experience level, it may take several months to prepare for these exams.

You can get the MCSA through self-study or instructor-led training courses offered by Microsoft Learning Partners. The cost of the exams varies depending on the country in which they are taken but typically range from $100 to $200 per exam.

6. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program from Cisco Systems that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in networking. It is designed to provide entry-level network engineers with the necessary skills to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.

It typically takes around 6 months of study and practice to earn the CCNA certification. To prepare for the exam, candidates can take courses at accredited training centers or self-study through online resources such as books, videos, and practice exams. Taking practice exams is a great way to measure your progress and identify areas where you need more preparation.

To become certified, candidates must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). The cost of each exam varies depending on the country but generally costs between $200 - $300 USD per exam.

Once certified, individuals are required to recertify every three years in order to maintain their credentials. Recertification involves passing either one or two exams depending on which track was chosen initially.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and sought-after project management certification in the world. The PMP credential demonstrates that an individual has the experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects.

To get PMP certified, an individual must have a minimum of three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of formal project management education. Additionally, applicants must pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam.

The exam typically takes four hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized testing center around the world. The cost for the exam varies depending on your country or region; however, it generally costs between $400-$600 USD.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills in the application of Six Sigma principles and tools. It is designed for professionals who are involved in the implementation of Six Sigma projects, such as process improvement specialists, quality engineers, project managers, and business analysts.

The certification consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of Six Sigma and its associated tools. The practical project requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply the tools and techniques learned during the course in a real-world setting.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the certification process. To get started, you must first take an accredited Six Sigma Green Belt course from an approved provider. After completing the course, you will be eligible to take the online exam which is administered by ASQ (American Society for Quality). Once you have passed this exam, you can then submit your completed project for review by ASQ.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take the course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 USD for a comprehensive program that includes both training and certification fees.

9. Certified Help Desk Professional (CHDP)

Certified Help Desk Professional (CHDP) is a certification program offered by HDI, the world’s largest membership organization for IT service and support professionals. The CHDP certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of help desk professionals. It provides a standard of excellence for those who work in customer service roles within the IT industry.

The CHDP certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, technical knowledge, communication skills, and management principles. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete.

To qualify for the CHDP certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in a customer service role within the IT industry or have completed an HDI-approved training program in customer service or help desk operations. Applicants must also submit proof of their education credentials (high school diploma or equivalent) and professional experience.

The cost of taking the CHDP exam varies depending on whether you are an HDI member or non-member. For members it costs $299 USD while non-members pay $399 USD.

10. HDI Customer Service Representative Certification

HDI Customer Service Representative (CSR) Certification is a globally recognized certification program designed to recognize customer service professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional customer service. The certification is administered by HDI, the world’s largest membership organization for IT service and support professionals.

The HDI CSR Certification program consists of two levels: Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) and Advanced Certified Customer Service Representative (ACCSR). The CCSR level is designed for entry-level customer service representatives who have 1-2 years of experience in customer service roles. The ACCSR level is designed for experienced customer service representatives who have 3 or more years of experience in customer service roles.

It typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete the certification process, depending on the individual's availability and learning style. To get certified, individuals must first pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge of customer service principles, processes and techniques. After passing the assessment, they must then attend a two-day instructor-led training course, which covers topics such as communication skills, problem solving strategies and conflict resolution techniques. After completing the training course, individuals must pass a final exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the HDI CSR Certification varies depending on the level you are pursuing (CCSR or ACCSR). For CCSR certification, it costs $1,095 USD for members and $1,295 USD for non-members. For ACCSR certification, it costs $1,495 USD for members and $1,695 USD for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Support Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and experience. For those who are looking to make a career in support management, getting a certificate can be beneficial in a number of ways. It can provide the necessary knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the role, while also providing evidence of expertise and credibility to employers.

For those with some experience in support management, a certificate may not be necessary. However, it could still be beneficial as it could help demonstrate further knowledge and proficiency in certain areas. Furthermore, it could help open up new job opportunities or allow for promotion within an organization.

In summary, whether you need a support manager certificate depends on your individual goals and experience level. If you are aiming to make a career out of support management or want to demonstrate further expertise and proficiency, then getting certified may be beneficial for you.

Related: Support Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Support Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Support Manager Certification?

A1: A Support Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in managing customer service and support operations. It validates the individual’s ability to lead, manage, and develop teams, as well as maintain customer satisfaction.

Q2: What are the benefits of obtaining a Support Manager Certification?

A2: Obtaining a Support Manager Certification can help to improve your career prospects, expand your skill set, increase your credibility within the industry, and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. It also provides you with access to exclusive resources such as job postings, networking opportunities, and discounts on products or services related to customer service and support management.

Q3: What is the process for obtaining a Support Manager Certification?

A3: The process for obtaining a Support Manager Certification typically involves completing an approved training program followed by passing an exam administered by an accredited organization. Depending on the particular certification program you choose, additional requirements may be necessary such as experience in the field or additional coursework.

Q4: How much does it cost to obtain a Support Manager Certification?

A4: The cost of obtaining a Support Manager Certification varies depending on the particular certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require payment of fees for tuition, exam fees, materials fees, etc., so costs can range from several hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars depending on the program chosen.

Q5: How long does it take to obtain a Support Manager Certification?

A5: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Support Manager Certification will vary depending on the particular certification program you choose and how quickly you are able to complete all required components (training courses, exams). In general though most programs can be completed in 6-12 months if all components are completed in an expeditious manner.