Top 11 Technical Support Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for technical support personnel. They demonstrate that a person has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in a particular technology or area. This can help employers quickly identify qualified candidates who possess the necessary skills to successfully maintain and repair their systems. Certifications also provide proof that a technician is up-to-date on the latest technologies, protocols, and best practices which can help ensure that they can properly diagnose and resolve problems in a timely manner. In addition, certifications can provide employees with additional career opportunities as they advance in their field.

The article reviews the top certifications for Technical Supports, and explains how they can help to advance a technical support's career.

What are Technical Support Certifications?

Technical support certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in providing technical support. This type of certification usually involves completing a course, passing an exam, and meeting other requirements set by the certifying organization. With technical support certification, individuals can prove their expertise in areas such as computer hardware and software troubleshooting, customer service, network configuration, and other related fields.

The benefits of having technical support certification include increased job opportunities, better salary prospects, and improved career advancement. With this certification, employers know that the individual has the necessary skills to handle complex IT problems quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, having a technical support certification can help individuals stand out from other job candidates who do not have this credential. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to break into the IT industry or for those who want to demonstrate their commitment to their profession. Additionally, having this type of certification may also lead to more responsibility or higher-level positions within an organization.

Pro Tip: If you are considering a career in technical support, it is highly beneficial to look into obtaining a certification. This will show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality technical support and will give you an edge over other job applicants.

Related: What does a Technical Support do?

Top 11 Technical Support Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Technical Supports today.

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification that proves an individual’s competency in computer hardware and software. It is designed to validate the skills of IT professionals, including PC technicians, support specialists, system administrators, and technical support representatives. The CompTIA A+ certification covers a wide range of topics such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, networking, security and safety.

The CompTIA A+ certification exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each exam has 90 questions with a time limit of 90 minutes. To obtain the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass both exams within 12 months of each other.

You can take the CompTIA A+ exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website. The cost for each exam is $226 USD ($113 USD per exam).

To prepare for the exams, you can use study materials from CompTIA or third-party vendors. You can also find practice tests online to help you get familiar with the test format and content. Additionally, there are many books available that cover all aspects of the CompTIA A+ certification exams.

2. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies, including troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks. It is designed to provide a vendor-neutral foundation for those seeking entry-level or mid-level positions in network support or administration.

The CompTIA Network+ exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 720 out of 900 points. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but usually ranges from $200 - $300 USD.

To get the CompTIA Network+ certification, individuals must first take and pass the CompTIA Network+ exam. To prepare for this exam, it is recommended that individuals have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration, as well as a basic understanding of networking technologies such as TCP/IP and networking topologies. Additionally, there are many resources available online to help individuals study for the exam including practice tests and study guides.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. An MCSE credential demonstrates expertise in deploying, developing, and managing IT infrastructure solutions utilizing Microsoft products and services.

To obtain the MCSE certification, individuals must pass one or more exams that demonstrate their ability to design, implement, deploy, and troubleshoot complex IT infrastructures. The exams cover topics such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, System Center Configuration Manager, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, Office 365, Azure Infrastructure Solutions and more. The exams are designed to test an individual’s technical knowledge of the product as well as their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the MCSE certification depending on the individual’s experience level. To get started on obtaining the MCSE certification, individuals should first become familiar with the exam objectives for each exam they plan to take. They should then review any available training materials such as books or online courses to gain a better understanding of the topics covered by each exam. Finally, they should register for and take the appropriate exams at a local testing center or through Pearson VUE online testing platform.

The cost of obtaining an MCSE certification varies depending on which exams you choose to take and whether you purchase any additional training materials or practice tests. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150-$200 USD per attempt with discounts available for multiple attempts or when purchasing multiple exams together. Additional training materials can range from $50-$200 USD depending on format (books vs online courses).

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking. It is the entry-level certification for individuals who want to pursue a career in networking.

The CCNA certification requires an individual to demonstrate their understanding of fundamental networking concepts such as IP addressing, routing protocols, switching technologies, and network security. The exam also covers topics such as troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CCNA exam. This includes studying the material provided by Cisco and taking practice exams. It may take longer depending on how much time you have available to study and your familiarity with networking concepts.

To get the CCNA certification, you must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE. You will then need to pass both the ICND1 and ICND2 exams or take a single composite exam (CCNAX). The cost of these exams varies depending on where you take them but usually ranges from $250-$400 USD per exam.

Once you have passed both exams or taken the composite exam, you will receive your CCNA certification from Cisco.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the ITIL best practices and processes, enabling individuals to gain an understanding of how they can be used to improve the delivery and management of IT services.

The ITIL Foundation Certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of study, which can be completed in as little as two days or spread out over several weeks. The certification exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. To pass, candidates must score at least 65% on the exam.

To obtain the ITIL Foundation Certification, individuals must take an accredited training course from an approved provider. The cost for these courses vary depending on the provider but typically range between $500-$2,000 USD. After completing their training course, individuals will need to register for and pass the ITIL Foundation Exam before being certified.

In addition to taking an accredited training course, there are also self-study options available for those who wish to prepare for their exam independently. These resources include online tutorials, practice tests and study guides that can help individuals prepare for their exam in a more cost-effective way.

6. HDI Support Center Analyst Certification

HDI Support Center Analyst Certification is a certification program that recognizes professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of customer service and support. The certification is designed to assess an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the support center environment.

The HDI Support Center Analyst Certification requires individuals to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, problem solving, communication techniques, technical troubleshooting, and process improvement. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to be eligible for the HDI Support Center Analyst Certification, individuals must have at least one year of experience working in a customer service or technical support role. They must also have completed an approved training course or have equivalent knowledge and experience in the field.

The cost of the HDI Support Center Analyst Certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In some locations, it can cost up to $400 USD. However, there are discounts available for those who qualify based on their current employment status or other criteria.

Once certified, individuals will receive a digital badge that they can use to showcase their credentials online as well as access to exclusive resources and discounts from HDI partners.

7. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an entry-level understanding of Microsoft technologies. The MTA program is designed for individuals who are beginning their career in technology, and it provides a foundation for further study in the Microsoft product stack. It is also beneficial for those who are already working in the IT industry but need to demonstrate their knowledge of basic technology concepts and skills.

The MTA certification covers topics such as Windows operating systems, networking fundamentals, database fundamentals, software development fundamentals, web development fundamentals, and security fundamentals. Each certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of the subject matter.

It typically takes around two hours to complete an MTA exam. Most exams can be taken online or at a testing center near you. The cost varies depending on which exam you take; however, most exams range from $99-$125 USD. You can find more information about pricing and availability on the Microsoft website.

To get an MTA certification, you must first pass one or more exams related to your chosen technology area(s). Once you have passed all required exams and met any other requirements set by Microsoft, you will receive your certificate via email within two weeks of passing your last exam.

8. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is a certification program offered by Apple to recognize expertise in supporting and troubleshooting Mac OS X. It is designed for IT professionals, consultants, technicians, and end-users who support Mac OS X users.

To become an ACSP, you must pass the Apple Service Fundamentals Exam (SVC-19A). This exam covers topics such as system architecture, troubleshooting, repair procedures, user experience, and more. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $150 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least six months of hands-on experience working with Mac OS X systems. Once all requirements are met, the applicant will be awarded their ACSP certification.

The ACSP certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification status after this time period, you must retake and pass the SVC-19A exam every three years.

9. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced Oracle Database Administrators. It is awarded by Oracle Corporation, the world’s leading enterprise software provider. The OCP certification provides an indication of a professional’s ability to install, configure, manage and troubleshoot Oracle databases in both single-instance and clustered environments.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the OCP exam. Candidates must have at least one year of experience working with Oracle databases before taking the exam. Preparation includes studying course materials, attending training classes, and gaining hands-on experience with Oracle database administration tasks.

To become an OCP certified professional, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-061 (Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals) and 1Z0-062 (Oracle Database 12c: Administration). Both exams are available online through Prometric Testing Centers or Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

The cost of the OCP certification varies depending on which version of the exam you take. The cost for each exam ranges from $245-$295 USD.

10. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source solutions. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of system administrators who are responsible for deploying, configuring, and managing systems running the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system.

To become an RHCSA, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as installation and configuration of systems, storage management, user administration, network services, security settings, troubleshooting, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and practical tasks that must be completed within a specified time limit.

The exam typically takes around three hours to complete. It can be taken at any authorized testing center or remotely through a proctored online platform. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD.

In order to prepare for the RHCSA exam, it is recommended that you take an official training course from Red Hat or an approved training partner. These courses are usually two days long and provide hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux as well as guidance on how to best prepare for the exam itself. The cost of these courses can vary but typically range from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

11. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate is an associate-level certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It validates the ability to deploy, manage and operate highly available, scalable and fault tolerant systems on AWS. This certification is intended for individuals who have experience with system operations on AWS.

It typically takes approximately 3-4 months of studying and preparation to pass the exam. To get this certification, one must first register for the exam through the AWS Certification website. The exam costs $150 USD and consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics related to deploying, managing, and operating systems in the AWS cloud.

The exam covers a variety of topics including: deployment strategies, monitoring and logging, security best practices, network architecture, automation and scripting, cost optimization, troubleshooting techniques, disaster recovery planning and more. Additionally, it requires knowledge about core services such as EC2, S3 and CloudFormation.

In order to successfully pass the exam you must score at least 720 points out of 1000 possible points. After passing the exam you will receive an email from AWS confirming your successful completion of the certification process.

Do You Really Need a Technical Support Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their specific needs. If someone is looking to gain entry into a technical support role, then a technical support certificate may be necessary. However, if someone already has experience or knowledge in the field, then it may not be necessary.

Having a technical support certificate can help demonstrate a certain level of understanding and competency in the field. It can also provide an advantage when applying for jobs and can open up opportunities for advancement within the industry. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have attained a certification from an accredited institution as it shows that they are knowledgeable and committed to their work. Therefore, having a technical support certificate could potentially increase one’s chances of landing a job in the field.

However, there are other ways to demonstrate knowledge and expertise without having a formal certification. For example, some people choose to take online courses or attend workshops related to the topic in order to keep up-to-date with industry trends and practices. Additionally, self-study is another way to develop skills and knowledge in the area of technical support without needing any formal recognition or certification.

At the end of the day, whether or not you need a technical support certificate will depend on your own circumstances and goals. If you feel that having one will give you an edge over other applicants or help you advance your career, then it may be worth pursuing. However, if you already possess relevant experience or knowledge in the field, then it may not be necessary for your current situation.

Related: Technical Support Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Support Certifications

Q1. What is a Technical Support Certification?

A1. A Technical Support Certification is an official recognition that confirms your knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of technical support. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and shows employers that you are qualified to provide support for their customers.

Q2. How do I get a Technical Support Certification?

A2. To earn a Technical Support Certification, you will need to complete an approved program or course that covers topics such as customer service, troubleshooting, networking, operating systems and hardware components. Additionally, you may need to pass an exam to demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Technical Support Certification?

A3. The amount of time it takes to earn a Technical Support Certification depends on the program or course you choose and how much prior experience you have with technical support topics. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within six months or less if you dedicate enough time and effort into studying and preparing for the exam.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for getting a Technical Support Certification?

A4. Depending on the certification program or course you choose, there may be certain prerequisites that must be met before enrolling or taking the exam. These may include having prior experience with computer hardware and software, completing specific courses or having some type of degree from an accredited institution.

Q5. What are the benefits of getting a Technical Support Certification?

A5. Earning a Technical Support Certification can help open doors for career advancement opportunities such as higher salaries and better job prospects in the industry due to your increased knowledge and experience in this field. Additionally, it can also help build credibility among customers when providing them with technical support services since they know that someone who has been officially certified is knowledgeable in this area