Top 11 Technical Support Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important way for technical support engineers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the job market. A certification shows employers that a candidate has taken the time to gain specialized knowledge and skills, which can be a valuable asset when competing for jobs. Certifications also provide a way to verify that a candidate has the necessary qualifications to perform specific tasks, as well as build credibility with employers who may not be familiar with the candidate's experience. By obtaining certifications, technical support engineers can stand out from other applicants and make themselves more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Technical Support Engineers and explains how they can help advance a technical support engineer's career.

What are Technical Support Engineer Certifications?

Technical support engineer certification is a type of certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide technical support services for computer hardware, software, and networks. This type of certification is often offered by IT companies or organizations that specialize in providing technical support solutions.

The primary benefit of having a technical support engineer certification is that it shows employers that you have the necessary skills and experience to provide effective technical support services. By having this certification, you demonstrate your expertise and ability to troubleshoot computer hardware, software, and networks in a professional manner. Additionally, it can also help you stand out from other applicants when looking for employment in the IT field.

Having a technical support engineer certification can also open up opportunities for career advancement in the IT industry. Individuals with this certification may be able to apply for higher-level positions such as network administrators or system architects, which typically require more specialized knowledge and experience than entry-level positions. Additionally, having this type of certification can also make it easier to move into managerial roles within the IT field.

Pro Tip: When considering a technical support engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements and look for programs that are accredited by industry-recognized organizations. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the program will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful technical support engineer.

Related: What does a Technical Support Engineer do?

Top 11 Technical Support Engineer Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to perform core hardware and software support tasks. CompTIA A+ covers a wide range of topics, including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance, networking and security.

It typically takes about 200 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. This includes studying textbooks, taking practice tests and attending instructor-led classes or online courses.

To get CompTIA A+, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams are 90 minutes long and consist of 90 multiple choice questions. The cost of each exam is $226 USD.

In total, it costs approximately $452 USD to get CompTIA A+.

2. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing Microsoft-based network solutions. The MCSE credential is designed for IT professionals who are looking to demonstrate their expertise in the field of systems engineering.

The MCSE certification typically takes around six months to complete, depending on the individual's background and experience. To obtain the MCSE certification, individuals must pass seven exams: four core exams (Networking Fundamentals, Server Infrastructure, Identity Management with Windows Server 2016/2019, and Cloud Platform & Infrastructure), two electives (one from either the Messaging or Desktop Infrastructure track), and one additional elective exam of your choice.

In order to take the exams, individuals must purchase vouchers from Microsoft or a third-party vendor. Each voucher costs approximately $150 USD per exam. Therefore, the total cost of obtaining the MCSE certification can range anywhere from $1,050 USD to $1,800 USD depending on how many elective exams are taken.

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is a mid-level certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking for small to medium-sized businesses.

The CCNA certification covers a wide range of topics, such as routing and switching, security, wireless, telephony, and more. It is designed to provide an understanding of how networks operate, how they are connected, and how they can be secured.

It typically takes around six months to obtain the CCNA certification if you are studying full time. If you are studying part-time or self-studying, it may take longer. To get the CCNA certification you must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). The cost of these exams varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD per exam.

In addition to passing the two exams, you must also have at least one year of experience working with Cisco products or technologies before being eligible for the CCNA certification.

4. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management and security. It is designed to help individuals build a foundation in networking concepts and prepare them for more advanced certifications or career roles.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam fee is $329 USD.

To get CompTIA Network+, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ Exam (N10-007). You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center worldwide. You can also purchase practice exams from various vendors to help you prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Network+ certification, which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program for IT professionals who demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and maintain Microsoft-based solutions. It is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in implementing, managing, and troubleshooting Windows Server, client operating systems, as well as cloud-based services such as Azure.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the MCSE certification process. To get certified you must pass one or more exams depending on the particular certification track you are pursuing. The cost of each exam varies but can range from $100-$200 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with training materials or courses that you may choose to take in order to prepare for the exams.

6. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally-recognized certification designed to validate a professional’s skills in network security, risk management, and compliance. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers a wide range of topics related to IT security, including cryptography, access control, authentication, malicious code and attack prevention.

The exam for CompTIA Security+ takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. The exam covers six domains: Network Security; Compliance and Operational Security; Threats and Vulnerabilities; Application, Data and Host Security; Access Control and Identity Management; Cryptography.

In order to get the CompTIA Security+ certification you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900. You can register for the exam online through the CompTIA website or through an authorized testing center.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it but typically costs around $320 USD.

7. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Level

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Level is a certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. The certification requires knowledge of core services, such as EC2, S3, VPC, ELB, IAM, CloudFormation, and more.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the exam depending on the individual's prior experience with AWS. Candidates should have at least one year of hands-on experience designing available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS.

To get certified as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Level candidate must pass the exam which consists of multiple choice questions that test your knowledge of the AWS platform. The exam can be taken online from any location and costs $150 USD.

8. HDI Support Center Analyst Certification

HDI Support Center Analyst Certification is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of support center professionals. It is offered by HDI (formerly known as Help Desk Institute), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of customer service and technical support.

The certification consists of two levels: HDI Support Center Analyst and HDI Support Center Team Lead. The analyst level focuses on core competencies such as communication, problem solving, customer service, and technical knowledge. The team lead level focuses on management skills such as project management, team leadership, process improvement, and change management.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to get certified at either level. To obtain the certification, you must complete a series of online courses and exams that cover topics related to the competencies mentioned above. You also need to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts through a hands-on project or case study that you submit for review.

The cost of the certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The analyst level costs $995 USD while the team lead level costs $1,495 USD.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve IT service management. It is a globally recognized certification that is based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is a set of best practices for managing IT services. The certification covers topics such as service strategy, design, transition, operation, and continual improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes about three days to complete and requires passing an exam at the end. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. The exam fee is usually around $300 USD depending on the provider. To get certified, you will need to attend a training course or study independently using approved materials.

The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider but can range from $500-$2000 USD. Some providers also offer online courses which are more affordable than in-person courses. After completing the training course or studying independently, you will need to register for and pass the ITIL Foundation Exam in order to obtain your certification.

10. Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect is a certification program offered by Google to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in designing, developing, and managing Google Cloud Platform solutions. It is designed for experienced cloud professionals who have extensive experience working with the Google Cloud Platform.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that evaluate your knowledge and skills in areas such as architecture, security, networking, data storage and management, application development, and operations. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete.

To get the certification, you must first register for the exam on the Google Cloud Platform website. You can then purchase an exam voucher from the website or through an authorized reseller. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

11. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program from Red Hat, Inc., the world’s leading provider of open source solutions. The RHCSA certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in system administration on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is a hands-on, performance-based exam that requires candidates to perform real-world tasks on live systems.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study and practice to prepare for the RHCSA exam. The exam itself takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Candidates must pass an online proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified, you will need to purchase a voucher from Red Hat or an authorized training partner. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location and currency exchange rate, but typically ranges between $400-$500 USD. You can also purchase practice exams and other study materials from Red Hat or its training partners if you wish to further prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Technical Support Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's circumstances and goals. If someone is looking to get a job in technical support engineering, then a certificate may be beneficial. It can demonstrate that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge for the position, which can help them stand out from other applicants.

On the other hand, if someone already has experience in technical support engineering or related roles, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, it could still be beneficial as it could provide evidence of additional skills and knowledge that could be useful for future roles. It could also demonstrate a commitment to learning and professional development.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a technical support engineer certificate will depend on their own circumstances and goals. It can certainly be beneficial but may not always be necessary.

Related: Technical Support Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Support Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Technical Support Engineer Certification?

A1. A Technical Support Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of computer systems and networks. The certification typically requires passing an exam that covers topics such as networking, hardware, software and security.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Technical Support Engineer?

A2. To become certified as a Technical Support Engineer, you must first complete an accredited training program or course related to the technologies covered in the certification exam. After completing the training program or course, you must then pass the relevant certification exam to obtain your certification.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a Technical Support Engineer?

A3: The length of time required to become certified as a Technical Support Engineer will depend on the specific type of certification and the level of experience you have with the technologies covered in the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to several years of study and preparation before taking and passing the exam.

Q4. What are some common certifications for Technical Support Engineers?

A4: Common certifications for Technical Support Engineers include CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

Q5. Is there any benefit to becoming certified as a Technical Support Engineer?

A5: Yes, becoming certified as a Technical Support Engineer can provide numerous benefits including increased job opportunities and higher salaries due to your specialized knowledge and skillset. Additionally, having an up-to-date certification demonstrates your commitment to staying current in your field which can help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within your company or organization.