Top 11 Technical Support Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a technical support manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to perform their role. Certifications provide employers with evidence that an applicant is qualified to handle the responsibilities associated with a technical support management position. They also provide reassurance that the candidate has undergone training on specific topics related to their role and can be trusted to apply their expertise in a professional manner. In addition, certifications can give companies an advantage when competing for contracts or bids, as having certified personnel can make them more attractive to potential customers. Lastly, certifications can help a technical support manager stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of landing a job.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Technical Support Managers and explain how they can enhance a technical support manager's career.

What are Technical Support Manager Certifications?

Technical support manager certification is a type of professional certification that validates the skills and knowledge of technical support managers. This type of certification typically involves a comprehensive examination that tests the individual’s ability to manage and troubleshoot technical issues in an organization.

Having this certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment in the field of technical support management. It demonstrates their knowledge and expertise, which can be attractive to potential employers. It also shows that they are committed to staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices for managing technical support teams. Additionally, having this certification could provide them with access to higher-level positions or promotions within their current organization.

The certification also provides individuals with an opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience by taking courses related to the field of technical support management, such as project management, customer service, problem solving, communication, and system administration. Having these skills can help them become more effective leaders in their roles as technical support managers.

Overall, obtaining a technical support manager certification can be a great way for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the field and give them an edge when looking for employment or promotions in their current organization.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a technical support manager certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and find one that best fits your career goals. Consider factors such as cost, time commitment, and potential job opportunities associated with the certification. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited by industry-recognized organizations to ensure you receive quality training and credentials.

Related: What does a Technical Support Manager do?

Top 11 Technical Support Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Technical Support Manager (CTSM)

Certified Technical Support Manager (CTSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize technical support professionals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and skills in managing technical support operations. This certification is offered by the Association of Technical Support Professionals (ATSP).

The CTSM certification requires applicants to pass two exams: the Certified Technical Support Manager (CTSM) Exam and the Certified Technical Support Manager – Advanced (CTSM-A) Exam. The CTSM exam covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication, and management. The CTSM-A exam focuses on advanced topics such as project management, process improvement, and leadership.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete both exams depending on an individual's study habits and prior experience. To get started with the CTSM program, individuals must first become a member of ATSP. Membership costs $50 per year for individuals or $100 per year for organizations. After becoming a member of ATSP, individuals can register for the CTSM exams through ATSP’s website or by calling their toll-free number. The cost of each exam is $195 per attempt.

2. Certified Help Desk Manager (CHDM)

Certified Help Desk Manager (CHDM) is a professional certification that recognizes the skills and knowledge of IT help desk managers. This certification is offered by the International Association of Information Technology Professionals (IAITP).

The CHDM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience in managing an IT help desk, as well as a bachelor's degree in information technology or a related field. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, troubleshooting, and communication. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To obtain the CHDM certification, applicants must first register for the exam on the IAITP website. The registration fee is $300 USD and includes access to study materials and practice tests. Once registered, applicants can schedule their exam at any authorized testing center.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CHDM certificate from IAITP. The certification is valid for two years before needing to be renewed. To renew your CHDM certification, you must submit proof of continuing education credits or retake the exam every two years.

3. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for entry-level IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills and knowledge necessary to perform technical support and IT operations roles. The certification covers a wide range of topics, from operating systems to hardware, software, security, networking, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes three to six months of study and practice to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. To get certified, you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Each exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and lasts 90 minutes.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, you must purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA or a third party vendor such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges between $200-$300 USD.

Once you have purchased your exam voucher, you can register for your exam at the testing center of your choice. You will be required to provide proof of identity before taking the exam. After passing both exams, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certification within four weeks via email.

4. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of networking concepts, including network design, implementation, troubleshooting and security.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. To get the certification, you must pass the Network+ exam with a score of at least 720 out of 900 points. The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 720 out of 900 points.

The cost for the CompTIA Network+ exam varies by country, but it generally ranges from $200-$300 USD. In addition to the cost of the exam itself, you may need to purchase study materials or take training courses in order to prepare for the exam.

5. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification offered by Microsoft that provides recognition for IT professionals who demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, and configure Windows Server operating systems. It is designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day management of Windows Server environments.

To obtain the MCSA certification, you must pass three exams:

1. Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016

2. Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016

3. Exam 70-742: Identity with Windows Server 2016

The exams can be taken in any order and each exam costs $165 USD. Depending on your experience level and preparation time, it may take anywhere from one to six months to prepare for all three exams and obtain the MCSA certification.

6. ITIL Foundation Level Certification

ITIL Foundation Level Certification is a globally recognized certification program that provides an understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and how it can be used to improve IT service management. The certification is designed to provide a basic understanding of the ITIL framework, its core components, and how they are used in organizations.

The ITIL Foundation Level Certification takes approximately three days to complete. It consists of a two-day classroom-based training course followed by an online examination. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within one hour. Successful completion of the exam will result in the award of the ITIL Foundation Level Certification.

To obtain the ITIL Foundation Level Certification, individuals must first attend an accredited training course from an approved provider. The cost for attending such courses varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD. After completing the training, individuals must then pass the online exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for taking the online exam is usually included in the cost of attending a training course or may be purchased separately for around $200 USD.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program developed by Microsoft to recognize individuals who have the skills and knowledge to design, implement, and manage complex IT infrastructures. MCSE certifications are designed to validate the expertise of IT professionals in various areas such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, System Center, SharePoint Server, Office 365, and Cloud Platform & Infrastructure.

It typically takes between six months and one year to get an MCSE certification. The amount of time it takes depends on your experience level and how much studying you do for the exams. To get an MCSE certification, you must pass one or more exams related to the technology you want to be certified in. The cost of each exam varies depending on the technology being tested. In general, most exams cost around $150 USD per exam.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of project management.

The PMP Certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. The first step is to meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a minimum of 4500 hours of experience leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of project management education. Once these requirements are met, individuals must fill out an application and take a four-hour exam that tests their knowledge on the five process groups of project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing.

The cost for PMP Certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, the fee is $555; for members it is $405. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as scheduling fees or late registration fees.

Overall, obtaining PMP Certification can be an invaluable asset to any project manager’s career. It demonstrates expertise in the field and can help individuals stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and operations by recognizing people who have a strong understanding of the principles and tools used in Six Sigma.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes anywhere from three to six months to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and availability. The program consists of classroom instruction, self-study materials, and a final exam. During the program, participants learn about the different elements of Six Sigma such as process mapping, data collection and analysis, problem solving techniques, project management strategies, and team dynamics.

To obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by a certified organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost of the certification will vary depending on the organization administering it but typically ranges from $500-$2000 USD. Additionally, some organizations may require additional fees for study materials or other services associated with obtaining certification.

Overall, obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in quality management or process improvement. It demonstrates that an individual has achieved an advanced level of knowledge in this field and can be used to open doors for new opportunities within their current organization or elsewhere.

10. 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 Cisco's networking certifications. With a CCNA, individuals can demonstrate their ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.

It typically takes around six months to a year to obtain the CCNA certification. To get the CCNA certification, individuals must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2).

The cost of the two exams vary depending on location but usually range from $150-$300 per exam. The total cost of obtaining the CCNA certification is therefore between $300-$600.

11. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification that is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². It is a globally recognized standard of achievement that confirms a practitioner’s knowledge in the field of information security.

The CISSP certification requires a minimum of five years of paid full-time work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The eight domains are: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Information Security Governance and Risk Management, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Security Architecture and Design, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, and Legal Regulatory Compliance.

In order to become certified, individuals must successfully complete the CISSP exam. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours. The cost to take the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $699 to $1,199 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will become an Associate of (ISC)² and will need to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Technical Support Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a technical support manager certificate in order to be successful in the field of technical support management. However, a certificate may be beneficial for some individuals who are looking to gain additional knowledge and skills related to the job.

A certificate program can provide an individual with specialized training in the areas of customer service, problem solving, communication skills, and other essential management topics. This type of education can give someone an edge over those who lack such knowledge or experience. It also gives employers assurance that their employees have the necessary qualifications and training needed to effectively manage their technical support team.

Additionally, having a technical support manager certificate can also be helpful when applying for jobs as it demonstrates dedication and commitment to the profession. It shows employers that you are serious about your career and have taken steps to become more knowledgeable in the field of technical support management. Furthermore, having a certificate may open up new opportunities for advancement within an organization or may even make you eligible for higher salaries than those without certifications.

In conclusion, while having a technical support manager certificate is not essential for success in this field, it can certainly help individuals stand out from the competition and give them an advantage when looking for employment or advancement opportunities.

Related: Technical Support Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Support Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Technical Support Manager Certification?

A1. A Technical Support Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage technical support teams and operations. It typically includes courses in customer service, problem solving, technical writing, system administration, network management, and other IT related topics.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Technical Support Manager?

A2. Becoming certified as a Technical Support Manager can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs within the field, as well as demonstrate your commitment to excellence in customer service and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, it can help you stay ahead of new technologies and industry trends.

Q3. How do I become certified as a Technical Support Manager?

A3. To become certified as a Technical Support Manager, you will need to complete an accredited certification program approved by your employer or professional association such as CompTIA or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA). Each program will have its own requirements so be sure to research thoroughly before signing up for any particular course or program.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Technical Support Manager?

A4. The length of time required to become certified depends on the specific course or program you choose and your existing knowledge base in the subject matter. Generally speaking, most programs require between six months and one year to complete all requirements for certification.

Q5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Technical Support Manager?

A5: The cost of certification varies depending on the program you choose; however, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD for materials and registration fees combined