Top 10 Technical Support Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for any technical support specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. A certification shows potential employers that the candidate has taken the time to gain additional knowledge about their chosen field and is committed to staying up-to-date with new technology. Certifications also provide a way for employers to assess a candidate’s skillset and make sure they have what it takes to do the job. Furthermore, certifications can help technical support specialists stand out from other applicants who lack certification and can make them more attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Technical Support Specialists and explain how they can help enhance a Technical Support Specialist's career.

What are Technical Support Specialist Certifications?

Technical support specialist certification is a type of certification that helps professionals to become more knowledgeable and skilled in technical support roles. It focuses on the specific skills and knowledge related to providing IT support services, such as troubleshooting hardware and software issues, helping users with installation, setup, and configuration of their systems, providing customer service, and assisting with network administration. This type of certification can be beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in technical support or IT services.

Having a technical support specialist certification can help employers recognize an individual's skill set and experience more easily. It also shows potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills to provide quality service when working with customers or clients. Additionally, having this certification may open up opportunities for further education or training in IT-related fields since it demonstrates that the individual has a certain level of knowledge about computers and other technology. Furthermore, having this certification often allows individuals to command higher salaries than those without it because it proves that they have been formally trained in IT topics.

Overall, obtaining a technical support specialist certification is an excellent way for those interested in pursuing a career in IT services to gain an edge over other applicants who may not have this type of qualification. It can open up new pathways for further career growth as well as provide greater job security due to its added value to employers.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a technical support specialist certification, make sure to research the certifications offered by different companies and organizations. Different certifications may have different requirements, so it's important to understand which ones are most applicable to your job role and desired career path. Additionally, look into any additional training or experience you may need in order to gain the certification.

Related: What does a Technical Support Specialist do?

Top 10 Technical Support Specialist Certifications

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

1. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-leading certification program for computer service technicians. It is designed to certify the competency of entry-level IT professionals in the areas of installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. The certification is vendor neutral, meaning it applies to a wide range of hardware and software platforms.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002. The first exam covers topics such as mobile devices, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, network technologies and security. The second exam covers topics such as operating systems, security and software troubleshooting.

It typically takes between three to six months to study for the exams depending on your background knowledge. To get certified you will need to pass both exams with a minimum score of 675 out of 900 points each.

The cost for the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on which country you are in. In the United States it typically costs around $300 USD for both exams combined.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. It is designed for IT professionals who have experience with Windows Server, Azure, and other related Microsoft products.

In order to become MCSE certified, you must first pass one or more exams that demonstrate your knowledge of the technology. The exams vary depending on which certification track you choose to pursue. Once you have passed the required exams, you will receive an MCSE certification from Microsoft.

The amount of time it takes to get an MCSE certification depends on how much experience you already have with the technology and how quickly you can learn new concepts. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all of the necessary exams and obtain your certification.

To get started on your journey towards becoming MCSE certified, you will need to purchase exam vouchers from Microsoft and register for the exams that are part of your chosen certification track. Each exam voucher costs $165 USD and can be used for any of the available exams. Additionally, there are study materials available online that can help prepare you for the tests.

Overall, obtaining an MCSE certification requires dedication and hard work but can provide many benefits such as increased job opportunities and higher salaries in the IT field.

3. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is a certification program offered by Apple Inc. to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in supporting and troubleshooting Apple products. The ACSP certification is designed to provide technical support professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to configure, deploy, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize Mac OS X and macOS systems.

It typically takes about three months to complete the ACSP certification program, depending on the individual's prior experience with Apple products. To get certified as an ACSP, you must first pass the Apple Certified Support Professional Exam (ACSPE). This exam covers topics such as system architecture and configuration, user accounts and security settings, networking fundamentals, file sharing services, system maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.

The cost of the ACSP exam is $225 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Apple confirming your achievement as an Apple Certified Support Professional.

4. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s ability to perform tasks related to Microsoft technologies. It indicates that the holder has demonstrated the ability to design, implement, and maintain solutions based on Microsoft products and technologies.

To get the MCITP certification, you must pass one or more exams depending on your chosen specialty. The exams are designed to test your knowledge and skills in various areas such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server and other Microsoft server products.

The time it takes to get the MCITP certification depends on how much time you can devote to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it will take several months of dedicated study before you can successfully pass all of the required exams.

In order to get certified, you must register for each exam at a Pearson VUE testing center and pay a fee for each exam. The cost of each exam varies depending on which specialty you are pursuing; however, most exams cost around $150 USD per attempt.

Once you have passed all of the required exams, you will receive your MCITP certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks after passing your last exam.

5. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is designed to validate an individual's skills in networking technologies and provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.

The CCNA certification requires passing one exam that covers topics such as network fundamentals, routing protocols, switching fundamentals, wireless networking concepts, IPv4/IPv6 addressing and subnetting, network security fundamentals, network automation basics, and more. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To obtain the CCNA certification you must first register for the exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric. Once registered you can take the exam at any authorized testing center near you. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam your certification will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification you must pass either a current CCNA concentration exam or any current professional-level or higher Cisco certification exam.

6. HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification

HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in providing technical support for desktop computers. This certification is designed to help individuals gain the skills necessary to provide quality customer service, troubleshoot hardware and software problems, and manage desktop environments.

The HDI Desktop Support Technician Certification is offered through the Help Desk Institute (HDI). The certification consists of two exams: the HDI Certified Professional Exam and the HDI Certified Technician Exam. To become certified, candidates must pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher.

The HDI Certified Professional Exam covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication, interpersonal skills, and ITIL best practices. The HDI Certified Technician Exam covers topics such as hardware installation and configuration, troubleshooting techniques, networking fundamentals, operating systems fundamentals, security principles, and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. Candidates must first register for the exams online at the Help Desk Institute website. After registering for the exams, candidates can purchase study materials from HDI or other vendors to prepare for the exams. Once ready to take the exams, candidates must schedule their exam date with a Pearson VUE testing center in their area.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on where you are located but usually ranges between $200-$400 USD.

7. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an internationally recognized certification for IT professionals who demonstrate competency in networking administration and support. It is designed to provide a vendor-neutral validation of the knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot, configure, and manage networks.

It typically takes about 6 months of study and preparation to get CompTIA Network+ certified. To get certified, you must pass the Network+ exam, which consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the CompTIA Network+ exam varies depending on your country of residence and whether you are taking it online or in person. The standard price is $319 USD, but discounts may be available.

8. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an introduction to core technology concepts and skills. The MTA program provides a foundation for students and professionals who are looking to enter the IT field or want to gain additional knowledge in their current field.

The MTA certification consists of several exams that cover topics such as Windows Server Administration, Networking Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals, Database Fundamentals, Software Development Fundamentals, and Web Development Fundamentals. Each exam is designed to test your knowledge on the particular topic and can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

To get the MTA certification, you must first register for the exams through Microsoft’s Learning Portal. Once registered, you will be able to access study materials and practice tests that will help you prepare for the actual exam. After passing all of the required exams, you will receive your official MTA certification from Microsoft.

The cost of each exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in; however, most exams cost around $127 USD per exam. It typically takes around two weeks after passing all exams for your certificate to arrive in the mail.

9. HDI Customer Service Representative Certification

HDI Customer Service Representative (CSR) Certification is a certification program designed to provide customer service professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality customer service. It is offered by HDI, a leading provider of customer service training and certification programs.

The HDI CSR Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as communication techniques, problem solving, customer service principles, and more. After completing the online course, participants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the HDI CSR Certification program varies depending on whether you are taking the course or just taking the exam. The cost of the online course is $250 USD, while the cost of the exam is $125 USD. Both fees are non-refundable.

In order to take the HDI CSR Certification program, you must have at least one year of experience in customer service or related field. Additionally, you must be 18 years or older in order to take the exam.

Once you have completed all requirements for certification, it typically takes about 4 weeks for your results to be processed and for your certificate to arrive in the mail.

10. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates competency in system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, and organizational security. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers the essential principles for network security and risk management.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. The exam is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge of information security concepts such as access control, authentication, risk management, encryption, firewalls, and more.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must first register for the exam with CompTIA's website. Once you have registered for the exam, you will be given access to study materials such as practice tests and sample questions. After studying these materials, you can then take the actual exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on the country where it is taken but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD.

Do You Really Need a Technical Support Specialist Certificate?

The decision of whether or not you need a technical support specialist certificate will depend on your individual situation. If you already have experience in the field, then you may not need to obtain a certificate. However, if you are looking to further your career and become more knowledgeable in the area, then obtaining a technical support specialist certificate can be beneficial. It can demonstrate that you have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to provide technical assistance for customers.

Having a recognized certification can also help employers recognize that you are qualified for the job. Companies often look for candidates with certifications because it shows that they have taken the time and effort to learn about their profession and understand what is expected from them. Additionally, having a certification will make your resume stand out from other applicants who do not have one.

In addition to being beneficial for potential employers, a technical support specialist certificate can also help build your confidence in the workplace. Having the knowledge that comes along with having this type of certification can give you an edge over other employees who may not possess such qualifications. Furthermore, having formal training in this area can make it easier for you to troubleshoot any problems or issues that arise with customers’ computers or software applications.

Overall, while there may not be a strict requirement to obtain a technical support specialist certificate, having one could prove beneficial both professionally and personally if you are looking to advance within this field or gain more knowledge about providing customer service and IT solutions.

Related: Technical Support Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Support Specialist Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Technical Support Specialist?

Answer: Generally, most employers require a minimum of an Associate’s degree in Computer Science or related field. Additionally, certifications such as CompTIA A+ and Network+ are highly desirable.

2. Are there any prerequisites I need to meet before taking a Technical Support Specialist certification exam?

Answer: Yes, you will typically need to have at least two years of relevant experience and/or hold an equivalent degree in order to qualify for the exam.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Technical Support Specialist?

Answer: This depends on your background and experience level, but typically it takes anywhere between 6 months to 1 year of preparation and study before taking the certification exam.

4. What type of jobs can I get with a Technical Support Specialist certification?

Answer: With this certification, you can find employment in many different industries including IT support, customer service, software development, network engineering, system administration and more.

5. Is there any cost associated with becoming certified as a Technical Support Specialist?

Answer: Yes, depending on which certifying organization you choose to go through and what type of materials you use for preparation (such as textbooks or online courses), there may be some cost associated with becoming certified.