IT Support Professionals: 7 Best Certifications
IT Help Desk technicians play a vital role in the functioning of a company by offering support to both business users and customers. They ensure the seamless operation of enterprise technology. They can be found in internal teams in medium to large companies or dedicated support teams in product-focused companies.
What is an IT Support or Help Desk certification?
IT support or help desk certification officially recognizes expertise and competency in IT technologies and services. It can greatly benefit your career by setting you apart from others and making you a competitive candidate for job opportunities. According to a study by CompTIA, 91% of employers consider IT certifications an essential factor in their hiring decisions and a reliable indicator of job performance.
Regardless of where you stand in your IT career, it is essential to earn relevant Information Technology (IT) certifications that will impact your professional growth and advancement. Keeping up with the ever-evolving technology, security measures, and best practices is crucial for success in the field.
Advantages of obtaining IT support & help desk certifications:
Enhances customer satisfaction:
By obtaining a certification in your field, you can increase your response time to clients, resulting in better customer retention. You'll learn new software and customer service techniques that enhance your understanding of customers, allowing you to make better decisions.
Increases productivity:
IT support and help desk certifications offer new techniques and strategies, helping you to streamline your workflow by organizing client profiles, workbooks and troubleshooting data. This leads to improved productivity at work.
Enhances product quality:
Certifications can elevate the quality of service to both customers and employees by training you to handle customer interactions more efficiently and quickly evaluate client situations.
7 best IT Support certifications
1. CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ certification is designed for IT support staff and is a great way to improve their technical support skills. It covers various aspects of PC, laptop, mobile device, printer installation, management, and configuration. With this certification, IT support personnel can develop their ability to repair and modify operating systems on these devices, even if they are outdated or customized for a specific company.
2. CompTIA Network+ Certification
The CompTIA Network+ certification is designed for IT professionals who want to improve their skills in resolving network issues within IT software. It covers the technical knowledge needed to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot secure networks. This vendor-neutral certification trains IT support staff to solve problems within their software and is essential for those looking to enhance their IT support abilities.
3. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate covers essential areas of IT support, such as networking, operating systems, system administration, customer service, troubleshooting, and network security, which are relevant for starting-level tech jobs. The certification is vendor-neutral and highly recommended by those who have earned it, with 93% giving a positive recommendation.
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is popular among IT support professionals. It provides training on the essential tasks of network maintenance, access security, and IP connectivity. For those who have prior knowledge in these areas, the certification can reinforce their skills and validate their expertise.
5. Microsoft 365: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
The Microsoft 365: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification program provides specialized training in managing Microsoft's Windows products. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage Windows hardware and software, including configuring device connections, administering policies and profiles, ensuring security, and creating systems within the Windows operating system. With hands-on training in editing, utilizing, and maintaining Windows functionalities, this certification is a valuable asset for IT professionals looking to enhance their expertise in Microsoft's Windows products.
6. Microsoft IT Support
The Microsoft IT Support certification offers an in-depth understanding of Microsoft products for aspiring IT professionals. It provides training on the fundamentals of customer service, IT concepts, and using Microsoft tools for editing. This thorough program enables new IT administrators to refresh and expand their knowledge of Microsoft's editing capabilities. The certification is accessible for free on Microsoft's website and can be completed at the learner's convenience.
7. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation
The ITIL Foundation certification is designed for help desk professionals and focuses on the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. The certification exam requires a basic understanding of ITIL 4 principles, Agile, Lean, and DevOps. ITIL Foundation certifications are available at different levels, from beginner to expert, and cover essential concepts such as client interaction, problem-solving, and software navigation.
The bottom line
The IT support field offers a gateway to a successful career in the tech industry, with potential progression into computer networking and cybersecurity. Holding the appropriate IT certifications can lead to advancement to positions such as a Tier II or III technician, systems administrator, or IT support manager.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the IT industry remains a bright spot and is accessible with the right qualifications. Pursuing the top IT support certifications can help you build or strengthen your technical support abilities.
