The Top 10 IT Support and Help Desk Certifications for Your Career

An IT support or help desk certification validates your skills, knowledge, and experience in IT support roles. In today’s digital world, certifications are critical for starting or advancing an IT career. According to CompTIA, 91% of employers believe certifications play a vital role in hiring decisions and indicate the likelihood of success on the job.

Once you begin working in IT support, certifications demonstrate your commitment to advancing your skills. They also qualify you for more senior roles with increased responsibilities and higher pay. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median annual salary for computer support specialists is $57,910. With certifications, you can significantly boost your income over the course of your career.

This article will discuss the top 10 essential certifications for IT support and help desk professionals We’ll look at the most respected credentials that affirm your expertise with today’s technologies and set you apart from the competition

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

With Microsoft products ubiquitous in business, Microsoft certifications are a must for IT support professionals According to Microsoft, over 1.4 billion devices worldwide run Windows 10 or 11 Office 365 has over 145 million daily active users.

Given Microsoft’s dominance, demand is high for professionals skilled in Microsoft technologies. While Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire, MCSA and other certs validate your expertise to employers. MCSA certifications include:

• MCSA: Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
• MCSA: SQL Server
• MCSA: Windows Server

To earn an MCSA you must pass related exams and have hands-on experience with the technology. Exams are typically around $165 each. Microsoft offers free study resources to prep for them.

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP credential is ideal for IT professionals who want to validate their security skills. Offered by (ISC)2, the CISSP covers crucial topics like risk management, asset security, and network architecture.

The CISSP was one of the first certs approved to meet DoD 8140 standards for information assurance roles. It remains a premier certification for cybersecurity leaders and managers.

To qualify for the CISSP:

• You need five years of full-time work experience in two or more of the CISSP topic areas.
• You must pass the exam and have your experience endorsed by another CISSP holder.
• You need to earn continuing education credits annually to maintain the certification.

3. IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

ITIL certifications demonstrate your expertise in IT service management best practices. ITIL training covers core ITSM concepts like incident management, problem-solving, and business continuity planning.

ITIL has four certification levels:

• ITIL Foundation (entry level)
• ITIL Practitioner
• ITIL Intermediate
• ITIL Expert

ITIL Foundation provides essential training for IT support analysts and help desk technicians. Exam fees range from $370 to $560. No experience is required for Foundation, but courses help you prepare.

4. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is the best entry-level credential for IT support professionals. It covers the fundamentals – installing, configuring, and troubleshooting devices, networks, and applications.

A+ validates the everyday skills needed for IT support roles like help desk technician and IT support specialist. It’s often required for IT support jobs and recommended before pursuing more advanced certifications.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass two exams on IT hardware and software. Each exam is $219. CompTIA recommends 500 hours of hands-on experience before testing.

5. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certifies your skills with Cisco networking gear. The exam covers network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security, automation, and programmability.

CCNA validates you can manage and troubleshoot today’s complex enterprise networks. It’s especially valuable for support roles focused on Cisco technologies.

To earn your CCNA:

• Pass the 200-301 CCNA exam with a score of 860 or higher.
• No prerequisites required, but Cisco offers prep courses and practice tests.
• Exam fee is $300.

6. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

The Google IT Certificate offers a starting point for aspiring IT support professionals with no prior experience. The program focuses on core skills like troubleshooting and customer service, operating systems, networking, system administration, and security.

• It’s a 5-course certificate, delivered through online learning modules.
• Courses take 3-6 months to complete, require about 5-10 hours per week.
• Total program costs range from $49 to $99 monthly.

Upon finishing, you’ll be prepared for IT support roles like help desk technician, desktop support, and technical support specialist.

7. Linux Professional Institute (LPIC-1)

The LPIC-1 validates skills in Linux administration, ideal for IT support professionals working with Linux systems and devices. You’ll gain proficiency in Linux installation, service configuration, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting.

To earn LPIC-1:

• Pass exams 101 and 102.
• No prerequisites required.
• Exam fees are $161 each.

LPIC-1 is administered by the Linux Professional Institute. CompTIA also offers its own Linux+ certification covering similar skills.

8. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VCP certifications demonstrate your ability to administer and troubleshoot VMware virtualization products. They’re especially valuable for support professionals working in VMware infrastructure environments.

VMware offers VCP credentials in data center virtualization, cloud management, digital workspaces, and networking. Each requires passing a foundation exam like vSphere.

VCP exams cost $250. VMware recommends combining instructor-led training with hands-on experience prior to testing.

9. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Cloud computing drives much of today’s IT infrastructure. Azure is Microsoft’s popular cloud platform used by over 95% of Fortune 500 companies.

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals credential validates core knowledge of cloud concepts and Azure services. It provides a pathway to role-based Azure certifications like administrator and developer.

To become certified, you must pass the AZ-900 exam. Microsoft offers online Azure training to prep for the test. The exam fee is $99.

10. ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

CISA certification demonstrates expertise in info systems auditing, assurance, and security. CISA holders have skills in governance, system infrastructure lifecycles, IT service delivery, and protection of information assets.

To qualify for CISA:

• 5 years of professional IT auditing, control or security work experience is required.
• Pass the CISA exam, offered 3 times per year at testing centers worldwide.
• Exam fee is $575 for ISACA members.

CISA is valued by professionals working in IT audit, risk, and cybersecurity roles. The credential must be renewed every 3 years.

Why Get Certified in IT Support?

There are compelling reasons to get certified for IT support:

• Meet job requirements – Many IT support jobs mandate or prefer certification. It can get your resume noticed.

• Higher pay – IT pros with certs typically earn higher salaries than those without. They validate your skills to employers.

• Career advancement – Certifications qualify you for more senior roles with greater responsibilities.

• Learn new skills – Preparing for cert exams teaches you new technologies and best practices.

• Distinguish yourself – Certifications help you stand out from uncertified applicants.

• Fill experience gaps – Certs allow those with no degree or experience to break into IT support.

Choosing the right certifications for your career path amplifies these benefits. Prioritize credentials that match your experience level and skills.

For example, CompTIA A+ makes sense early on, while advanced certs like CISSP may come later. Take inventory of the technologies you work with daily and consider certs that align with them.

IT support certifications validate the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in technical support roles. They open doors to new jobs and career advancement for IT professionals at all levels.

Top certs like CompTIA A+, Microsoft, Cisco, and VMware affirm your expertise in managing the core systems and infrastructures organizations rely on.

Security credentials like CISSP demonstrate proficiency in identifying and protecting against cyberthreats. Cloud certs like Azure ensure you can support new hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

To stay current, IT pros should supplement on-the-job experience with a continuous learning plan. Follow new releases, take training courses, and get certified in leading technologies and best practices. This helps you deliver better support and advance your career in IT.