Do you need a degree for tech support?

To become tech support, at minimum, an associate degree or certification with on-the-job training. If you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree in IT, those with a degree have one in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering.

However, if you are not interested in pursuing the academic route, many certifications are available to you that can help you stand out from other candidates.

The most popular IT certifications:

• CompTIA A+ (entry-level)

• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) (recommended for entry-level)

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) (recommended for entry-level)

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD (recommended for entry-level)

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (recommended for networking)

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) (recommended for networking)

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

• Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)

• Certified Data Professional (CDP)

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

• CompTIA (A+, Cloud+, Security+) (recommended for cloud computing)

• VMware Certified Professional - Cloud Management and Automation (recommended for cloud computing)

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect -- Professional (recommended for cloud computing)

• Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment (recommended for cloud computing)

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) (recommended for IT management)

• Project Management Professional (recommended for IT management)

• Certified ScrumMaster (recommended for IT management)

• Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate/Expert (MCSA/MCSE)

• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

• Oracle database and MySQL administration certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer

Once you earn your certification(s), then the next step to finding a position in IT include;

• Networking - Attend industry conferences in your area, link to relevant groups on LinkedIn, joining industry associations, participating in local/regional events, and reach out for informational interviews.

• Complete an Internship - For most entry-level IT professionals, internships don't have to be at Apple or Google to be immensely valuable as a way to gain experience and build your skill sets.

• Tailor Your Resume - A little extra work goes a long way when it comes to differentiating yourself from the competition in the eyes of potential employers.

• Prepare For The Interview - This means doing your homework to know the organization you're applying to and the market it competes in. Demonstrating such knowledge marks you as bright, diligent, and motivated.