If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.
Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.
We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for computer support specialists. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.
Certified Network Computer Technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of computer electronics basic concepts, Internet and networking technology applicable to various areas of the computer industry. Once the CNCT has acquired these skills, abilities and knowledge, he or she will be able to enter employment in any part of the computer industry. With minimal training in areas unique to the specific products, the CNCT should become a profitable and efficient part of the computer industry workforce.
The Security5 Certification is the entry level for anyone interested in learning computer networking and security basics. The Security5 program gives individuals basic networking literacy skills to begin high-end IT programs.
Boost your IT support career with unmatched validation as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST). This credential proves your ability to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments that run on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It also shows you have the necessary soft skills to educate users and help them solve hardware and software operation and application problems on Windows.
A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certification proves your skills on a particular Microsoft technology, such as the Windows operating system, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, or Microsoft Visual Studio. MCTS certifications are no longer in development. However, your MCTS certification will remain valuable as long as companies are using the technology on which it certifies. Please check the retired exams and retired certifications pages for specific retirement dates.
A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification. The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics. In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category, in order to qualify.
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
Technology changes. Standards update. Instrumentation evolves. The learning curve for Central Service professionals is steep and ever-changing, and the demands placed on them ever-growing. To help professionals stay abreast of rapidly changing medical technology, IAHCSMM offers the Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) exam, which tests knowledge and recognition of medical instruments, as well as reviewing instrumentation practice skills. The CIS exam will test your proficiency in the identification and cleaning of medical instruments, and upon completing and passing the exam you will hold the designation of Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).
The Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) certification is most common among computer support specialists. This certification is awarded by the ETA International. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience. To become a certified computer support specialist with Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT), you need to pass the exam. Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 4 year.
Computer support specialists are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT), Security 5 Certification, and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST).
If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.
1. Technical Support Fundamentals
This course is the first of a series that aims to prepare you for a role as an entry-level IT Support Specialist. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the world of Information Technology, or IT. You’ll learn about the different facets of Information Technology, like computer hardware, the Internet, computer software, troubleshooting, and customer service. This course covers a wide variety of topics in IT that are designed to give you an overview of what’s to come in this certificate program...
2. Technical Support Case Studies and Capstone
This course allows you to show what you’ve learned in the previous IT Technical Support professional certification courses and apply that knowledge to realistic situations. The IT Technical Support Capstone leads you through a series of technical support case studies that require hands-on work to resolve. You will practice analyzing user help requests and troubleshooting various issues. You’ll demonstrate your knowledge of hardware, software, networking, security, and cloud computing. You’ll...
3. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support
Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...
4. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting
Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk, Helpdesk, IT Support, System Administration and IT...
5. IBM Technical Support
Get ready for a rewarding career in Information Technology (IT) - no experience or degree is required to get started. With over 400,000 US job openings and an average entry-level salary of $52,000¹ Computer Support Specialists are in high demand with opportunities for career advancement. This Professional Certificate program from IBM was built by experts to prepare you for an entry-level job in Technical Support. When dedicating a few hours per week, you can complete the program in 3 to 6...
6. Introduction to Technical Support
Gain the daily work skills and knowledge you’ll need for IT Technical Support career success. This course, part of the IBM Technical Support Professional Certificate, is designed for beginners with no prior IT experience or formal degree. Get an insider’s view into IT Support work. Learn about IT Support roles and levels, the support escalation matrix, ticketing systems, common support tools, and remote support software. Then, hear about career opportunities and career pathways from...
7. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...
8. IT Support Technical Skills Helpdesk
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Learners...
9. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
If you're ready to enter the world of Information Technology (IT), you need job-ready skills. This course enables you to develop the skills to work with computer hardware and operating systems, and is your first step to prepare for all types of tech related careers that require IT Fundamental skills. First, learn about the essential software brain of a computer—its operating system software when you explore Microsoft Windows. Next, discover internal key hardware computer components, including...
10. Computer Hardware and Software
This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...
11. Complete IT Support Specialist Course: IT Foundations
IT Support Foundations: Learn the skills equivalent to an associates in this series and qualify for an entry level job...
12. Computer Basics, Computer Fundamentals Hardware & Networking
BEST Computer Course: Computer Basics / Computer Fundamentals / Basic Computer Skills / Computer Hardware & Networking...
13. Active Directory Administration for Helpdesk Technicians
Active Directory & Group Policy Administration Basics for Helpdesk and Desktop / IT Support Technicians...
14. IT & Technical Support Guide to Helpdesk, Desktop & Servers
Learn how the different levels of IT technical support work, from service desk to infrastructure and server support...
15. The Complete Computer Basics Course: Master Using Computer
Basic Computer Course - IT Support - Computer Fundamentals - Desktop Support - Basic Computer Skills...
16. Advanced IT Troubleshooting for Helpdesk Support Technicians
Learn some of the less common IT troubleshooting techniques for Windows computers...
17. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access
Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...
18. The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2022
Master Computer Fundamentals, Windows 11 Basics, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Basic Computer Skills, Office 365...
19. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience
Customer service, customer support, and customer experience training. Loyal clients through world-class customer service...
20. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives
Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...