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 technicians. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

7 Best Computer Support Technician Certifications

1. Security 5 Certification

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.

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.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Organization
EC-Council

2. Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)

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.

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.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Organization
ETA International

3. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.6
(2,138)

4. Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)

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.

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.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying Organization
ETA International

5. Computer Service Technician (CST)

The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.

The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying Website
Computer Service Technician
Certifying Organization
ETA International

6. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

The Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking. Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.

The Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking. Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Organization
Cisco Systems, Inc.

7. Dell Certified Systems Expert (DCSE)

Dell offers hardware maintenance training through the Dell Certified Systems Expert program. DCSE prepares independent service maintenance technicians or companies with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide their own maintenance. Technicians are required to pass an exam to achieve an accreditation on client systems (portables, desktops and workstations) or servers. Technician may receive accreditation in both areas if desired.

Dell offers hardware maintenance training through the Dell Certified Systems Expert program. DCSE prepares independent service maintenance technicians or companies with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide their own maintenance. Technicians are required to pass an exam to achieve an accreditation on client systems (portables, desktops and workstations) or servers. Technician may receive accreditation in both areas if desired.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)

Computer Support Technician Jobs

What is the best certification for a Computer Support Technician?

The Security 5 Certification certification is most common among computer support technicians. This certification is awarded by the EC-Council. To become a certified computer support technician with Security 5 Certification, you need to pass the exam. Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 3 year.

Best Certifications

Computer support technicians are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Security 5 Certification, Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma), and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

Check Jobs That Match To Your Education

Senior And Mid Level Jobs For Computer Support Technician

online courses for Computer Support Technicians that you may like

If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.

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1. Technical Support Fundamentals

coursera

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...

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2. Technical Support Case Studies and Capstone

coursera

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...

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3. Computer Hardware and Software

coursera

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...

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4. Introduction to Technical Support

coursera

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...

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5. IBM Technical Support

coursera

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...

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6. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

udemy
4
(387)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

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7. Active Directory Administration for Helpdesk Technicians

udemy
4
(616)

Active Directory & Group Policy Administration Basics for Helpdesk and Desktop / IT Support Technicians...

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8. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp

udemy
4.5
(459)

Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...

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9. IT Support Technical Skills Helpdesk

udemy
4.7
(727)

Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Learners...

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10. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

udemy
4.3
(1,020)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk, Helpdesk, IT Support, System Administration and IT...

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11. Computer Basics, Computer Fundamentals Hardware & Networking

udemy
4.7
(366)

BEST Computer Course: Computer Basics / Computer Fundamentals / Basic Computer Skills / Computer Hardware & Networking...

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12. The Complete Computer Basics Course: Master Using Computer

udemy
4.1
(282)

Basic Computer Course - IT Support - Computer Fundamentals - Desktop Support - Basic Computer Skills...

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13. IT & Technical Support Guide to Helpdesk, Desktop & Servers

udemy
4.1
(1,092)

Learn how the different levels of IT technical support work, from service desk to infrastructure and server support...

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14. Advanced IT Troubleshooting for Helpdesk Support Technicians

udemy
4.3
(1,036)

Learn some of the less common IT troubleshooting techniques for Windows computers...

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15. Complete IT Support Specialist Course: IT Foundations

udemy
4.3
(626)

IT Support Foundations: Learn the skills equivalent to an associates in this series and qualify for an entry level job...

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16. IT Support/HelpDesk Fundamentals - 9 Topics in one course!

udemy
4.5
(535)

Master the skills and qualities employers look for when hiring IT Help Desk/Support/Technician...

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17. The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2022

udemy
4
(973)

Master Computer Fundamentals, Windows 11 Basics, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Basic Computer Skills, Office 365...

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18. CS101 Bootcamp: Introduction to Computer Science & Software

udemy
4.2
(984)

A Computer Science & software programming / coding bootcamp for absolute beginners. No coding background necessary...

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19. Technical Support Case Studies Capstone

edX (Global)

In this Capstone, you will demonstrate your ability to perform in an Information Technology (IT) Support role by applying your new knowledge to real-world situations. You will practice analyzing user help requests and troubleshooting various issues that a Tech Support role would encounter. You’ll demonstrate your knowledge of hardware, software, networking, security, and cloud computing – all areas with which a tech support role interacts regularly. You'll also showcase your knowledge and...

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20. Technical Support Basics for Everyone

edX (Global)

According to Indeed.com in August 2022, the average annual salary for Technical Support is $51,758, though it can go considerably higher. The need for technology is constantly growing, as is the job market for tech support professionals. In this course you’ll 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. To help you with moving into the field, the course...

See More on edX