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Best desktop support analyst certifications
The best certifications for a desktop support analyst are Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT), Security 5 Certification, and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST).
Desktop support analyst certifications demonstrate your competency as a desktop support analyst to employers. However, not all desktop support analyst certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best desktop support analyst certifications. Obtaining a desktop support analyst certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
10 best certifications for desktop support analysts
| Rank | Desktop support analyst certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) | ETA |
| 2 | Security 5 Certification | EC-Council |
| 3 | Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) | MS |
| 4 | Computer Service Technician (CST) | ETA |
| 5 | CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP) | Cisco |
| 6 | Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) | Cisco |
| 7 | Certified Novell Administrator | Micro Focus |
| 8 | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Global Knowle... |
| 9 | Networks Specialist Certificate | Global Knowle... |
| 10 | Dell Certified Systems Expert (DCSE) | Dell Inc. |
10 best desktop support analyst certifications
1. 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.
- 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)
2. 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.
- 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)
3. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
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.
- 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? No
4. 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.
- 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)
5. CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP)
The Cisco Certified Network Professional in Service Provider Operations (CCNP SP Operations) validates knowledge and skills required (of a Tier II or Tier III support engineer) to troubleshoot and maintain service provider IP NGN core (PE-PE and PE-CE) network infrastructures. With a CCNP SP Operations certification, a network professional demonstrates knowledge and skills required to isolate network performance problems, implement proactive fault measures using operations management processes, frameworks, and network management systems.
- 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)
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.
- 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)
7. Certified Novell Administrator
Certified Novell Administrators (CNAs) provide companies direct support for software users in various work environments, including professional offices and small businesses, workgroups or departments, and corporate information services (IS).
- 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?
8. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
CCNA certification is the first level of Cisco Career certification and indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.
- 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)
9. Networks Specialist Certificate
Validate your expertise and achieve your career goals with certificate tracks from Global Knowledge. The courses in our focused e tracks give you the hands-on, real-world technical skills you need in the areas of Networking, Telecommunications, Voice over IP, Wireless, and Network Security.The Networking Specialist Certificate is perfect for anyone who wants to understand basic network functions and standards, as well as a solid knowledge required to support a TCP/IP-based network.
- 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? No
10. 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.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a desktop support analyst?
The best desktop support analyst certification is Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT). The Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) 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.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this desktop support analyst certification:
- To become a certified 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.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for desktop support analysts?
The most in-demand desktop support analyst certification is Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician based on all active job postings. Having this desktop support analyst certification will give you access to more desktop support analyst jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a desktop support analyst career and salary?
The Security 5 Certification certification will help you to secure a technical support specialist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A technical support specialist's average salary is $61,966 whereas desktop support analysts make an average salary of $48,674.
The most common combination of desktop support analyst certifications include: Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT), Security 5 Certification, and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST).
Online courses for desktop support analysts to earn certifications
1. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting
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Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...
4. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support
Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...
5. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...
6. 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...
7. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians
Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...
8. IT Support Technical Skills Helpdesk
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Learners...
9. Remote Desktop Services Windows Server 2016
Learn RDS Sessions and Application on Windows Server 2016 and Get Everything You Need To Start Deploying RDS...
10. Deploying Windows Virtual Desktop in Microsoft Azure
Delivering Remote Desktops and Apps in Azure with Windows Virtual Desktop and Azure AD Domain Services...
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Learn to support end-users accessing virtual apps and desktops as part of a Citrix solution...
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Complete guide to acing the 2021-2022 Tableau Desktop Specialist & Certified Data Analyst exams (2 full practice tests!)...
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Active Directory & Group Policy Administration Basics for Helpdesk and Desktop / IT Support Technicians...
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Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...
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