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Best desktop support specialist certifications
Desktop support specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an desktop support specialist to employers. However, not all desktop support specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a desktop support specialist are Security 5 Certification, Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT), and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST).
Below is a list of the best desktop support specialist certifications. Obtaining an desktop support specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
10 best certifications for desktop support specialists
| Rank | Desktop support specialist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Security 5 Certification | EC-Council |
| 2 | Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) | ETA |
| 3 | Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) | MS |
| 4 | Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS) | IAHCSMM |
| 5 | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Global Knowle... |
| 6 | Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Fnd Applications (MCTS) | MS |
| 7 | Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) | MS |
| 8 | CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP) | Cisco |
| 9 | Dell Certified Systems Expert (DCSE) | Dell Inc. |
| 10 | Computer Service Technician (CST) | ETA |
10 best desktop support specialist 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.
- 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)
2. 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)
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. Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS)
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).
- 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)
5. 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)
6. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Fnd Applications (MCTS)
Candidates work on a team in a medium-sized or large development environment that uses Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 Enterprise Developer, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, or Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. Candidates should have at least two to three years of experience developing Web-based, Windows-based, or distributed applications by using the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0, the .NET Framework 1.1, the .NET Framework 2.0, or the .NET Framework 3.5. Candidates should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008.
- 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?
7. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
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.
- 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?
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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)
What is the best certification for a desktop support specialist?
The best desktop support specialist certification is Security 5 Certification. The Security 5 Certification is awarded by the EC-Council.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this desktop support specialist certification:
- To become a certified 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.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for desktop support specialists?
The most in-demand desktop support specialist certification is Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician based on all active job postings. Having this desktop support specialist certification will give you access to more desktop support specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a desktop support specialist career and salary?
The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician 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 specialists make an average salary of $44,962.
The most common combination of desktop support specialist certifications include: Security 5 Certification, Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT), and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST).
Online courses for desktop support specialists to earn certifications
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