Computer Support Specialist Certification: 4 Options to Explore

Computer support specialists assist technology users when they encounter problems with operating a computer system or computer network. In this career, you may consider earning a computer support specialist certification to gain a deeper understanding of the assistance computer users may need or how computer networks function.

Explore your computer support specialist certification options, what they require, how much they cost, and what jobs you may qualify for once you’ve completed them.

What is a computer support specialist certification? 

A computer support specialist certification is a program that offers you the opportunity to learn more about specific software programs or gain the skills you need to excel in a computer support specialist career. For example, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program is for entry-level information technology learners who want to continue their learning journey. You may also explore a Professional Certificate, like the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera, to gain knowledge of specific systems such as Linux and Domain Names.

Benefits of certification

The benefits of pursuing a computer support specialist certification program or a Professional Certificate may include developing your unique set of information technology skills, including how to troubleshoot issues and enhance data security measures within your organization. 

Additionally, you can explore how to better serve users of technology by furthering your own knowledge of how systems operate.

What do you need to be a computer support specialist?

To become a computer support specialist, you typically need knowledge of how technology and computers work, gained either from professional experience or a degree program. Employers may prefer that you have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a subject such as information technology, computer science, or a related field.

4 computer support specialist certification programs

To determine which computer support specialist certification will benefit you the most, consider the requirements for each and how they could help you in your career in information technology. For example, if you want to become a help desk technician, you may explore the CompTIA A+ certification. To attain a role as a network engineer, you may prefer to enroll in the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification program.

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Requirements: No prerequisites required, though some experience may be beneficial

Cost: $300 (exam cost) [1]

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification explores topics including networking, IP services, and security. To earn this certification, you need to complete the examination, which has a pass/fail scoring system. Cisco offers practice assessments and training in preparation for the final exam.

Once you’ve completed this certification, you will need to renew it after three years by either using Cisco credits or retaking the exam.

2. CompTIA A+

Requirements: No prerequisites required, though CompTIA recommends some experience

Cost: $253 (exam cost) [2]

The CompTIA A+ certification program features two examinations for aspiring information technology professionals who want to prepare for a career in the field. The exams cover topics such as network troubleshooting, hardware and software support, and communication procedures. Each test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that you have 90 minutes to complete.

3. IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation

Requirements: Experience in the information technology field

Cost: $2,595 [3]

You may strengthen your information technology skills by exploring the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation certification program. This program aims to provide you with a better understanding of popular information technology methods and practices to apply in your career, such as service relationships and service consumption.

Once you’ve completed the course, you may register for the hour-long examination, which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You’ll need to earn 65 percent or higher to pass the exam and attain your certification.

4. CompTIA Network+

Requirements: 

Cost: $369 (exam cost) [2]

The CompTIA Network+ certification offers you the opportunity to enhance your computer networking knowledge and increase cybersecurity measures. In this program, you can explore how to problem-solve networking errors as well as how to prevent cyberattacks from occurring.

To earn this certification, you’ll need to earn a score of 720 or higher (out of 900) on a 90-minute examination with 90 multiple-choice questions. 

Professional Certificates for computer support specialists

You can explore Professional Certificate options for computer support specialists on Coursera, each of which includes multiple courses from expert instructors. Discover two of your options and what you may gain from enrolling:

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Explore the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera, a five-course program for beginners. Discover courses in subjects like Technical Support Fundamentals and IT Security to prepare for your career in computer support.

IBM IT Support Professional Certificate

IBM offers a beginner-level IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera, where learners can develop their information technology skills in areas such as cybersecurity, databases, hardware, and software. This program includes nine courses, and you may complete it in three months, regardless of your prior knowledge or experience level.

Computer support specialist jobs

Computer support specialist jobs can include professionals working in the information technology industry, with responsibilities frequently involving assisting computer users who need troubleshooting assistance.

The job outlook for computer support specialist positions, which includes roles like help desk technicians and database administrators, is 6 percent between 2023 and 2033 [4]. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will have 62,700 new jobs each year over the course of the next decade, which is faster than the average for all other jobs [4].

Help desk technician

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $55,409 [5]

Requirements: Employers may prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree

As a help desk technician, your responsibilities include assisting technology users by answering their questions and providing technical solutions to any problems they encounter. You may provide assistance via phone calls, email exchanges, or online chat services. 

Systems analyst

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $97,845 [6]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field

A systems analyst, sometimes referred to as a computer systems analyst, has extensive knowledge about the way a computer system works and serves a company. In this role, you may complete tasks such as assisting with the installation of technology systems, providing instructions to team members, and determining which systems will best suit the organization you work for.

Database administrator

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $89,861 [7]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field

As a database administrator, your work includes protecting data storage for a company, business, or organization. Like computer support specialists, database administrators help others problem solve and understand technical problems occurring within the database through effective communication.

Get started as a computer support specialist on Coursera

A computer support specialist certification may help you strengthen your skills in your information technology career by providing you with enhanced knowledge about security practices, troubleshooting methods, and specific software and hardware.

In addition to exploring certifications and Professional Certificate options to advance in your career, consider earning your degree. Discover the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered by the University of London on Coursera, which can help you build your knowledge and skills in a practical, project-based learning environment where you’ll get to develop your own software.

If you have an interest in pursuing your master’s degree, explore the Master of Science in Computer Science offered by the University of Colorado Boulder. In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with technical experience across both broad computer science courses and specific electives.