10 Must-Have Certifications for IT Support Professionals
10 Must-Have Certifications for IT Support Professionals
Whether you're launching, relaunching, or leveling up your IT career, certifications can help you build credibility, stay current with evolving technologies, and demonstrate your value. In this blog, we explore the top IT support certifications that deliver the greatest impact for your organization and your long-term career growth.
What is an IT Support or Help Desk Certification?
IT support certifications and help desk certifications are recognized acknowledgments of specific experience, knowledge, and skills relating to IT technologies and services. They are often critical to career advancement and can make all the difference for an entry-level help desk professional who is looking to distinguish themselves from the competition.
As organizations implement new technologies, such as AI and cloud computing, 77% of IT decision-makers have reported concern over finding the right talent to meet growing technology needs. Revature’s State of IT Skills Survey also reported upskilling and reskilling as the #1 strategy for closing the IT Skills Gap in 2025. Certifications are a great way to prove your expertise in meeting these evolving use cases and technologies.
Typically, education requirements for a computer support specialist include an associate’s degree, while user support specialists require some college courses. More technical positions may require a degree in a certain field, such as computer and information technology or engineering. However, relevant IT support desk certifications can often act as an alternative, particularly when combined with in-field experience, allowing even those with just a high school diploma to achieve the same or more career success with the relevant information technology (IT) certifications.
It is important to note, however, that the nature of technology requires ITSM professionals to continue to obtain new certifications and recertify to maintain their knowledge and skills through the continuous innovations and changes of the technologies they work with.
Whether you are looking to start or “reboot” your IT career or stay up to date on the skills and knowledge needed to work with the ever-changing technologies, security considerations, and best practices of the profession, it is important to accrue the Information Technology (IT) certs that are most likely to have the biggest impact on your organization—and your career.
This blog discusses the top ten recommended IT support certifications, along with a few insights on why they are so impactful.
The Ten Most Recommended IT Support Certifications
1. Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft certifications train and affirm the technical skills required to perform Microsoft technology-related positions within an organization. They are some of the most critical certs for IT support professionals to get simply because of the prevalence of Microsoft in the office. As of 2024, Microsoft Windows is running on 1.6 billion active devices.
Microsoft’s services, such as Office 365, Azure, and emerging tools like Copilot, are also very popular amongst top businesses. For instance, a 2024 report revealed that almost 70% of the Fortune 500 uses Microsoft 365 Copilot. Becoming well-versed in Microsoft’s suite of products can provide a strong foundation for IT support professionals.
Which Microsoft certifications should you choose?
Microsoft offers more than 250 certifications for different levels of expertise. The best places to start if you have never obtained Microsoft certifications are fundamentals courses such as Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals, among others related to specific products.
In addition, Microsoft offers certifications tailored to support engineers such as:
How do you gain Microsoft certifications?
Microsoft certifications are exam-based certifications. Different levels of certifications correspond to levels of expertise, and the certifications may need to be earned in sequential order. Microsoft typically offers certified guidance programs for free, and the typical cost for an exam is around $165 USD. While fundamental certifications never expire, learners must take periodic renewal assessments to retain intermediate or advanced certifications over time.
Businesses globally rely on Microsoft, and there is a high demand for professionals who are skilled in Microsoft technologies. The benefit of Microsoft fundamentals certification is that they do not expire. Other Microsoft Certifications can translate into such roles as Developer, Administrator, Solution Architect, and Security Engineer. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The next most important cert is the CISSP certification. Granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, CISSP remains one of the most respected and sought-after cybersecurity certifications.
The CISSP provides training in critical areas, including security and risk management, identity and access management, security operations, and software development security. It also validates the knowledge, skills, and experience of senior cybersecurity managers, ITSM, and technical desk professionals. CISSP was one of the original certifications included in the DoD Directive 8570.1m (now updated to the DoDM 8140.03), which was implemented to ensure cybersecurity professionals developed a baseline understanding of fundamental cybersecurity principles and practices. It remains the dominant certification used/obtained for those in numerous cybersecurity positions.
As of 2024, more than 165,000 professionals worldwide hold CISSP designations. Additionally, anyone who successfully obtains this prestigious certification becomes a member of (ISC)², the world’s largest nonprofit association of cybersecurity professionals. (ISC)² offers many added benefits, including access to exclusive professional development courses, industry events, and more.
How do you gain the CISSP certification?
The process for gaining the CISSP certification requires both an exam and an experience component:
Complete five years of cumulative, paid work experience. The professional must first gain sufficient experience in cybersecurity and IT security management.
Obtain an endorsement. These experience requirements must be verified by others in the industry who hold CISSP.
Pass the exam. The professional must complete the CISSP exam, which is about six hours long.
Once the CISSP certification is obtained, the professional must continue to accumulate experience and continuing professional education credits (CPEs) every year.
Certification in CISSP illustrates the required technical and managerial skills needed to effectively design, engineer, and manage the overall security comportment of an organization. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
3. IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
The ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) offers a range of certifications based on difficulty, from entry-level to expert. It is described as “the most widely accepted approach to IT service management (ITSM) in the world.”
Developed by the Cabinet Office, this IT support cert is based on ITIL 4, a widely accepted ITSM framework that has recently been adapted to align with agile/DevOps concepts. It provides students with training on the key concepts of IT and digital services. This includes foundational concepts such as how modern organizations operate, how value streams can improve agility, which behavioral principles lead to stronger results, and other integral service management terms. There are currently more than 2,000,000 ITIL-certified professionals worldwide.
How do you obtain ITIL certifications?
ITIL certifications are obtained through a set of exams, each difference in difficulty administering a different cert. Those who are new to ITIL must start with the ITIL Foundation module, an entry-level certification. There are no prerequisites to taking the exam, but exam administrators recommend taking any of the ITIL training courses available on the website as preparation. The cost of taking the exam can range from around $600 USD to $2,200 USD, based on the study materials used and whether portions can be taken online.
Certification in ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) provides the basic structure for the standardization of selecting, planning, delivering, maintaining, and managing the overall lifecycle of IT services within an organization. It allows for greater efficiency and predictable service delivery. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA training course and exam teach networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. Obtaining the CCNA validates that you have the professional expertise and skills to manage and optimize today's most advanced networks. The certification offers a range of courses covering cyber ops, collaboration, data center, security, and other topics. IT and ITSM professionals say these courses are critical for those utilizing Cisco products.
Once you’ve completed the CCNA certification, you can take a variety of additional certifications with further specialization at the professional and then expert level. These advanced IT support desk certifications typically require completion of a core and at least one concentration exam.
How do you obtain the CCNA certification?
To become CCNA certified, an IT support professional must gain a passing grade on the 200-301 CCNA exam, which tests knowledge and skills relative to network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. There are no formal prerequisites for the exam, but it is recommended that you have one or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions. The cost of the CCNA exam is around $300 USD.
Cisco CCNA certification offers professionals an in-depth understanding of networking concepts. It fortifies networking specialists' ability to maintain existing skills and knowledge. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
5. CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level IT certification that validates key skills in hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, troubleshooting, virtualization/cloud computing, security, and operational procedures. It is largely considered to be the starting point for IT professionals, helping to improve their help desk abilities and learn the fundamentals of IT support, including how to install, maintain, and configure PCs, laptops, mobile devices, and printers, and how to leverage remote support tools to do so.
Many ITSM professionals believe CompTIA A+ to be the most impactful cert, pointing to it as providing key foundational knowledge that will become the basis for subsequent training.
How do you obtain the CompTIA A+?
The CompTIA A+ is an exam-based certification. IT professionals are required to pass two exams, Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), that review virtualization, hardware, network, and mobile device efficiency. Each of these exams requires a voucher that costs around $260 USD. It is strongly recommended that administrators have a minimum of 9-12 months of experience before working towards this certification.
CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for beginning a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for IT operational and technical IT support roles. As the certification is not vendor-specific, it allows the bearer to focus on building their technical foundations. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
6. CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is an intermediate-level certification that focuses on troubleshooting network issues within IT software, including how to diagnose inconsistent or faulty connections, how to maintain a network, and how to prevent outages and overflow consequences.
How do you obtain the CompTIA Network+?
The CompTIA Network+ certification is an exam-based cert. The exam costs approximately $370 USD. Prerequisites include the CompTIA A+ certification and a recommended 9-12 months of networking experience.
Much like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ is not vendor-specific, but focuses on the knowledge and skills required to design and implement functional networks. In addition to the networking foundation, the holder of the certification is expected to have the skills needed to configure, manage, and maintain network devices, such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create flexible and adaptable networks. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
Additional CompTIA certifications
While CompTIA A+ is the highest recommended CompTIA certification for entry-level IT support professionals, more advanced or specialized CompTIA certifications may also include:
Entry-level
CompTIA ITF+ certification – While the CompTIA A+ certification is designed for entry-level IT professionals, those requiring more foundational knowledge about the IT support profession may also benefit from the CompTIA ITF+ certification. IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is an introduction to foundational technology knowledge and skills, establishing an IT education framework by focusing on essential IT skills and knowledge. The CompTIAF+ certification is obtained by writing the FC0-U61 exam. There are no requisites or experience hours required. The cost of the exam is approximately $140 USD.
CompTIA CySA+ certification – CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is for cyber professionals who are responsible for threat detection, analysis, and incident response. It validates an IT professional's ability to perform data-driven security assessments, interpret trends, identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, and perform other vulnerability management processes. CySA+ places a strong emphasis on the critical cross-funtional communication skills necessary for effective security analysis and compliance.
Intermediate
CompTIA Security+ certification – The CompTIA Security+ certification is a global certification validating the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions. It focuses on preparing candidates to combat emerging threats and take proactive action in preventing the next cyberattack. Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and is approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. To obtain the CompTIA Security+ certification, IT professionals need to pass the Security+ exam and the prerequisite CompTIA Network+ exam, and they need to have a recommended two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus. The cost of taking the exam is around $400 USD.
Advanced
CompTIA Linux+ – The CompTIA Linux+ certification is internationally recognized for validating the baseline competencies that are required for Linux administrators to secure the enterprise, power the cloud and keep systems running. It is the only job-focused Linux certification covering the latest foundational skills demanded by hiring managers. To obtain the CompTIA Linux+ certification, IT support professionals must complete the CompTIA Linux+ exam. Prerequisites include CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications, along with 12 months of Linux admin experience. The cost of the exam is around $370 USD.
CompTIA Server+ – The CompTIA Server+ certification is a global certification for ITSM professionals who install, manage, and troubleshoot servers in data centers, as well as on-premises and hybrid environments. It ensures that they have the technical knowledge and skills required to utilize remote support tools to support and secure server hardware and software. It is the only certification that supports administrator-level work in any environment, as it is not restricted to a single platform. To obtain the CompTIA Server+ certification, IT support professionals must complete the CompTIA Server+ exam. Prerequisites include CompTIA A+ certification and a recommended 18 to 24 months of IT experience. The cost of the exam is around $370 USD.
CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner, or CASP+) – An advanced cybersecurity certification for security architects and senior security engineers with at least 10 years of experience who are responsible for leading and improving an enterprise’s cybersecurity readiness. SecurityX demonstrates a security practitioner’s proficiency in designing, building, and implementing secure solutions across complex environments while addressing governance, risk, and compliance needs.
7. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification
Cloud computing is currently one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand technologies, with Amazon Web Service (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM Cloud, and Microsoft Azure leading the market. This makes Azure Certification a considerable commodity for IT and remote support professionals who want to advance or stay relevant in their field. There are several Microsoft Azure role-based certifications available, but Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is the best starting point for launching your certification journey. The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification validates an IT support professional’s basic knowledge of cloud services and cloud computing concepts, models, and services.
How do you obtain Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is an exam-based certification requiring completion of the AZ-900 exam. There are no prerequisites for the exam, but the Azure training resources and practice exams are strongly recommended to prepare for the exam. The exam costs around $100 USD.
Other Popular Azure certifications
Following the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification, popular additional certifications include:
Role-based options such as certifications for the Azure Administrator Associate, Data Engineer Associate, and more.
Microsoft Azure is a single cloud service provider that offers role-based certifications that are specifically designed according to market requirements and job roles. Certifications can help secure roles, such as cloud administrator, developer, security engineer, AI engineer, data engineer, solutions architect, and DevOps engineer. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
8. AWS Certification
AWS certifications have become more popular as organizations around the world enter a more cloud-centric work environment. AWS certifications are important because they help validate an ITSM or their team’s technical skills, but they also give certified individuals the knowledge and skill to drive the future of their organization and bring in more clients.
How do you get AWS certified?
There are currently twelve available AWS certs, ranging from foundational- to professional-level. The best certification to start with is the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, followed by an associate-level or specialty certification exam (the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification is the most popular).
The Top AWS certifications include:
AWS Certified AI Practitioner – Foundational
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate
Advanced Networking – Specialty
Machine Learning – Specialty
Security – Specialty
After gaining the recommended two years of prior AWS Cloud experience, professionals can also obtain advanced Professional-level certifications.
It is strongly recommended that technical IT support professionals take advantage of both the free AWS tier and the many exam preparation courses and practice questions that are available before taking the exam.
Like Azure, AWS is a single cloud service provider. As organizations globally continue to increase their investment in cloud technologies, it is vitally important that IT professionals keep pace with the shifting corporate needs. AWS Certification confirms the holder's knowledge and expertise with the tools and technologies needed for this platform. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
9. VMware certification
VMware Certifications test and validate the critical skills required to integrate and manage the vSphere technology driving the infrastructure of many organizations. VMware offers multiple certification levels, ranging from associate to design expert, and certifications are organized into multiple technology areas with levels for those new to the industry as well as experts in the field.
How do you get VMware Certified?
VMware certification is another exam-based certification. Once you have decided on the certification and certification track, simply register for the desired exam.
Focus areas for VMware certifications include:
Data Center Virtualization
Network Virtualization
Cloud Management and Automation
End-User Computing
Security
Application Modernization
VMware certification validates the user's understanding of VMware's security solutions and their ability to provide entry-level support for the security features of VMware products, including NSX-T Data Center, Workspace ONE, and VMware Carbon Black Cloud. This certifies the bearer’s ability to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot those that use vSphere software. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
10. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
The Google IT Support Certificate is a good place to start for individuals who are looking to begin a career in technical IT support or an IT support help desk. The certification course provides the skills needed for an introductory-level job in IT support. There are no prerequisite qualifications or experience hours. The training program focuses on troubleshooting and customer care, networking, operating systems, system administration, security, and AI usage for boosting productivity.
How do you obtain your Google IT Support Professional certification?
To get Google IT Support certified, the online training program and exams must be completed. Costs of the program and exam may vary. There are no prerequisites for obtaining this IT support certification.
Other Key Google Certifications Include:
Google Cybersecurity Certificate – Prepares individuals for a career as a cybersecurity analyst by providing training in the identification of common risks, threats, vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques. It also helps prepare individuals for the CompTIA Security+ exam and offers a dual credential when combined with the certification.
Google IT Support Professional Certification certifies holders can perform day-to-day IT support tasks, including computer assembly, wireless networking, installing programs, and customer service. Google IT Support Professional Certification allows for entry-level skills without the added cost and time of acquiring a collegiate degree. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
Additional Certifications for IT Support Professionals
A few additional IT support certifications for professionals hoping to build or further their careers include:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Covers ethical hacking techniques (penetration testing, attack vectors, and countermeasures), helping IT security professionals think like a hacker to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – Geared towards professionals managing information security programs and teams, CISM validates an individual’s ability to design and oversee an enterprise-wide information security programs, with a focus on information risk management and governance.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) – A foundational-to-intermediate certification from SANS, GSEC certifies IT practitioners for demonstrating a broad, practical understanding of information security principles and practices, including access control, cryptography, and incident response.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – A hands-on certification requiring candidates to successfully execute real-world penetration testing and ethical hacking in a timed lab environment. OSCP is highly respected for its validation of offensive security skills and persistence.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Jointly offered by (ISC)² and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), CCSP validates a candidate’s advanced technical expertise in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration.
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) – Certifies a candidate’s ability to detect, respond to, and resolve computer security incidents. It also emphasizes threat intelligence and hands-on handling of malware, exploits, and intrusions.
Why Should I Get an IT Support Certification?
There are several reasons to get technical IT support certifications. The main benefits of include:
Meeting the growing need for qualified professionals who have proven expertise in emerging technologies
Proving that you have the skills needed to succeed in a prospective role
Opening up opportunities to grow in your role
Proving your commitment to continuous improvement and learning about new and evolving technology
A recent CompTIA report found that 79% of HR professionals in medium-sized and large organizations look for industry-recognized technical certifications during the hiring process. Further, once in the IT support help desk profession, these certifications can also help with career advancement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for ‘computer support specialists’ in 2024 was $61,550 per year, or $29.59 per hour.
If you are looking to get into the IT support profession as an ITSM or a technical IT support specialist, IT support certifications, such as the Google IT Support Professional certification, can offer an alternative to the standard college degree. If you have a college degree already, IT support certifications can offer you a professional edge over your competition.
Credited certification in each and all of the above items ensures that the bearer can install, secure, operate, and troubleshoot issues within enterprise networks. -- Mike Hewens, Senior Manager, Technical Support, BeyondTrust
Which IT Certifications Should I Choose?
Career Focus | Recommended Certifications | Level |
|---|---|---|
Cybersecurity (General) | CompTIA Security+, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), CompTIA CySA+ | Entry to Mid |
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | Mid to Advanced | |
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) | Advanced | |
Ethical Hacking / Offensive Security | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) | Entry to Advanced |
Cloud Security | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | Entry to Advanced |
Networking | CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA | Entry to Mid |
ITIL Foundation, ITIL 4 Practitioner or Intermediate Modules | Entry to Mid | |
Systems Administration / Infrastructure | CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certifications (e.g., Modern Desktop Administrator) | Entry to Mid |
Obtaining a New Technical Certification to Uplevel Your Career
IT support desk professionals may have a variety of IT certifications to choose from, but one thing remains clear: working in the field means a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement. As technology continues to evolve, amassing knowledge—whether it be from an industry course or personal experience—is critical, not only for ITSM and remote support professionals to get ahead, but also to keep their users productive and their organizations secure using skills and knowledge backed by the best certifications and the best remote support tools and technologies.
Certified IT professionals worldwide trust BeyondTrust Remote Support to deliver fast, secure, and seamless support. Now you can, too! Try it now to experience the difference firsthand, or contact us today to learn more about the tools, solutions, and apps that can help empower your IT support team.
This blog was updated on July 4, 2025 to include the most current and relevant certifications for IT support professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About IT Support Certifications
The IT certifications that you choose to obtain depend on your career trajectory. For instance, an IT professional with a focus in cybersecurity should focus on COMPTIA Security+ or the CISSP, while a professional focused on service desk excellence would want to obtain HDI-SCA or ITIL Practitioner.
IT support certifications are third-party endorsed acknowledgments of specific IT experience, knowledge, and skills. Some certifications focus on expertise in a specific technologies while others cover general knowledge and best practices for a focus area such as cybersecurity, service desk, networking, etc.
IT support certifications can help professionals grow their careers in a number of ways. Obtaining a certificate can help you prove expertise in emerging technologies, show that you can succeed in a prospective role with required experience in certain tools and skills, showcase your value as a current employee, and prove your commitment to continuous growth and learning.
Help desk personnel can obtain several valuable certificates, including the HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA) certification, the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Practitioner certification, or other options related to specific technologies used within the help desk employee’s organization.
About the Author
Laura Bohnert
As the Director of Public Relations at BeyondTrust, Laura Bohnert applies a multifaceted, tech-centered marketing skillset to help drive SEO, blog, PR, and product marketing in support of BeyondTrust’s demand generation and sales enablement initiatives. She has a diverse background in product marketing, brand marketing, content writing, social media, event coordination, and public relations. Outside of the tech world, she has a passion for literature, with a BA, MA, and PhD Candidacy in English Literature, and she can either be found beekeeping, restoring her historic haunted house, or continuing her dissertation on the psychological interpretations of ghosts in gothic and horror fiction.