Blog
Top Entry- Level IT Support Certifications
Entry- level IT Support Certifications
The IT Support position is generally known as the first stepping stone into a career in Information Technology (IT). So, what are the recommended certifications for one to obtain in order to enter into this field?
First, let's define what an actual IT Support specialist does every day.
The first thing that probably comes to mind when you think of an IT Support Specialist is someone working in a Help-desk position with an ear-set and microphone taking numerous calls a day. This is in fact the common work environment to be expected.
IT Support specialists spend their days troubleshooting tech issues such as internet connectivity, IoT devices, or helping end-users navigate their way through specific programs and applications. They are just a phone call away or available via webchat depending on the organization.
Entry-level Salary Expectations: $40,000. Not bad for "entry-level", right?
Required soft skills
- Patience! After all, this is still a customer service position.
- Be an active listener. Fully concentrate on what the customer is saying and ask key questions to help diagnose their problem.
- Learn to teach! No, you don't need a teaching degree. But it's one thing to learn how to do something, but another to actually explain it in great detail to someone else such as the customer.
- Be able to write clearly and notate details that were previously discussed in the last phone call in the customer's record.
Recommended IT certifications
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ : Some would suggest skipping this certification. However, if you are changing careers from a very non-technical industry or have never really worked with computers whether professionally or personally, then this certification is highly recommended because you will learn foundational computer knowledge and skills.
- CompTIA A+ : This is the most common and widely obtained vendor-neutral, entry-level IT certification. In the CompTIA A+ bootcamp, you will acquire the essential skills and information needed to install, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, and perform preventive maintenance on PCs, digital devices, and operating systems.
- ITIL v4 Foundation : Don't feel pressured to earn this cert right away as it's important to learn the basics about computers first. But, this certification will make your resume standout alongside the previous certs mentioned above. ITIL v4 Foundation validates your skills in IT service management. In the ITIL v4 Foundation bootcamp, you will learn the essential skills and information necessary to lead and manage an IT business service through every stage of its lifecycle. If a position in leadership and management is a goal of yours, add this to your list of certs to obtain.
Do you already have most of these certifications? Or have you already been working as a Tier1 IT help desk role for a while now? Trying to get to Tier 2? Tier 3? Or just get a salary raise? Stay tuned for next week's article: Best IT Support Certifications That Will Take You to the Next Level.
Source: https://www.comptia.org/content/it-careers-path-roadmap/it-support-specialist
