What Kind of Certificates Do Network Support Specialists Get in School?

The IT industry has endless opportunities and many ways you can involve yourself in. Enrolling in Network Support Specialist School Miami at CBT Tech allows you to receive a world-class education that could launch your career in the networking sector.

A network support specialist is a person who is qualified to maintain computer networks to ensure safe and efficient communication. The job description also often includes analyzing, designing, and troubleshooting networks to improve connectivity.

The most common threats are malware and phishing attacks which can lead to significant financial, functional, and reputational damage. Support specialists keep the network safe from these and various other threats by addressing vulnerabilities.

The article will discuss the road to becoming a network support specialist. It will help you recognize what certification suits you best.

Network Support Specialist School Miami

To become a network support specialist, you need to go through relevant education and obtain the required certification. It’s vital that you acquire a strong foundation during the process, as it will help you tackle the challenges of various levels of difficulty.

There are different certificates because they allow specialization and enable individuals to validate their expertise in the field. Each certificate is to confirm a unique skill and capacity to work with certain technology.

You can become a network support specialist by attending the CBT’s Network Support Specialist School Miami. After finishing the program, you will receive a relevant diploma that will help you on your way to building a career in network administration.

Here are the certificates you can acquire at Nerwork Support Specialist School Miami:

• CompTIA A+
• Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Certificate
• Help Desk Institute HDI

 

Each of these certificates has different requirements and offers distinct benefits for your future career as a network support specialist. Here’s a more in-depth look at each of these credentials:

1. CompTIA A+

This certificate offers validation for acquired fundamental know-how for working in the IT industry and especially as a network support specialist. To earn the certificate, candidates need to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). 

Here are the skills that each candidate will have learned upon receiving the certificate:

– Hardware

Basic knowledge about different devices and connecting various components.

– Operating systems

Knowledge of installing the following operating systems and providing support regarding configuration:

• Windows OS
• MAC OS
• Chrome OS 
• Android
• Linux

– Troubleshooting

Software troubleshooting issues with the aforementioned operating systems. This includes malware and security problems. Moreover, it includes general troubleshooting issues related to the device and network.

– Networking

Basic knowledge of networks and connections:

• TCP/IP 
• WIFI
• SOHO

– Security

Knowledge and capability to protect against security threats such as:

• Malware 
• Phishing
• Data breaching
• DoS attacks
• Network intrusions
• Insider threats

– Mobile devices

Configuring laptops and other mobile devices for the purpose of ensuring connectivity.

2. Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Certificate

This certificate has the purpose of validating the skills of IT professionals responsible for managing Windows 10 devices. It confirms that the candidate has gained the knowledge for deploying, configuring, protecting, and monitoring devices using Microsoft 365 technologies. 

Just like the previous certificate, the Microsoft certificate is split into two parts: MD-100 (Windows 10) and MD-101 (Managing Modern Desktops). It can land you a role in various support sectors depending on how your interests and skills will develop over time.

Here are the skills that candidates will have acquired upon certification:

– Device management

This includes the ability to perform several tasks and operate platforms, such as:

• Installing the OS
• Managing updates
• Implementing security measures
• Windows 365
• Windows Autopilot
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
• Azure Active Directory

– Managing productivity tools

The Windows 365 platform includes the following productivity tools:

• Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft Office
• Outlook
• One Drive

– Security

The candidates acquire the necessary skills to perform security measures that protect the computer from various threats. Upon certification, the candidates must know how to:

• Configure security settings
• Manage user identities
• Implement data protection strategies
• Shielding against malware and unauthorized access

– Customer support

Candidates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to perform customer support tasks like answering various issue-related questions.

Image credit: @anniespratt

 

3. Help Desk Institute (HDI)

This certificate is more focused on validating the capacity to respond promptly to various issues. It’s suitable for candidates who want to work in technical support as it prepares them with various necessary skills from the field.

It can be important for the candidates to have some knowledge and experience with IT, but it’s not a determining factor. Over the course, you will learn the following skills:

– High-end customer service

To become great at customer service, candidates will learn crucial communication skills like active listening and manifesting empathy. These details will help the client to better convey the message and determine the issue quicker.

– Issue response

You will learn how to answer both common and uncommon challenges that clients are dealing with. Especially in situations where there is a pile-up of issues, candidates will learn how to categorize and prioritize issues.

– Teamwork

Oftentimes, solving the clients’ problems requires more people to get involved in order to complement the response. Being a good team player is a skill, and during the course, you will learn how to do it.

Summary

Finding a job in IT usually requires gaining technical skills that are acquired through some academy, course, or formal education. Attending the Network Support Specialist School Miami will equip you with the skills and certifications that could quickly land you a job.

There are three certificates that candidates usually go for, and choosing the best for you should be relative to your previous experience and aspirations. The courses are CompTIA A+, Microsoft Modern Desktop Administrator Associate, and Help Desk Institute (HDI).