Behind the Scenes: My Professional IT Certifications

Some people have asked me what certifications I have for technical support. While certifications are not as important for lawyers, accountants, or doctors, there are a couple that I have that demonstrate my commitment to professional standards and ongoing education in the field.

CompTIA Network+ ce Certification badge image. Issued by CompTIA

Network+ by CompTIA in particular ensures that people understand networking fundamentals that are essential for troubleshooting connectivity issues, setting up secure home networks, and resolving the kinds of problems that affect both home and office environments. This certification covers everything from TCP/IP protocols and wireless standards to network security and troubleshooting methodologies. When I’m helping a client figure out why their home WiFi is slow in certain rooms or why their office computers can’t connect to shared resources, this foundational knowledge guides my approach to systematically diagnosing and resolving the problem.

ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) focuses on IT service management best practices and establishing efficient processes for delivering technical support. I received this certification from my background setting up Help Desks, where I learned how to structure support workflows, manage incident responses, and ensure consistent service delivery. While ITIL might seem more relevant to large enterprise environments, its principles of clear communication, proper documentation, and systematic problem-solving are just as valuable when providing personalized tech support to individual clients and small businesses.

While I appreciate having these certifications, I have mainly learned these skills from hands-on experience. Technology changes rapidly, and staying current requires continuous learning beyond formal certifications. What matters most is being able to listen to your specific needs, diagnose problems accurately, and explain solutions in plain English – whether you’re dealing with a complex network setup or simply need help organizing your digital life.

If you have questions about my background or how I can help with your particular tech challenges, feel free to reach out.