how do you transition from IT helpdesk support?

Ask your manager about what's needed to progress from your current role. Every company is slightly different in how their teams are structured so it's hard to be exact.

I started as an office junior (clerical paperwork, answering phones, making coffee for visitors and then jumped into 1st line support and ended up in architecture. I don't have a degree or any recognised IT qualifications so it isn't essential in most organisations as companies are starting to move away from degree qualifications.

I will say though that getting out of desktop support into the next tier is a harder jump.

Look at job descriptions of the role you want to see what's expected. (edited)

I know this is becoming a less accepted option, but don't forget to have you own personal projects/learning goals. I have gone from service desk to lead developer because I taught myself Javascript, python, c#, .net etc in my free time. Pulling that stuff out at interview always helps.

Just reading the above, 3rd line isn't Help Desk. Help Desk is 1st line (call logging) or maybe 2nd line (Triage) but I was 3rd line and I never took a phone call from anyone, I only dealt with the complicated stuff the lower guys passed onto me.

I'm now managing an applications team of 3 people so it can be done.

If the question is how, update your LinkedIn profile - I was headhunted after doing that. I got Prince2 and ITIL courses/exams paid for by my old company. Then I said cheeerio.

How long have you been doing 2nd line for? I would say if possible get involved in overtime and any projects happening in the company is important

2 ways to progress, either you have good management, you show them your skills and drive and they then help you to progress, seen this in my company a few times, the other is to move and get another job which isn’t 2nd line support.

Normally the people you work and interact with will recognise your capabilities but it all depends on your own drive.

@Lil6ix

Don't forget to share all your deal hunting expertise when updating your CV and make that jump.

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On a serious note.

As @darlodge mentioned above
look at the job description for the roles you are after and see how you can go about getting those skills, either through extra qualifications, training programmes through for employer, or taking on more responsibility in your current role. Speak to your own manager about how you can progress where you are. (edited)

I've known a couple of people that have gone from Helpdesk to Tester / QA. Also people that have gone from Tester to Developer.
If your company uses automated test tools you can gain technical skills that will help with that.

If you speak with customers, then you have experience in building rapport and people skills.
If you work in level 2 support, then you have complex problem solving skills.
They are transferable skills you can take into any other role, in any other company.