how to become a computer repair technician

^{How to become a computer repair technician}

1. Earn high school diploma or equivalent. Computer repair technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent education. Some high schools offer classes in computer repair or technology.
2. Complete additional education. Some computer repair technicians begin their careers with a high school diploma, but many roles prefer or require an associate or bachelor's degree.
3. Develop technical skills. Computer repair technicians can develop technical skills during their education, work or individual exploration.
4. Gain professional experience. Professional experience can help computer repair technicians advance their skills and qualify for new roles.
Explore certification options. There are a variety of certifications available for IT professionals. These certificates show a professional has developed industry knowledge and exemplary technical skills.
Apply for roles. Computer repair technicians can work in a variety of locations. When applying for positions, consider your preferences.

What skills are needed to be a computer repair technician?

Top Computer Repair Technician Skills

1. Hardware. Hardware is the physical part attached to a computer or other similar devices. ...
2. Personal Computers. Personal computers refer to smaller computers that have small microprocessors designed for usage by one individual.
3. Troubleshoot. ...
4. Laptops. ...
5. Computer System. ...
6. Printers. ...
7. Desktop. ...
8. Repair Computers. ...
9. Setup. ...
10. Virus Removal. ...

More items...

What are some benefits of being a computer repair technician?

• Online & self-paced
• Affordable tuition
• Expert instructor support
• Nationally accredited college

What are the requirements for a computer repair technician?

• Important Facts About IT Technicians
• Education and Essential Skills. As an IT technician, also known as a computer user support specialist, you may not need a college degree as long as you are knowledgeable with ...
• Certification Options. Certification is voluntary within the IT field. ...
• Employment Outlook and Salary. For the decade 2019-2029, the U.S. ...

What degree do you need to become a computer technician?

• Important Facts About PC Technicians. Computer support technicians must be skilled at working with customers and good at solving problems; decent writing, listening, and communication skills are also required.
• Job Requirements. According to the U.S. ...
• Education. ...
• Certification. ...

How do I become a computer technician?

To become a computer technician, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, you'll likely stand out from your competitors by earning an associate's degree in information technology or a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.

Is computer technician a good career?

Yes, being a computer technician is a good career to start with if you like working with computers. However, you may consider gaining experience and honing your skills to advance to a higher position since computer technicians don't get paid highly.

How do I start a career in computer technician?

10 tips for getting a job as a computer technicianGet certified. ... Pursue a formal education. ... Build a computer. ... Practice fixing common computer problems. ... Develop your non-technical skills. ... Volunteer your skills. ... Apply for an internship. ... Update your resume.More items...•

Are computer technicians in demand?

Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 70,400 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Is being a computer technician hard?

Both computer repair technicians and computer operator technicians averaged between $38,550 and $39,720. The pressure of these jobs can be too much to handle for some, as they tend to be time-sensitive and high stress; technicians are often emergency-response employees who must handle crises.

What skills does a computer technician need?

10 Important Skills for a Computer TechnicianInteracting with computers. ... Collecting data and information. ... Problem-solving and decision-making. ... Communication. ... Consulting and advising others. ... Inspecting equipment, structures, or material. ... Documenting and recording information. ... Developing objectives and strategies.More items...•

How long would IT take to become a computer technician?

Most certificate programs take about six months to complete; some can take as long as one year. Because an understanding of electronics is essential to becoming a computer repair technician, you might consider enrolling in an associate's degree program in electronics technology or electronics and computer technology.

How do I become a computer support specialist without a degree?

Yes, you can become an IT support specialist without a degree by attending information technology bootcamps, or enrolling in online computer science courses. You can also get a professional certification to start your career journey.

What computer job pays the most?

The Best Paying IT JobsInformation security engineer — $131,300.DevOps engineer — $137,400.Enterprise architect — $144,400.Technical program manager — $145,000.Software architect — $145,400.Applications architect — $149,000.Infrastructure architect — $153,000.Software development manager — $153,300.More items...

What are the different types of computer technician?

Let's talk about those three types.Computer Repair Tech 1: The “Quickie” Techs. First there are what I would call the “quickie” techs. ... Computer Repair Tech 2: The “Stumblers” The second type are what I will call the “stumblers”. ... Computer Repair Tech 3: The Professionals.

What does a PC technician do?

PC technicians help customers identify and overcome issues with their computers. When testing hardware, they examine a computer's circuit board, disk drivers, and other components. When analyzing a computer's software, they use various diagnostic tools and programs to identify and resolve functionality issues.

How to get a computer technician certification?

To obtain the ETA's Certified Computer Service Technician designation (CST), you need to pass their Associate Electronics Technician exam for CST. The exam tests your competency in 16 areas of PC maintenance, including computer assembly and disassembly, motherboards, processors, memory, storage, and peripherals.

What Does a Computer Repair Technician Do?

As a computer repair technician, you will be responsible for ensuring that individual computers and computer networks run efficiently and properly. You will need to listen to a client's concerns about their system's performance, running diagnostics on software and their internet connection to try and identify problems in a timely manner. Solutions may include installing new software or hardware, fixing issues with equipment currently installed, scanning for malicious programs, fixing or replacing computer parts. You may also need to help clients set up a recovery point on their computers, resetting the computer to an earlier point in its programming.

How to familiarize yourself with computers?

There are a number of ways you can familiarize yourself with the workings of computers. You can actively troubleshoot problems on your own computer and those of friends and relatives. If you have the financial resources, you could research and purchase the necessary components to build a system. You could volunteer to provide tech support at your church or a local not-for-profit organization.

What is CompTIA A+ certification?

CompTIA A+ certification is also for computer repair techs but is somewhat more comprehensive than the CST, addressing networking and security as well as installation, maintenance, and repair. To earn A+ certification you need to pass CompTIA's essentials exam and practical applications exam. Several major companies in the computer industry have ...

What is a computer repair technician?

A computer repair technician works with all different types of computers. IT departments at companies have computer repair technicians on staff to handle employee computer issues. Computer repair technicians can also work for computer repair businesses or as independent contractors. They work on both the computer’s external and internal components.

How long does a computer repair technician certification last?

The certification lasts for three years.

What is computer repair?

A computer repair technician works with all different types of computers to ensure that they function properly. Typical duties include: 1 Setting up new computers; 2 Installing software; 3 Updating security software; 4 Troubleshooting software and hardware errors; 5 Diagnosing viruses and spyware; 6 Repairing faulty or broken hardware; 7 Testing programs for functionality; 8 Assisting customers with technical issues; and 9 Answering technical questions for customers.

What is the best certification for computer repair?

The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) and CompTIA both offer certifications in computer repair. CompTIA’s A+ certification is the most comprehensive certification available. It tests your competency in the areas of security, networking, maintenance, repair, and installation.

How long does it take to get a computer maintenance certification?

The exam takes about two hours to complete and the certification lasts four years.

How long does it take to get an A+ certification?

For many companies, an A+ certification from CompTIA is mandatory. To get A+ certification you must take two multiple choice exams. Each exam takes about 90 minutes to complete.

Is computer technician training good?

This hands-on computer technician training is excellent for anyone interested in being a computer repair technician since experiential training can accelerate your learning.

How many computer repair technicians have a bachelor's degree?

If you're interested in becoming a computer repair technician, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 34.0% of computer repair technicians have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 2.2% of computer repair technicians have master's degrees. Even though some computer repair technicians have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

How Do Computer Repair Technician Rate Their Jobs?

Working as a Computer Repair Technician? Share your experience anonymously.

What skills do computer technicians need?

We discovered that a lot of resumes listed customer-service skills, listening skills and problem-solving skills.

What are the best states to work as a computer repair technician?

The best states for people in this position are Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Computer repair technicians make the most in Alaska with an average salary of $90,789. Whereas in Washington and Oregon , they would average $65,003 and $61,924, respectively. While computer repair technicians would only make an average of $49,236 in Idaho , you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.

What is the job of a software engineer?

Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.

How Do PC Repair Technician Rate Their Jobs?

Rate how you like work as PC Repair Technician. It's anonymous and will only take a minute .

How much does a PC repair technician make?

PC Repair Technicians in America make an average salary of $47,975 per year or $23 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $76,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $30,000 per year.

What skills do computer technicians need?

We discovered that a lot of resumes listed customer-service skills, listening skills and problem-solving skills.

Why do computer repair technicians work?

In many cases, computer repair techs are employed by manufacturers to meet the obligations set by service contracts. They might install computer equipment when it arrives at the client’s business, or follow up with subsequent visits for preventative maintenance. In most cases, one technician in an organization is always on call in case any part of the system fails. These professionals often perform diagnostic tests with specialized equipment to determine the nature and extent of the problem at hand.

How long does a technical support certification last?

Many technical support specialist positions will feature on-the-job training, which can last anywhere from one week to a full year.

What is a help desk technician?

Help desk technicians assist individuals with day-to-day computer use, including installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of software, hardware, networking, and other aspects of personal computing.

Why are automatic teller machines still in service?

For instance, the exploding number of automatic teller machines across the country remain in service because of a growing force of on-site repair technicians who must combat the combined forces of weather, vandalism and everyday use. Likewise, point-of-sale systems contain highly secure components that must pass certification against strict banking industry standards. Office systems often require more complex networking and display setups than home computers, encouraging companies to explore on-site repair options whenever solutions cost less than full replacements.

What is technical support?

Technical support specialists, also known as computer support specialists, provide direct assistance to computer and network users, often in support of specific pieces of hardware or software packages. Like help desk techs, support specialists may be based in a call center, where they handle cases escalated by the first tier of help desk techs.

Why are technical support jobs increasing?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities for technical support specialists will increase due to a reliance on complex technology as the main driver of employment growth in the field.

Why is it important to have an IT degree?

The variety of coursework needed to earn an IT degree is necessary because of the diverse tasks that an IT professional might be called on to do — everything from picking out the right printers for an organization to updating its website to making sure that its computers are secure from hackers. That said, some schools offer specialized programs that prepare students to work in specific industries or areas of IT, such as healthcare or database management.

What is a Computer Repair Technician?

The following responsibilities are common for Computer Repair Technicians:

How many computer repair technicians will be employed in 2024?

How does Computer Repair Technician job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 3,200 jobs for a total of 134,800 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 2.4% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.

What are the problems that can happen to a computer?

To correct the issues that may arise in a computer, their tasks vary and can include, replacing defective or broken parts, soldering damaged circuit boards, and removing any viruses, to installing programs to protect the computer and enhance security. Upgrading and assembling computers is also an important aspect of this job. Replacing malfunctioning or obsolete parts and upgrading these parts with the appropriate one that matches the computer system is also integral to this position. They determine the best solutions for their clients computer repair needs and wants.

What is computer repair?

They use tools and equipment to maintain computers at optimal operating levels. They repair all aspects of the computer, from processors, hard drives, and monitors to software, data retrieval and desktops.

Will technology continue to expand?

As the technology industry continues to expand the need for individuals to repair any issues or problems that may arise in these devices will also continue to steadily increase.

How to get a computer technician certification?

If you are already a skilled computer technician who wants a certification to enhance career options, consider a self-study program for getting certified. The most common repair credentials are the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications. Even if you are an experienced technician, you will need to study for these tests because, much like studying for a driver's license, you must know a substantial number of somewhat trivial facts to get your certification. CompTIA offers a variety of workbooks and practice exams on their website in paper and electronic formats. While there are a host of other websites that offer similar information for free or at a reduced price, be careful that your information is current on this ever-changing program.

What is a technical degree in computer repair?

While possessing a technical degree is invaluable for breaking into a computer repair career, industry certifications can be a more specific and targeted educational experience. Certifications can cover topics ranging from general troubleshooting and repair to operating systems or networking.

What certifications are needed for a repair technician?

While the CompTIA certification is the standard for a repair technician, there are also several other certifications that can be useful in advancing to higher-paying positions. Microsoft offers several certifications geared toward expertise in operating systems, office productivity suites and other software offerings.

How many questions are asked in CompTIA A+ exam?

The A+ certification, at the time of publication, consists of two separate exams with a maximum of 90 questions apiece. The first section, the CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam, covers the fundamentals of computing ranging from configuring a PC to basic networking topics. The second exam, the CompTIA A+ 220-802, covers operating systems, software and the basics of mobile devices. The questions on these exams are either multiple choice or a simulation of a computing topic or troubleshooting situation.

What is the CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam?

The first section, the CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam, covers the fundamentals of computing ranging from configuring a PC to basic networking topics. The second exam, the CompTIA A+ 220-802, covers operating systems, software and the basics of mobile devices.

Does CompTIA require continuing education?

The CompTIA Continuing Education Program also allows you to get renewal credit for adding additional credentials to your A+. The Department of Defense requires that its computer technicians maintain current certifications through CompTIA.