There has been a dramatic increase in opportunities associated with information technology, which explains why so many people are curious about becoming computer repair technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this field can expect around 70,000 new jobs to hit the market over the next decade. That’s about a nine percent growth in overall employment.
Be sure to keep reading if you’re interested in joining this new wave of computer support professionals. Below, we’ve outlined the educational requirements, recommended certifications, and additional points on how to break into the field.
[toc]What Does a Computer Repair Technician Do?
Simply put, computer repair technicians are experts in computer technology. They remain responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining various types of computer equipment. During the day-to-day, they may perform mechanical repairs, install software, troubleshoot problems, configure computer hardware, and more.
Additional job duties include building servers and setting up computer networks for these devices. A computer repair technician should also be familiar with different operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Linux, and more.
Computer repair technicians can work in a variety of different environments. They may work in-house for a company, fixing problems as they relate to the business, in computer repair shops, or as independent contractors, traveling to clients’ homes and businesses as technical issues arise.
How Do You Become a Computer Repair Technician?
Education is an important step to becoming a PC repair technician, though additional training and work experience will make it easier to break into the field. Check out the list below to learn more about how to become a computer repair technician.
Graduate High School
A high school diploma is a common requirement for computer repair technicians. This helps communicate at least some basic training and familiarity with IT concepts like computer science and computer programming. Certain schools may even offer courses where students can receive some hands-on experience with hardware and equipment.
Conduct Some Self Education
It’s important to develop some technical skills on your own to familiarize yourself with IT concepts and techniques. Some technicians begin by studying aspects of their own computers. They may even take them apart and put them back together to learn more about the inner workings of the device.
An aspiring computer technician can also locate free resources to advance their skills. Online workshops, social media groups, and podcasts provide incredibly useful information for those in need of some more direction.
Get Proper Training
While a high school diploma and some familiarity with the field will surely help you along in your plans to become a computer repair technician, more advanced training is often required. Associate degree and certificate programs can help you learn advanced computer concepts from real-world professionals.
These programs can also prepare you for important industry certifications to further validate your abilities. While an associate’s degree typically takes around two years to complete, some certification programs can be completed in as little as five months.
Adding to that appeal is the fact that students can typically attend class online. A more flexible learning schedule allows individuals to continue working or tending to responsibilities at home while earning their degrees.
Some students may even go so far as to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field. While this kind of credential will give you a leg up from the competition and put you in better standing to land a job at larger software companies, it is not typically required for other entry-level positions.
Earn Additional Credentials
Additional credentials allow individuals to expand their existing skillsets, making them more marketable to potential employers. Students can choose to pursue certificates related to different areas of information technology, from computer maintenance, new computer systems, replacing computer parts, PC systems, and more.
The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) offers renewable certifications in all types of electronics, including computers. Popular certification options offered by the organization include Network Computer Technician (NCT), Information Technology Security (ITS), Computer Service Technician (CST), and Wireless Networking Technician (WNT).
Other useful certifications offered outside of the organization include CCNA, CISSP, and CompTIA A+.
Salary & Career Outlook
The BLS estimates that the median salary of computer support specialists falls just over $65,000, with the top ten percent of earners pocketing over $110,450 each year. The most profitable sectors for the industry are telecommunications, data processing, hosting, finance, and insurance.
The organization also reports that the top paying states for computer repair technicians include Massachusetts, Washington, and New Jersey.
Skills You Need to Succeed in the Field
Succeeding as a computer repair technician means diversifying your skill set. Listed below are important areas to excel in:
Customer Service Skills: Technicians must assess the needs of their clients and deliver complex technology feedback.
Problem-Solving Skills: Not all problems are straightforward. Repair technicians need to be able to entertain different possibilities to get to the bottom of highly technical problems.
Organization Skills: Computer technology is a dense area. Technicians must be able to remain mindful of all factors involved. They must also be able to manage multiple clients at once.
FAQs
What certifications do you need to repair computers?
CNCT, CST, CCNA, CompTIA A+ are the most widely recognized certifications among computer repair technicians.
What are the duties of a computer repair technician?
A computer technician should be able to set up hardware, configure software, maintain computer systems, diagnose problems, and provide technical support.
Is becoming a computer repair technician a good career?
Computer repair is a growing field with great promise for the future. According to the BLS, job prospects and salary potential will increase significantly over the next decade.
Conclusion
As information technology continues to grow, computer repair technicians will remain high in demand. Get the training you need to break into the field. ICOHS College offers a range of certificate programs and Bootcamps including
Scholarships and title IV funding are also available to help students cover the cost of tuition. Call us to speak to one of our representatives (858) 581-9460 or contact us via email for more information on financial assistance.
Students attending ICOHS College will have full access to our career counseling program. They’ll also receive lifetime job placement assistance after graduation.
ICOHS College is accredited by the ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education, accet.org). To learn more about ICOHS College accreditations and licenses, visit our accreditation page.
