Computer Service Technician Training
Computer service technicians, also called computer repair technicians, repair and service all types of computer equipment, including mainframe, server and personal computers. They also repair printers and auxiliary equipment. Technicians perform hands-on repair, maintenance and installation of computer equipment. Most employers prefer computer repair technicians that are certified or have had formal training.
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Job Description
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In today's world, technology is advancing at a rapid pace. More people use computers on a daily basis. When a hard drive crashes or an operating system malfunctions, computer service technicians are called in to save the day. These professionals test, diagnose, repair and replace computer parts. They also install, update and troubleshoot software problems and run virus scans. They may set up newly purchased computers. Computer repair technicians replace subsystems, such as video cards, network cards and hard drives.
Education
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Training programs are available in vocational schools, community colleges and in the military. Courses include training in computer networking, computer programming, computer security, and computer repair and maintenance. Internships are sometimes available to help candidates gain practical experience. Employers typically provide some on-the-job training to help new computer repair technicians become familiar with specific equipment. Employers may send computer service technicians to workshops to keep up with changes in technology.
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Certification
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Although certification is not required for a career as a computer service technician, most employers prefer candidates that have professional certification. An internationally recognized credential is A+ certification from the Computer Technology Industry Association. Attaining A+ certification validates competence in computer repair. The field of computer repair requires continual learning. Computer repair technicians should retake the exam whenever new versions are released. According to CompTIA, A+ is reviewed and updated every three years.
Advancement
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Newly certified computer service technicians may work exclusively on personal computers. As they gain more experience, technicians may advance to jobs maintaining more complex systems such as networking equipment. Experience can also lead to opportunities training other technicians, or as managers responsible for supervising other computer repair personnel.
Considerations
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Continuous learning is a requirement to become a computer service technician. Computer service technicians may perform work on-site, especially in the case of large equipment. Technicians that do this are known as field technicians, and they may perform work at a particular location on a regular basis. Bench technicians may work in repair shops and typically work on smaller equipment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage of computer repair technicians as of May 2008 was $18.18.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer repair image by UBE from Fotolia.com
