Research what it takes to become a desktop repair technician. Learn more about education requirements, assignments, average wages, and career prospects to see if this is the career path for you. Schools offering computer support technician programs can also be found in these popular options.
What does a computer repair engineer do?
As a desktop repair technician, you are responsible for the efficient and proper operation of individual computers and computer networks. You need to consider a customer’s concerns about system performance, software diagnostics, and the Internet connection to identify problems in a timely manner. Possible solutions include installing new software or hardware, troubleshooting currently installed devices, scanning for malicious programs, repairing or replacing computer components. You may also need to help clients configure a recovery point on their computers by reverting the computer to a previous programming point.
What is a desktop repair technician?
A desktop repair technician is a specialist who installs and solves hardware and software problems. Common tasks include performing diagnostic tests, removing hardware, replacing faulty components, locating and removing viruses and spyware, and uninstalling and reinstalling programs. These technicians work with individual computers and computer networks.
Step 1: High school
You need a university diploma or a general certificate of educational development (G.E.D.) to enroll in a post-secondary program for the training of computer technicians. Some high school courses can also prepare you for computer repairs. Physics, mathematics, electronics, and computer programming are helpful in understanding technology. English and language courses are useful in developing better communication skills.
Step 2: Conduct your own exploration
There are several ways to acquaint yourself with how computers work. You can actively solve problems on your own computer and those of your friends and relatives. If you have financial resources, you can research and purchase the components needed to build a system. You can volunteer to provide technical assistance to your church or local nonprofit organization.
Step 3: Earn an Associate’s degree
A variety of community colleges and private technical academies offer affiliate programs that teach you how to maintain computers. Course topics include basic electronics, digital logic, operating systems, application software, computer peripherals, and networking. The curriculum in most programs is divided into classroom classes and lab classes where you can work with other students and develop problem-solving skills.
Step 4: Receive certification
You can improve your employment prospects by obtaining the certification of a computer technician. The Association of Technicians in Electronics (ETA) and CompTIA are two of the major organizations offering certifications. To receive the ETA Certification Technique (CST) mark, you must pass the Associate Electronic Technician exam for CST. The exam tests your knowledge in 16 areas of computer maintenance, including the assembly and disassembly of computers, motherboards, processors, memory, memory, and peripherals.
The CompTIA A + certificate is also valid for desktop repair technicians, but it is more comprehensive than CST and covers network and security areas, as well as installation, maintenance and repair. In order to obtain A + certification, you must pass the CompTIA foundation exam and the practical application exam. Several major companies in the computer industry have made A + certification a mandatory testimony of employment.
Step 5: Get a job
The US Bureau of Labor Figures does not have specific figures for desktop repair technicians, but in the largest category of computer support specialists, there were approximately 766,900 employees in 2015. The largest prospects of its career are systems design companies. IT and educational service providers.
What are some related careers?
Computer support specialists perform many of the same tasks as repair engineers, although network support specialists often have more specialized skills and are usually able to create new computer networks and work with existing ones. Computer programmers test and write code that can be read by computers and tell them what to do. Often, they must have the same diagnostic and technical skills as the repair technician to make sure they are working correctly. Installers and repairers of telecommunications equipment have the same skills as computer repair engineers, but they work with cables and devices that transmit communication signals, not just computers.
