A computer repair technician is a computer specialist who fixes and maintains computers. Hardware may be repaired, computer networks may be troubleshooted, and company software programs may be updated by the computer repair technician. Strong experience with computer hardware and peripherals, as well as in-depth knowledge of various software and operating systems, are generally required to become a computer repair technician. Depending on the job, a two- or four-year college diploma may be required. Some computer repair technicians receive specialized certificates from vocational or technical schools, as well as computer and software vendors, demonstrating their ability to work with specific hardware and software.
Employers frequently expect knowledge of a variety of computer areas when hiring a computer repair technician. In addition to hardware and software, technicians must frequently troubleshoot problems with modems, printers, scanners, and other peripheral equipment. If you have old computer equipment at home, dismantling and reassembling it can be beneficial practice.
In secondary school, you can learn about computers through computer classes and computer labs. Some technical high school courses prepare students for the Computing Technology Industry Association’s CompTIA A+ certification. It is one of the most widely recognized non-vendor competency certifications for computer service technicians.
You can become a computer technician by earning a two-year degree in computer maintenance and repair or a four-year degree in information technology or computer science. Employers in tight job markets may prefer candidates with a more well-rounded education as well as the necessary skills, so a college degree can be advantageous, especially when applying for jobs with larger corporations. A degree may not be required if you plan to start your own computer repair business or work for a small computer repair company, as long as you have the expert knowledge that the job requires.
If you plan to work for yourself, it’s critical to emphasize all of your computer skills on your résumé or in your marketing materials. Joining professional computer organizations can help you make contacts and gain industry knowledge. If you want to work as a computer repair technician, you’ll need good communication skills because you’ll be dealing with customers one-on-one to figure out their problems. In order to diagnose problems, good problem-solving skills are required, as is the ability to make decisions in order to move forward with solutions once problems have been identified.
In order to gain clients, self-employed computer repair technicians may require references. If you want to work as a computer repair technician, be prepared to provide the names of people whose computers you have repaired. Testimonials from people who have used your computer repair services can also be included in your marketing materials.