This post provides answers to the question ‘ What does a computer technician do’ as well as the Job Description, Salary & Certification in 2022.
A computer technician job doesn’t only involve the ability to screw open a computer hardware system. Other levels of training and expertise are required to acquire such a status.
Machines have a great probability of malfunction and breakdown hence the need for computer technicians is always important.
In this article, you will get to know who a computer technician is, what a computer technician does, how to become a computer technician, how long it takes to become a computer technician, scaling your career as a technician, and the opportunities that abound in this career path.
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What are the best schools to study to become a Computer Technician?
- University of Alaska
- Penn Foster College
- Southern Careers Institute
- Vista College
- Southern Technical College
- Lincoln Tech
- University of Cincinnati
Who is a Computer Technician?
A computer technician is simply an individual who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of servers and computers. They may also know how to create and maintain network packages, build and configure hardware, and not forget the installation and updating of software.
Computer technicians work in both the private and public sectors or anywhere where a computer is used.
What do Computer Technicians Do?
Computer technicians deal with hardware and software repairs which range from laptops, mobile phones, and servers, down to the removal of viruses and restoration of lost files respectively.
Below is a list of the duties of a computer technician. A computer technician may do the following:
- Set up hardware and install software
- Perform repairs on computers and other peripherals
- Provide support for software or hardware issues
- Assist with the IT aspect of onboarding new hires
- Answer technical questions
- Perform regular software updates
- Troubleshoot system failures and bugs
- Manage security updates
- Arrange maintenance sessions to discover and mend inefficiencies
- Keep records of repairs and as well, fixes for future reference
- Offer timely technical support and as well teach users how to utilize computers correctly
How long does it take to become a Computer Technician?
This depends on how far you want to scale as a computer technician.
However, the minimum requirement needed to become a technician is a high school diploma, while a bachelor’s degree is an added advantage. It could take about 4 years on average to become a computer technician.
How can I become a Computer Technician without a Degree?
To become a computer technician without a degree, you would need to go for an apprenticeship under an experienced computer technician after your diploma.
How much is a Computer Technician’s Salary
According to payscale.com, the average salary of a computer technician ranges from $24,337 – $55,889 per year.
How can I become a Computer Technician?
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree gives you more knowledge about the computer technician career.
For this reason, you can take up computer engineering/information systems as a course of study in any of the institutions.
Step Two: Get Hired/Internships
To become a highly skilled professional computer technician, you will need to get trained after successfully graduating. You can also run internships for public or corporate companies that have highly experienced senior colleagues. Therefore, you need to get hired or go for internships.
Step Three: Get Certified/Licensed
To operate as a professional computer technician, you’ll need a license or a certification. A license promotes and stamps your verbal and written competence.
Therefore, a license is very important as many industries won’t give you the opportunity to perform any work on their wares without it.
Step Four: Execute Tasks
To become better as a computer technician, you’ll need to execute more jobs in order to continue to gain experience and grow.
What skills do I need to become a Computer Technician?
There are certain skills that are necessary for a computer technician.
In essence, these skills help elevate and sharpen your career as a computer technician. There are certain interpersonal skills that are also important for this career path. You’ll need to possess creativity, integrity, and diligence among a lot of others in order to succeed.
Yet, you need to possess a basic knowledge of the necessary processes for executing a task. In essence, you’ll need to understand hardware, and software processes as well as information systems.
This is the benchmark at which many businesses and professions may fail. A technician should be able to communicate effectively to a client and the public about how relevant you can be and why they should work with you.
Below is a list of requirements and skills you need to become a computer technician:
- Proven experience as a computer technician or similar role
- Experience with LAN/WAN networks
- Thorough knowledge of computer systems and IT components
- Good knowledge of internet security and data privacy principles
- Excellent troubleshooting skills
- Very good communication abilities
- Exceptional organizing and time-management skills
- BSc/BA in Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant field
- Relevant certifications (e.g. CompTIA A+) will be an advantage
Source: resources.workable.com
What are some Common Computer Technician Interview Questions?
Although interviewing for a job always feels like such a big deal no matter how many ties you have interviewed. However, we have got you covered on that. If you are planning to interview for a computer technician role, here are some random interview questions to look out for.
- How do you communicate technical information clearly to non-technical people?
- What is your troubleshooting process?
- How do you keep your skills and knowledge current?
- What operating systems are you familiar with?
- Can you tell me about a time you’ve had to deal with a difficult person? How did you handle it?
- What do you do when you encounter an error you can’t solve?
- What are your favorite or least favorite technology products? Why?
- What questions do you ask when troubleshooting a user’s computer problem?
- How do you prioritize your work when you have more than one project at a time?
Source: Coursera.org
How can I scale my career as a Computer Technician?
Becoming a computer technician is important but growing in the field is more important.
Therefore, below are four ways you can scale your career as a computer technician.
- Build Experience
- Invest in Learning
- Get Mentored
- Build Relationships
- Build Experience
1. Build Experience
To be a well-known and respected computer technician, experience is very important.
Basically, you can build experience by practicing consistently and taking on jobs.
2. Investing in Learning
consistent learning leads to growth in any career path.
Therefore, you have to read extensively and attend training and conferences.
Learning is an investment so you should be ready to put in your time, money, and energy.
3. Get Mentored
Learning by experience can help you to grow, but if you want to grow very fast, get a mentor.
Mentors can act as catalysts to the growth and building of any individual.
4. Build Relationships
As a person on a career path, relationships are an essential part of growth.
Therefore, you should invest in the right relationships with both individuals and clients.
What is the difference between a Computer Technician and a Computer Engineer?
These two professions hold a lot of similarities and it’s normal to assume that both are the same.
However, despite their similarities, they possess notable differences.
A computer engineer is basically the individual who deals with the building of devices and computer parts.
In other words, he functions as a manufacturer or producer while a computer technician, also called a support specialist, deals basically with the troubleshooting and repair of these computer parts/devices when they malfunction or break down.
What are the best schools to study to become a Computer Technician?
There are a number of schools that train students to become qualified computer technicians.
Below are the top seven schools to study to become computer technicians.
1. University of Alaska
Tuition: $1,079 per credit
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) has approximately 20,000 full- and part-time students scattered across all of its campuses. It is the largest university in the state.
In UAA there are twelve Colleges, four of which are community colleges in Valdez, Kodiak, Soldotna, Homer, and the Mat-Su.
In essence, the networking and computer program of the institution prepares and produces graduates who are highly qualified network administrators and technicians.
Among the things that make this institution one of the best places to study is the learning environment in addition to the prime practical and academic classes.
2. Penn Foster College
Tuition: $909 monthly mail pay
Penn Foster College is a private non-profit college founded in 1890. It was known as the center for degree studies before it changed its name to Penn Foster.
Basically, in this institute, you learn PC Maintenance and Repair and get your diploma in as little as six months.
In addition, the conducive, learning environment makes Pen Foster college stand out as a great place to study to become a computer technician.
3. Southern Careers Institute
Tuition: $13,000 per year
Southern Careers Institute was established in 1960 and is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. It has risen to become one of the most prestigious institutes in Texas.
In this institution, you’re trained to become a computer support specialist and all the courses are aimed at producing excellence in its students. Also, the flexibility of the program makes it easy to enroll and start.
4. Vista College
Tuition: $17,015 per year
Vista College is Located in Texas, United States, and boasts an undergraduate enrollment of 4,701 per year. The institution has one of the best reputations in bringing about advancements in science and technology.
The specialists in this institute give hands-on training and mentoring and aim to produce competent information technologists. The students will undergo extra training where some will become engineers, analysts, computer technicians, etc.
5. Southern Technical College
Tuition: $12,924 per year
Southern Technical College is a private for-profit technical college founded in 2001. Here, students are exposed to associate degrees and diverse programs and diplomas from which they can choose.
Basically, the teaching methods in this institution comprise both theoretical and practical approaches.
In essence, students are taught concepts behind certain theories and results as well as exposed to better technological approaches.
For students who wish to seek a career in Network Engineering, they also offer an associate degree in that area.
6. Lincoln Tech
Tuition: $17,900 per year
Lincoln Tech is a postsecondary group for-profit American vocational institution with lots of campuses operated and managed by Lincoln Educational Services Corporation. It is located in New Jersey.
The Computer and Network Support Technician program aims to educate you on the best IT systems.
Therefore, you will need a laptop to use in practice most of the skills you will gain. Through cyber invigilation, you’ll also be taught how to get to the front of information security.
Students are essentially trained to build their skills in time and financial management, goal setting, critical thinking, and much more.
7. University of Cincinnati
Tuition: $27,244 per year
The University of Cincinnati is a public research university that boasts an annual enrollment of over 44,000. It was founded in 1819 as Cincinnati College.
The university has a graduation and acceptance rate of 62% and 76% respectively.
The schools offer an Information technology program that gets you access to the practical steps and basic theories on how you can become a computer technician
Due to the comfortable learning environment and the practical methods used to make learning interesting and comfortable, the University of Cincinnati is one of the finest places in which you can advance your course as a computer technician.
FAQs What Does a Computer Technician Do?
A computer technician is simply an individual who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of servers and computers.
This depends on how far you want to scale as a computer technician.
However, the minimum requirement needed to become a technician is a high school diploma, while a bachelor’s degree is an added advantage. It could take about 4 years on average to become a computer technician.
A computer technician’s salary ranges from $24,337 – $55,889 per year.
You need communication and interpersonal skills and a lot of technical skills to become a computer technician.
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