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How do I Become a Computer Repair Technician?

Vicki Hogue-Davies
Vicki Hogue-Davies

A computer repair technician is a computer expert who repairs and maintains computer equipment. The computer repair technician might repair hardware, troubleshoot computer networks or update company software programs. To become a computer repair technician, strong experience with computer hardware and peripherals and in-depth knowledge of different software and operating systems generally are required. A two- or four-year college degree might be necessary, depending on the particular job. Some computer repair technicians earn specialized certificates from vocational or technical schools or from computer and software vendors that show they are competent to work with particular hardware or software.

To become a computer repair technician, knowledge of a variety of computer areas is often expected by employers. Technicians often must troubleshoot problems with modems, printers, scanners and other peripheral equipment, in addition to hardware and software. If you have old computer equipment at home, taking it apart and putting it back together might be helpful as practice.

Computer repair technicians usually gain hands on experience outside of the classroom.
Computer repair technicians usually gain hands on experience outside of the classroom.

You also can learn about computers in secondary school by taking computer classes and through computer labs. Some technical high school classes prepare students for CompTIA A+ certification, which is provided by the Computing Technology Industry Association. It is one of the largest non-vendor-specific competency certifications for computer service professionals.

Computer classes and labs can help someone on the path to becoming a computer repair technician.
Computer classes and labs can help someone on the path to becoming a computer repair technician.

Completing a two-year degree in computer maintenance and repair or a four-year degree in information technology or computer science can help you to become a computer technician. Employers in tight job markets might prefer a more well-rounded education along with the requisite skills, so a college degree can be helpful, especially when you are seeking employment with larger companies. If you plan to start your own computer repair business or work for a small computer repair company, a degree might not be necessary as long as you have the expert knowledge that the job requires.

A computer repair technician must know how to repair hardware.
A computer repair technician must know how to repair hardware.

It's important to highlight all of your computer skills on your résumé, or in your advertising materials if you plan to work for yourself. It can be helpful to join professional computer organizations to make contacts and gain industry education. Communication skills also can be important if you want to become a computer repair technician, because technicians often must deal one-on-one with computer users to decipher their computer problems. Good problem-solving skills are important to diagnose problems, as is decision-making ability to move forward with solutions after problems have been diagnosed.

Knowledge of a variety of computer areas is expected from computer repair technicians.
Knowledge of a variety of computer areas is expected from computer repair technicians.

Self-employed computer repair technicians who are just starting out might need references to gain clients. Be prepared to provide the names of people whose computers you have fixed if you want to become a computer repair technician, h. Your advertising materials also can include testimonials from people who have been happy with your computer repair services.

Discussion Comments

penta007

The computer and laptop technologies have become so complicated these days that sometimes, even the best computer repairs professionals have to take a deep breath before embarking upon the daunting task of fixing a computer.

Anyway, doing simple things like not charging your laptop after it is fully recharged, or exercising a bit of caution when surfing the internet will keep your computer safe from a lot of troubles. This extra-recharging practice effectively seals the fate of your battery, no matter how pricey and famous your battery brand may be. Surfing the internet indiscriminately without making sure of the website security may get your computer infected by a computer virus.

The idea is we should all educate ourselves about the small things about a computer if we want to avoid the bigger problems.

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    • Computer repair technicians usually gain hands on experience outside of the classroom.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Computer repair technicians usually gain hands on experience outside of the classroom.
    • Computer classes and labs can help someone on the path to becoming a computer repair technician.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Computer classes and labs can help someone on the path to becoming a computer repair technician.
    • A computer repair technician must know how to repair hardware.
      By: mickyso
      A computer repair technician must know how to repair hardware.
    • Knowledge of a variety of computer areas is expected from computer repair technicians.
      By: yanlev
      Knowledge of a variety of computer areas is expected from computer repair technicians.
    • Most computer repair technicians need to hold at least a high-school diploma.
      By: diego cervo
      Most computer repair technicians need to hold at least a high-school diploma.
    • Self-employed computer repair technicians will often need references to gain employment.
      By: wolandmaster
      Self-employed computer repair technicians will often need references to gain employment.
    • Computer repair technicians may work on mobile PCs as a specialty.
      By: Ariwasabi
      Computer repair technicians may work on mobile PCs as a specialty.