How to Become a Computer Technician

Cracking the code of technology ain't everybody's oyster. There's some respect I hold in my heart for those technologically advanced, or should I say, technologically adept, who know the bits and nuances of the myriad mysteries the world of scientific know-how enfolds within. While it may take me hours to figure out why is my laptop working so slow and deadening, it's a matter of nano-seconds for a computer veteran to fix a broken wire, and get my system going, without any effort at all. Too flattering as it may sound, for me, computer technicians are geniuses, bailing out our extremely complicated systems from going to the dogs.

If you're one of those tech-savvies who get the process of tethering multiple networks, remote access, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and god-knows-what-other-bytes, a career as a computer technician can definitely win you all the respect and honor from those technologically challenged like me. While we dwell in a world so under the influence of technology, a job as a computer technician is your door to endless opportunities in the fraternity of this extremely rewarding profession. To find your way into becoming a computer expert, you need to first understand what does this technician do. Take a look at the following section.

Duties and Responsibilities

Simply put, computer technicians are skilled professionals who solve all problems associated with computer systems. They work upon desktop computers, laptops, computer networks, servers, and mobile systems. They troubleshoot, fix, install, and maintain computer systems with the help of their technical know-how, and perform required updates that keep the system from crashing again in the future. While there are different levels of complications associated with computer systems and network, the job of a computer technician varies accordingly. A computer technician knows how to solve issues in computers quickly, that may otherwise take up a lot of time to get fixed. What's more, they're well cognizant of the latest technologies, solutions, software, and hardware, so that they're able to solve every problem that a helpless client poses. They make sure they fix every problem without any kind of data loss, and that's why they incorporate various techniques which are quite difficult for a layman to carry out. Computer technicians may work in a corporate information technology department, or a retail sales environment, in an educational institution, or may have their personal workstations.

Educational Requirements and Qualifications

Before we learn about the degrees required to enter this field, there is something every aspirant is supposed to know. To start with, an aspiring computer technician is required to know every bit of computers. Yes, it might not be an easy task to take in everything that's inside a computer system, but then, you need to be very smart to know what kind of problems do users most frequently face.

Secondly, you need to get proper training. It is highly essential you pursue a 2-year college degree, or a 4-year college program where you get to learn more and more about computer systems. An aspirant needs to own a bachelor's degree in Information Technology. Along with these degree programs, you could train in a licensed computer training school which will help you gain all insight with regards to computer systems, and will focus directly on getting the best job according to the area you specialize in. For gaining certification as a computer technician, these training courses prepare you for the various exams that offer certifications such as CompTIA A+ IT Technician certification, and CISCO certifications.

Thirdly, in order to advance your career as a computer technician, appear for a Computer Service Technician (CST) exam, which is recognized by the Electronics Technicians Association International. Getting through this exam will designate you as a qualified computer technician, eligible for any kind of job under the category of troubleshooting and management of computer systems.

Lastly, keep your education and training going. Gain as much insight as you can, for technology is one field that is unfathomable in terms of learning. In order to grab long-term opportunities in your career, you need to be skilled, and more skilled than your competitors. After all, this is one career that prefers only those technicians who have the maximum knowledge about computer systems. Find out a computer technician position whichever institution you want to work with, and the one that matches your skills and training level.

It takes a great deal of time and experience to become a computer technician. Well, the results are fruitful too! As far as the annual salary goes, the figures are anything but disappointing. On a yearly basis, a computer technician earns somewhere between $30,000 - $48,000. However, with years of experience, salary figures take a hike too. Now, when you're well-versed with the process of chasing a career in this field, enroll in a good training program, gain as much knowledge about computers as you can, take a breath, and relax. There's a lot of work out there for you. The fraternity of technology won't disappoint you. Swear.