what degree in college should I get in computer repair technician?Associate or Certificate program?
Posted on January 6th, 2010 by admin
I plan to work for no one. I just want to learn how to fix and repair computers
If you plan on doing it as a hobby, you can take a few courses at a local community college. Just be sure to ensure that the coursework "maps" to the A+. The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. Those same courses will prove fairly expensive at a "tech school". Bear in mind that the A+ equates to about 6 months job experience as a computer support technician. You’ll learn the "basics" you’ll acquire actual knowledge through time and experience (for which there is no substitute).
The computer support technician is one of the "lower rungs" on the IT career development path. My observation is based on having worked with computers of all types since 1967 as well as holding that particular certification and several more. I’ve also been teaching IT courses for the past 10-20 years.
Education and training. Due to the wide range of skills required, there are many paths of entry to a job as a computer support specialist. Training requirements for computer support specialist positions vary, but many employers prefer to hire applicants with some formal college education. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information systems is a prerequisite for some jobs; other jobs, however, may require only a computer-related associate degree. Some employers will hire applicants with a college degree in any field, as long as the applicant has the necessary technical skills. For some jobs, relevant computer experience and certifications may substitute for formal education.
Most support specialists receive on-the-job training after being hired. This training can last anywhere from 1 week to 1 year, but a common length is about 3 months. Many computer support specialists, in order to keep up with changes in technology, continue to receive training throughout their careers by attending professional training programs offered by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions.
Certification and other qualifications. For some jobs, professional certification may qualify an applicant for employment. Certification can demonstrate proficiency in a product or process, and help applicants obtain some entry-level positions. Some hardware and software vendors require their computer support specialists to be certified, and many of these will fund this training after an applicant is hired. Voluntary certification programs are offered by a wide variety of organizations, including product vendors and training institutions, and are available across the Nation.
January 6th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
If you plan on doing it as a hobby, you can take a few courses at a local community college. Just be sure to ensure that the coursework "maps" to the A+. The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. Those same courses will prove fairly expensive at a "tech school". Bear in mind that the A+ equates to about 6 months job experience as a computer support technician. You’ll learn the "basics" you’ll acquire actual knowledge through time and experience (for which there is no substitute).
The computer support technician is one of the "lower rungs" on the IT career development path. My observation is based on having worked with computers of all types since 1967 as well as holding that particular certification and several more. I’ve also been teaching IT courses for the past 10-20 years.
Education and training. Due to the wide range of skills required, there are many paths of entry to a job as a computer support specialist. Training requirements for computer support specialist positions vary, but many employers prefer to hire applicants with some formal college education. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information systems is a prerequisite for some jobs; other jobs, however, may require only a computer-related associate degree. Some employers will hire applicants with a college degree in any field, as long as the applicant has the necessary technical skills. For some jobs, relevant computer experience and certifications may substitute for formal education.
Most support specialists receive on-the-job training after being hired. This training can last anywhere from 1 week to 1 year, but a common length is about 3 months. Many computer support specialists, in order to keep up with changes in technology, continue to receive training throughout their careers by attending professional training programs offered by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions.
Certification and other qualifications. For some jobs, professional certification may qualify an applicant for employment. Certification can demonstrate proficiency in a product or process, and help applicants obtain some entry-level positions. Some hardware and software vendors require their computer support specialists to be certified, and many of these will fund this training after an applicant is hired. Voluntary certification programs are offered by a wide variety of organizations, including product vendors and training institutions, and are available across the Nation.
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