what qualifications would you need to be computer repair technician?

Posted on February 16th, 2010 by admin

and how long will this take roughly

Most employers want CompTia A+ certification from their entry-level repair techs. http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/a.aspx

Some employers don’t require any certification but those also tend not to pay as well. Some require or prefer at least an associates degree but those jobs usually extend beyond repairs into lower-level network and systems administration functions too.

How long it takes depends entirely on whether you’re a novice or are experienced in computer repair. People with strong experience that also study well can get an A+ certification exam study guide and pass the exam just fine with no classes at all.

Rank beginners that have never seen the inside of a computer and don’t know an ATX from an ETX might need a lot more time.

If you go with the community college degree/certificate route then there are more profitable ways to spend two years than becoming a repair tech (aka bench technician) such as certifying in network admin or systems security.

A degree is usually required for advancement in the IT industry at all levels above CSR/bench tech/help-desk.

2 Responses

  1. CoachT Says:

    Most employers want CompTia A+ certification from their entry-level repair techs. http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/a.aspx

    Some employers don’t require any certification but those also tend not to pay as well. Some require or prefer at least an associates degree but those jobs usually extend beyond repairs into lower-level network and systems administration functions too.

    How long it takes depends entirely on whether you’re a novice or are experienced in computer repair. People with strong experience that also study well can get an A+ certification exam study guide and pass the exam just fine with no classes at all.

    Rank beginners that have never seen the inside of a computer and don’t know an ATX from an ETX might need a lot more time.

    If you go with the community college degree/certificate route then there are more profitable ways to spend two years than becoming a repair tech (aka bench technician) such as certifying in network admin or systems security.

    A degree is usually required for advancement in the IT industry at all levels above CSR/bench tech/help-desk.
    References :

  2. PE2008 Says:

    Depends on what level you want to be a "Computer Repair Technician" and if you want to rise above this job title.

    Where I work, a large government facility, the CompTIA A+ Cert has no credibility. Most people with this Cert label themselves as non-promotable entry-level low wage staffers. The A+ (or any of a dozen other exams, ETA, ASCET, etc) are OK if you want to work at Best Buy, or maybe some rural computer/lawnmower repair shop.

    If you want to make progress, you need a four year TAC/ABET-accredited degree in Engineering Technology (NICET Certification should follw) or an ATMAE-accredited degree in Computer Technology such as the excellent degree offered by San Jose State. There are some good 2yr Degrees that are TAC/ABET or ATMAE-accredited, but this is a limiting credential.
    References :
    http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/avtech/documents/New_BSIT_Concentrations_Fa2009.pdf

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