Computer Repair and Maintenance Technician

Computer repair and maintenance technicians can work in a variety of industries. If you are a computer repair and maintenance technician, you can be employed for computer software development and systems design firms, information technology consulting services, and information technology departments in the private sector (e.g., businesses, cable companies), public sector (e.g., schools, universities, retail outlets), or the government. You can also be self-employed and own a store or work from home (freelance).

Education

This job usually requires an associate’s degree or certification. For example, some employers require that their computer repair and maintenance technicians have specific certifications such as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA). Sometimes employers may require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. You will need to review job advertisements carefully for the employer’s education requirements.

Previous Experience

Previous experience working as a computer repair and maintenance technician in any capacity is preferred. In some cases, even if you do not have an associate’s degree, if you have a lot of experience as a computer repair and maintenance technician, an employer may hire you. Some employers may require that you have knowledge of certain types of programs or software. If this is the case, they will specify this requirement in their job advertisements.
If you have the required education and skills, it is strongly encouraged that you apply anyways– everybody has to start somewhere!

Job Duties

• Manually examine and repair computer hardware and peripheral components.
• Test functionality and assess problems by operating computer systems or related.
• Troubleshoot computer systems problems.
• Take apart and re-assemble computer components and parts.
• Use small handheld tools such as screwdrivers, voltmeters, etc.
• Manually set up computer systems and hardware, and install or re-install software programs for computer users.
• Work with colleagues (e.g., other computer repair and maintenance technicians) to resolve computer-related problems (troubleshooting).
• Read and review technical support manuals or other materials.
• Your employer may ask you to carry out additional duties than those listed here.

What’s Your Scene?

This job requires that you are able to work "Behind the Scene."  If you are working as a computer repair and maintenance technician, you may not be working with the public on a regular basis, although you may be working near customers.   You may be required to speak with and interact with co-workers (depending on if you work alone from home or in an office) as well as your client or supervisor to help meet his/her computer repair needs. 

Skills / Abilities

Customer Service Skills  - If you have to explain computer malfunction issues to customers, you will need to know how to provide excellent customer service.  This includes being able to determine if the customer is satisfied, and to meet their needs. It requires the ability to accept complaints from customers, and to calmly deal with high stress situations and angry customers. Displaying a pleasant and cooperative attitude is important.

Computer Programming and Electronics - You will need to know how to use, repair, disassemble and reassemble, install and reinstall computers and computer systems, hardware and software applications and installations, and other electronics such as printers, scanners, and faxes. Many of these skills and abilities will be provided by your associate’s degree or college education.

Mathematics - Having knowledge of higher level arithmetic, including algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics will be helpful.

Critical Analysis and Complex Problem Solving - This job requires the ability to critically examine complex problems by analyzing information or data to develop solutions.

Written Expression - You will be required to write and spell correctly.

Oral Expression - You will be required to speak clearly and effectively.

Reading Comprehension - Demonstrated ability to read, and follow written instructions and ideas.

Oral Comprehension - Demonstrated ability to understand and follow verbal instructions and ideas.

Organization and Prioritization - This job requires the ability to clearly organize and categorize work priorities to complete your work.

Manual Dexterity - This job requires the repeated and coordinated use of your hands, wrists, and fingers to use a computer keyboard, and other small handheld tools.

Environmental Demands

Location - A computer repair and maintenance technician typically works indoors in a climate-controlled setting. If you work from home, you may choose your own work location. Noise Level - The noise level will be low (fairly quiet). Lighting Level - The lighting level will be dependent on your employer. In a workplace, you may have to work in florescent lighting. If you are able to work from home, then you can choose your lighting level. Work Hours - This job may have fulltime hours (40 hours per week), however, depending on whether you work in an office environment or retail environment, your scheduled hours may vary. If you work from home, you may be able to come up with your own schedule. Amount of Movement - This job typically requires that you sit for long periods of time. It also requires that you are able to lift computers and their related parts (e.g., monitors, printers, faxes) from the ground to a table and vice versa. Cleanliness and Odors - This job setting is typically quite clean, although it may be dependent on how well you maintain the cleanliness of your office or work area. Work Attire - Work attire will range - if you are in an office setting, work clothing will typically be business casual clothing. If you work from home, you can choose what you want to wear. Structure and Predictability - This job will typically have a moderate degree of structure and predictability.  This means that you might complete the same tasks each day, or you may have different tasks each day.  These tasks might not be done in the same order each day.  You might not always know ahead of time how long each task will take to complete.  You might work in the same areas each day, and you might interact with the same people each day. What's the Pace? Steady:  In most cases, the work pace will be steady, which means that you will always have some work to do.  When the work pace is steady, you are working at a level “5” on a scale of “1” (nothing to do) to “10” (extremely busy, rushed pace).

 
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