How Do I Become a Computer Hardware Technician?

If you want to become a computer hardware technician, then you should typically receive some type of formal training, either through a training program or at a college. This can culminate in a degree, usually an associate’s degree in computer science or a similar field. You should also consider different forms of professional certification to help you become a computer hardware technician; these certifications are offered by a number of organizations and programs. Once you have the training you need, you should look for opportunities to become a technician at a large company or find clients in need of your services.

To become a computer hardware technician, you should begin with the education usually required within the industry. While some companies may train you in specific aspects of repair for their needs, you should have a general education in electronics and computer repair. One of the easiest ways to get this education is to attend a program in computer science or electronics at a college or technical school. While you can receive a bachelor’s degree in this type of subject, you may be qualified to work in the computer industry with only an associate’s degree.

You should also consider various types of professional certification you can receive to help you become a computer hardware technician. The exact certification program you should complete depends on the aspect of the industry in which you want to work. You might consider a general computer technician certification offered by a number of different organizations, though you can also become certified in more specific aspects of computer repair. If you want to work on server clusters or mainframes, for example, then you should consider certification in that type of particular hardware.

After you have received the education and certification appropriate for your interests, then you can look for opportunities within the computer industry to become a computer hardware technician. You should be aware, however, that this field has experienced decline in the early 21st century. Improvements in technology have made many pieces of hardware less expensive to replace than to repair, which has made employment for some technicians difficult. You should look for large companies that still maintain in-house technicians to perform repairs, though you may also be able to work freelance or start your own business and find commercial and consumer clients in need of hardware repairs.