Computer hardware repair technician

Computer hardware repair technicians install, examine, test and repair computer hardware and peripheral components. They test computers’ functionality, identify the problems and replace damaged components and parts.

The duties of a computer hardware repair technician include, but are not limited to:

• Troubleshooting hardware problems such as computer viruses, slow processing speed, or system crashes
• Installing new software applications on client computers or servers to meet business needs
• Repairing broken hardware components such as replacing hard drives or repairing damaged motherboard components
• Installing new computer hardware such as printers, monitors, keyboards, or mice
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting software problems such as viruses or glitches in the operating system
• Maintaining computer networks by installing new software or repairing existing programs and systems
• Performing routine maintenance tasks such as checking disk space and adding memory to computers that are used regularly for work or home use
• Providing customer support for software or hardware problems using knowledge of computer systems and software applications
• Updating computer security measures by installing new antivirus software or firewalls to protect against hackers or data theft

The following job titles also refer to computer hardware repair technician:

computer service agent
computer repairman
computer hardware repairman
computer hardware repairer
computer technical support agent
computer expert
computer service and repair technician
computer technician
computer repairer

Computer hardware repair technicians work in a variety of settings, including corporate computer support centers, repair shops, and telephone call centers. They may also work in the computer departments of large organizations or in the customer service departments of computer and office machine manufacturers. Many computer repair technicians work in clean, well-lit offices or repair shops. Others work in dimly lit computer rooms or cubicles.

Many computer hardware repair technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They may work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or to solve emergency problems.

Computer hardware repair technicians typically need a high school diploma. Many employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer repair or a related field. These programs teach students the basics of computer hardware and software, including how to install and configure operating systems, install and configure computer hardware, and how to troubleshoot software and hardware issues.

Most computer hardware repair technicians receive on-the-job training from their new employers. This training can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the company’s computer systems and the experience of the technician.

Some computer hardware repair technicians choose to pursue independent training opportunities. These technicians can take courses in specific software or hardware to improve their skills. They can also take courses in networking, troubleshooting and other areas of expertise.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Computer hardware repair technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to computer hardware repair technician.

consumer electronics repair technician
office equipment repair technician
household appliances repair technician
mobile phone repair technician
ATM repair technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of computer hardware repair technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of computer hardware repair technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

body artist
wedding planner
life coach
legal administrative assistant
ICT help desk manager

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of computer hardware repair technician.

• ICT hardware specifications: The characteristics, uses and operations of various hardware products such as printers, screens, and laptops.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Hardware components suppliers: The suppliers who can deliver the required hardware components.

These skills are necessary for the role of computer hardware repair technician.

• Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
• Apply company policies: Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
• Demonstrate use of hardware: Provide customers with information about the quality of hardware, equipment and tools; demonstrate correct and safe product use.
• Maintain records of maintenance interventions: Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
• Install hardware: Assemble the necessary hardware components, such as the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), hard drive, disk drive, power supply unit, RAM, PCI card, mouse, keyboard, cameras and other necessary components to build the computer device. Attach the components manually using screwdrivers or use assembly machines and install the wiring.
• Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
• Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
• Use repair manuals: Apply the information, such as periodic maintenance charts, step by step repair instructions, troubleshooting information and overhaul procedures to perform routine maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain customer service: Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.
• Perform maintenance on installed equipment: Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.
• Replace defect components: Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
• Provide customer information related to repairs: Inform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.
• Repair equipment on site: Identify malfunctions and repair or replace multi-media, audio-visual and computer systems, hardware and equipment on site.
• Test computer hardware: Test computer hardware systems and components using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Provide customer follow-up services: Register, follow-up, solve and respond to customer requests, complaints and after-sales services.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of computer hardware repair technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manage schedule of tasks: Maintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.
• Order supplies: Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
• Drive vehicles: Be able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.
• Manage a small-to-medium business: Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.
• Maintain relationship with suppliers: Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.
• Make independent operating decisions: Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a particular situation.
• Work in shifts: Work in rotating shifts, where the goal is to keep a service or production line running around the clock and each day of the week.
• Ensure compliance with warranty contracts: Implement and monitor repairs and/or replacements by the supplier in compliance with warranty contracts.
• Observe confidentiality: Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.
• Maintain professional administration: File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.
• Administer appointments: Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
• Develop professional network: Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Negotiate supplier arrangements: Reach an agreement with the supplier upon technical, quantity, quality, price, conditions, storage, packaging, send-back and other requirements related to the purchasing and delivering process.
• Install software: Install machine-readable instructions, such as computer programs, in order to direct the computer’s processor to perform a certain set of actions.
• Communicate by telephone: Liaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.
• Issue sales invoices: Prepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and calculate the customer’s final bill.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Perform services in a flexible manner: Adapt service approach when circumstances change.
• Report to the team leader: Keep the team leader informed on current and emerging issues.

7422 – Information and communications technology installers and servicers

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References

1. Computer hardware repair technician – ESCO
2. Computer Repair Technician: Salary, Duties, and More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels