Essential Information
| Degree Level | Certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field(s) | Computer repair technology, computer support, information technology, or related field |
| Minimum Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent |
| License/Certification | Certificate and work experience can often be substituted for advanced degrees |
| Job Outlook (2018-2028) | 1% decline |
| Mean Annual Salary (2019) | $42,070 (for computer repairers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
At the very minimum, employers seek computer repair professionals with at least high school degrees. Depending on the company, professional certifications and hands-on experience may be more important than a formal college education. Other employers require an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Computer and office technology technicians generally need at least an associate degree and basic skills in electronics repair. Computer support specialists, on the other hand, monitor system performance and ensure that computers are working properly. A computer support specialist may need as little as a certificate or as much as a bachelor's degree, depending on the employer.
Certificate Programs in Computer Repair
At the certificate level, students gain foundational skills to work as computer support specialists and entry-level repair technicians. They learn to assemble hard systems and optimize operating systems, drivers and storage capacities. Some courses might include:
- Motherboards
- Understanding computer storage
- Networking
- Portable computers
- Local and networked printers
Associate's Degree in Computer Repair Technology
At the 2-year level, computer repair programs often lead to the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Repair Technology or Information Technology. These programs combine lessons in hardware and software fundamentals, as well as instruction in network principles. Some courses included in the curriculum are:
- Alternating and direct currents
- Digital circuitry
- Telecommunications
- Computer networking
- Programming and processing basics
Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Repair
Undergraduate degree programs in computer engineering or computer science take four years to complete, and provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement and repair computer systems. Engineering curricula focus more on the structure of computer hardware, while computer science focuses more on software development and network management However, students in both programs learn about:
- Programming languages
- Computer algorithms
- Database architecture
- Artificial intelligence systems
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The BLS states that computer repairers make a mean annual salary of $42,070, according to May 2019 data. From 2018 to 2028, the employment for these professionals is expected to decline 1%, according to the BLS.
Continuing Education Information
Computer repair technicians and support specialists may decide to obtain additional educational certificates in areas that would complement their careers. Colleges often offer 15-credit courses specializing in computer security, networking, database administration and advanced programming.
Furthermore, computer repair technicians may pursue the voluntary International Society of Certified Electronics Technician (www.iscet.org) credential, which is earned by passing one or more examinations. Computer support and repair specialists, in contrast, typically need one or more industry certifications, such as CompTIA's A+ and Network+ credentials. Other industry certifications are offered by software and equipment manufacturers, like Cisco and Microsoft.
Computer repair continuing education programs are also often available through the same organizations that provide certification testing, in addition to colleges and universities. Many computer industry websites offer audio and video downloads as well as live webinar sessions, which last between 30 minutes to an hour.
Workshops, in which attendants can network and learn about trends in computer repair, typically last 2-4 days. College seminars are offered several times throughout each year and are approximately one hour in length.
Computer repairers can be hired with a high school diploma, but most employers would prefer one with an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or some form of certification.
