How to Become an IT Support Technician

Spread the love

How do I become an IT support technician? In this article, we will be discussing how to become an IT support technician in 2023. In the meantime, information technology, or IT, is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. Apparently, IT support technicians are currently in high demand.

How to Become an IT Support Technician

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 13% increase in this field, meaning there will be plenty of entry-level opportunities to choose from. As technology continues to advance, skilled IT professionals will be more in demand than ever. So, there is no better time than now to start training for an IT support job. If you wish to become an IT support technician, then this is the right article for you. Keep reading to find out more about the job.

Who exactly is an IT Support Technician?

An IT support technician is a person in charge of assisting computer users by guiding them in using and troubleshooting different computer networks and equipment. In addition, they test, install, and upgrade computer hardware and software to provide technical assistance.

Also, an IT support technician is in charge of testing and reviewing new technologies and also suggesting improvements when appropriate. Other duties of an IT support technician include giving timely feedback to customers, repairing computer systems for businesses and organizations, etc.

Duties of an IT Support Technician

The role and responsibilities of an IT support technician are many. However, some of their most important duties include offering online support services and providing solutions to their customers. Others include:

  • They educate clients about solutions.
  • Identify the issues and develop fixes.
  • Install auxiliary devices such as scanners and printers.
  • Notify newly certified technicians.
  • Contact clients to get more information about computer errors.
  • Record computer errors, their causes, and their fixes.

How to Become an IT Support Technician

In this section of the article, we will be discussing the easy and simple steps and guidelines for becoming an IT support technician. Below are steps and guidelines to follow:

1: Obtain a high school certificate or equivalent

To become an IT support technician, you will need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. In addition to a high school diploma, you need an associate degree in computer science or any related field. This will help you prepare for an entry-level IT support technician position and also increase your chances of advancement. However, you can also get a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but this is optional. According to Zippia.com, 50.4% have a bachelor’s degree in this field, while 4.8% of technical support specialists have master’s degrees.

2: Get experience through internships or entry-level positions.

After obtaining a degree in this field, the next step is to acquire work experience in the field. Once you have a degree or formal training, gaining experience can increase your chances of advancement. Most companies and organizations hire IT support technicians with prior experience. Search for an internship or entry-level position that allows you to work with IT systems and provide technical support services to users.

3: Obtain Required Certifications

IT support technicians can get several certifications, such as CompTIA A+, which can demonstrate to employers that they have specific knowledge and skills. Getting a certification can demonstrate to your employer that you possess the minimum knowledge required for this career. The most common IT certifications include:

  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Security 5 Certification
  • Master Certified Electronics Technician (CET)
  • Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
  • Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
  • Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS)

4: Improve your Skills

Technology is constantly improving and changing, and IT support technicians should stay current on new technologies. Also, they should remain effective and improve their chances for advancement.

5 Look for Employment Opportunities

Finally, once you have the experience and qualifications, you can start searching for IT support technician jobs. You can start by searching various organizations, such as large corporations, government agencies, and small businesses.

We advise you to keep an open mind while job hunting. Look for opportunities to increase your experiences, such as working with different types of clients and technologies. Update your resume and cover letter before applying for this role. Ensure your CV accurately reflects your relevant experience and education.

What Are the Skills Required to Be an IT Support Technician?

To be successful in this career, there are certain skills you need to have. In this section of the article, we will be discussing some of the skills needed to apply for this job. Check out the skills below:

Customer Service

You must have exceptional customer service skills to apply for this job. Because you will be required to provide customer service representatives with feedback, assist customers in establishing their online presence, maintain consistent communications with the managers and team members, and more.

Technical Support

Another skill needed for this role is technical support. You will need to provide telephone technical support to customers and contribute to technical documentation, communication, and more.

Patience

In addition, you will need the patience to work in this position. This is because you will have to protect patients and employees by adhering to infection control and hazardous waste policies. For this reason, you need to demonstrate professionalism while interacting with clients.

Pay Close Attention To The Details.

Paying attention to details is another important skill you need to have as an IT support technician. One incorrect placement can cause the entire code to fail. It is therefore vital that you pay attention to every detail by organizing yourself and challenging your brain with games such as puzzles.

Exceptional Teamwork Skills

Meanwhile, you might be required to work with different departments and specialists in many of your IT technician duties. You might need to share and compile code and software from other IT professionals while developing business programs. To successfully work with other departments and professionals, you need excellent teamwork skills to excel in this field.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Job As An IT Support Technician?

The number of years it takes to become an IT support technician varies depending on your training or education. However, it may take up to four years of professional experience to become an IT support technician. This is the time it takes to learn specific skills. It doesn’t account for time spent in formal education.