Profession 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.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

  • Realistic / Conventional
  • Realistic / Investigative
  • Realistic / Enterprising

Knowledge

  • 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.

  • ICT hardware specifications

    The characteristics, uses and operations of various hardware products such as printers, screens, and laptops.

  • Hardware components suppliers

    The suppliers who can deliver the required hardware components.

Skills

  • 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.

  • Maintain records of maintenance interventions

    Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.

  • Provide customer information related to repairs

    Inform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.

  • Maintain equipment

    Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.

  • Perform maintenance on installed equipment

    Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.

  • Apply safety measures

    Perform tasks and operations taking into account the safety regulations and standards and applying them in order to prevent incidents or hazards.

  • Provide customer follow-up services

    Register, follow-up, solve and respond to customer requests, complaints and after-sales services.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Replace defect components

    Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.

  • 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.

  • Repair equipment on site

    Identify malfunctions and repair or replace multi-media, audio-visual and computer systems, hardware and equipment on site.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Demonstrate use of hardware

    Provide customers with information about the quality of hardware, equipment and tools; demonstrate correct and safe product use.

Optional knowledge and skills

observe confidentiality manage a small-to-medium business ensure compliance with warranty contracts communicate by telephone issue sales invoices negotiate supplier arrangements drive vehicles develop professional network apply technical communication skills order supplies perform services in a flexible manner manage schedule of tasks maintain relationship with suppliers install software maintain professional administration work in shifts make independent operating decisions train employees administer appointments report to the team leader

Common job titles

  • Retail computer service technician
  • It technician
  • Computer technician/it associate
  • Computer repair technician
  • Desktop support technician
  • Desktop administrator
  • Repair technician
  • Helpdesk technician
  • On-site computer hardware technician
  • Technician ii, deskside