Computer Specialist, Customer Service Technician, Information Technology Specialist, Personal Computer Service Technician, Service Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $22.74 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $30.38 |
| Top | $37.82 |
Interest in precision working to adjust, align, replace and repair equipment, assemblies and components following manuals and schematics; and to inspect and test equipment, components and assemblies using multimeters, circuit testers, oscilloscopes, logic probes and other test instruments, tools and equipment
Interest in analyzing equipment to diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
Interest in speaking to customers regarding equipment malfunctions to complete work orders; may supervise other electronic equipment service technicians
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Computer service technicians’ roles vary. In general, they:
Computer service technicians work with customer support analysts. They may test new equipment and report results to engineering and manufacturing staff.
Computer service technicians work in a variety of settings. Some can be clean and airy. Others may be cold and dusty. They may have to lift and carry computer components.
Technicians usually work a standard work week. But some may be on 24-hour call for certain periods. Some may work overtime if systems fail. The work can be stressful (when systems are not working and customers are upset).
Computer service technicians need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Computer service technicians need at least a high school diploma. They also need related training or experience. Employers often prefer applicants with related post-secondary education and certification.
Advancement may require a related 2-year diploma or equivalent. To learn more about 2-year programs, see the Computer Network Administrator and Computer Programmer occupational profiles.
There are many post-secondary programs in this field. Anyone interested in being a computer service technician should talk to potential employers about training options before they start a training program.
Many employers provide ongoing training opportunities, both in the classroom and on the job, to help computer service technicians keep up to date with rapidly changing technology.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
CompTIA A+ certification is considered an industry standard. It offers theory and practical knowledge. It teaches technicians how to solve problems. Most employers require it.
Candidates must pass an exam to become certified. They can prepare through self-study and experience or take courses that lead to certification. These are available at many colleges.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies through the objective application of specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) has defined the body of knowledge required for certification and recognizes the many different ways this standard may be achieved. Applicants must provide documented evidence for 1 of the following I.S.P. designation criteria routes: (1) Established Academic, (2) IT Industry Leader, (3) Established IT Professional, (4) Education Plus Experience, (5) Exam, (6) Professional Experience Only (applicants must have entered the field prior to 1976), or (7) Upgrade from Candidate Status. For official, detailed information, visit the CIPS website, CIPS Alberta website or contact CIPS Alberta.
Information systems professionals who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered professionals in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta
PO Box 21085
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6R 2V4
Phone Number: 780-431-9311
Toll-free phone number: 1-844-431-9311
Fax number: 780-413-0076
E-mail: alberta@cips.ca
Website: ab.cips.ca
Computer service technicians work for:
Experienced computer service technicians may become supervisors or managers. Those with further training can become technical specialists (that is, they can help engineers design equipment).
Computer service technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment). In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the C142: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 114 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings vary a lot. Both the employer and the employee’s qualifications and duties affect earnings.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.31 | $38.00 | $22.74 | $20.19 |
| Overall | $19.73 | $38.46 | $30.38 | $31.56 |
| Top | $24.00 | $48.08 | $37.82 | $40.50 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Manufacturing | $81,884 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $75,513 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $62,417 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $62,002 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $60,622 |
| Wholesale Trade | $59,928 |
| Retail Trade | $58,053 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $48,140 |
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: www.cipsalberta.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.