Computer Repair Technician Career

*A job as a Computer Repair Technician falls under the broader career category of Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category but may not specifically apply to this career title.

Job Description for Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers : Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.


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Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer Career

What Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers do:

  • Converse with customers to determine details of equipment problems.
  • Reassemble machines after making repairs or replacing parts.
  • Reinstall software programs or adjust settings on existing software to fix machine malfunctions.
  • Advise customers concerning equipment operation, maintenance, or programming.
  • Update existing equipment, performing tasks such as installing updated circuit boards or additional memory.
  • Travel to customers' stores or offices to service machines or to provide emergency repair service.
  • Install and configure new equipment, including operating software or peripheral equipment.
  • Operate machines to test functioning of parts or mechanisms.
  • Analyze equipment performance records to assess equipment functioning.
  • Test new systems to ensure that they are in working order.
  • Repair, adjust, or replace electrical or mechanical components or parts, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering or welding equipment.
  • Test components or circuits of faulty equipment to locate defects, using oscilloscopes, signal generators, ammeters, voltmeters, or special diagnostic software programs.
  • Maintain records of equipment maintenance work or repairs.
  • Maintain parts inventories and order any additional parts needed for repairs.
  • Align, adjust, or calibrate equipment according to specifications.
  • Assemble machines according to specifications, using hand or power tools and measuring devices.
  • Read specifications, such as blueprints, charts, or schematics, to determine machine settings or adjustments.
  • Complete repair bills, shop records, time cards, or expense reports.
  • Disassemble machines to examine parts, such as wires, gears, or bearings for wear or defects, using hand or power tools and measuring devices.
  • Enter information into computers to copy programs from one electronic component to another or to draw, modify, or store schematics.
  • Clean, oil, or adjust mechanical parts to maintain machines' operating efficiency and to prevent breakdowns.
  • Fill machines with toners, inks, or other duplicating fluids.
  • Lay cable and hook up electrical connections between machines, power sources, and phone lines.
  • Train new repairers.
  • Calibrate testing instruments.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Holland Code Chart for a Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer