What college will I need to go to if I want to be a computer technician?

Hi! There are a lot of different answers to question, because "into computer tech" can take a lot of different forms. :)

If you are into playing games... enjoy the games... but it may be that you don't really want computers as a career.

If you love to solve problems, or build your own computer, or get one working that was broken, that might show you really want to do what a lot of people find WAY to boring to do... work with computers full time.

If you want to do hardware (e.g. fix computers by replacing parts), you can probably find some good technical schools to help you. If you want to DESIGN computers, that will be more Electrical Engineering... generally a bachelor's degree at a four year school.

Software is similar. If you just want to know how to use Excel on a job, you can find lots of technical schools and community college classes to help. If you want a basic job in software and IT, a two year degree should be fine. Developing software generally takes a 4 year bachelors degree in computer science or related fields.

Once you decide which path you would like to try , you can go to a local college website and look at the classes that are part of the degree. Fair warning... some of these classes may not be easy, and may not even seem like they apply.. .until later. :) But keep an open mind... and answer your own question honestly.

Best of luck ... and hope this helps!

5 IT certifications in demand

If you’re curious about which IT certifications will provide the most job opportunities and help launch your tech career, look no further! We used real-time job analysis software to identify more than 400,000 entry-level IT job postings from the past twelve months in order to identify the top five IT certifications employers are seeking from candidates.*

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

What is it? The CCNA is a lower-level certification that assures employers you are able to install, operate and configure enterprise level switches and routers. CCNA certified individuals can also detect and solve common network problems and have the option of specializing in security, voice or wireless networking.

Certification process: You can become CCNA certified by passing a single 90-minute written exam consisting of about 50-60 questions. The test costs around $295.

Available entry-level jobs in past year: 6,757

Most common job titles:

•Network engineer
•Network administrator
•Systems administrator

1. CompTIA A+ Technician

What is it? CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification and is a basic starting point for an IT career. Certified A+ technicians handle the maintenance of PCs, printers, operating systems, mobile devices and laptops.

Certification process: You must pass two exams in order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification — one multiple choice and one performance-based. The exam costs approximately $200.

Available entry-level jobs in past year: 6,640

Most common job titles:

•In-home support specialist
•Desktop support technician
•Help desk technician

1. Network+

What is it? Network+ is a globally recognized certification that verifies your ability to design, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks.

Certification process: You must pass a single 90-question exam on the configuration of wired and wireless network devices and other emerging technologies. The exam costs $285.

Available entry-level jobs in past year: 5,404

Most common job titles:

•Helpdesk technician
•Information technology specialist
•Information technology technician

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

What is it? CISSP is a globally recognized credential verifying information security competency in order to protect organizations from attack. The credential proves extensive technical and managerial abilities to engineer and manage information security programs.

Certification process: The CISSP exam covers eight subjects: security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations and software development security. The exam contains 250 questions, takes around six hours to complete and costs $600.

Available entry-level jobs in past year: 4,910

Most common job titles:

•Information technology auditor
•Security analyst
•Information security analyst

1. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

What is it? The MCSE is a mid-level certification that validates an individual’s ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies. MCSE certification is offered in the following specializations: server infrastructure, desktop infrastructure, private cloud, enterprise devices and apps, data platform, business intelligence, messaging, communication and SharePoint.

Certification process: The steps to become certified will vary depending on your preferred concentration, but the exam is a five-step process that incorporates various question formats such as multiple choice, drag-and-drop and simulation problems. The exams typically cost $150 regardless of the specialization.

Available entry-level jobs in past year: 4,686

Most common job titles:

•Systems administrator
•Field systems technician
•Systems engineer