5 answers
Dillin
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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How would I get into a job repairing Phones and computers?
My dream job is to repair phones and computers for people but I was wondering if there were any high school classes I could do to better my chances.
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5 answers
Nick Bartmon
Security Software Engineer
14
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hi Dillin, some high schools do offer some courses that could help with this. Take any course related to computer that's offered, especially if there is anything available that talks about repair or "certifications". A great way to get started in this space is with a class in computer repair that leads to something called an A+ Certification from CompTIA. There are some high schools have programs for this, however they're sometimes after hours and cost money. Ultimately, you end up taking a test that gives you the certification. Outside of school, there are also classes you can take but they're usually kind of expensive (a few thousand dollars at least). Some of the free online sites like Khan Academy have courses that will help, but not a dedicated curriculum for the certification.
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing
Nick recommends the following next steps:
Carol Wade
IT Support Engineer
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Carol’s Answer
Hey there Dillin! You're my first question/answer! :)
LinkedIn Learning is a great resource. In the last 5-10 years or so, LinkedIn (the social network for professionals) has made some acquisitions (which is when one company buys one or more others - they themselves were acquired by Microsoft a while back!). They bought an online training company called Lynda.com, and now have hundreds of legit training courses available, all for the cost of a monthly LinkedIn Premium subscription (around $45 bucks -- the first month is FREE!!!). You can sign up for a month, and do the CompTIA A+ course (which Nick just mentioned - see below), but on your own time, and/or quickly as you might like to.
The current core A+ courses are called 220-1101 and 220-1102 -- they just changed the codes. The exam is updated every few years to stay current, but since it's the basics, once you get it, it doesn't expire. The codes can be a little confusing, so always make sure you're following one instructor, for the same courses. Mike Myers currently is the top guy for A+ on LinkedIn Learning...I've linked to him below. Remember: the new codes are brand new, so the new classes are still coming out, but this means you'll be on the cutting edge!! 8-)
If you're a real go-getter, you can finish the certification course in a few months, then take the exam, which is the most expensive part, really -- $246. I'm sure if you pull it off, your parents would be more than glad to help. (If not, start a GoFundMe! ;) You can take the Core 1 & 2 courses literally anywhere, as long as the training is affiliated with the CompTIA certification organization. If you have study materials, you'll be able to pass. With LinkedIn Learning, you'll always have access to the course materials, if you pass the course, and are still a member. So let's say it takes you 4 months: that's $135.00 + $246 = Less than $400 for the whole thing!! (It's good to know the numbers if you do need to ask for help ;)
Also, making a LinkedIn profile now is a great way to build your professional presence, and maybe get jobs as soon as you're done training! I got A+ Certified years ago - my "foot in the door" of IT - and I've been in the industry for over 10 years. I love helping people get their work done with technology. A+ is an awesome way to climb up the IT ladder, and get involved in anything from the Geek Squad, to a stock exchange trading floor!
Best of luck...steps are below :)
1) Sign up with Linkedin Premium: http://tiny.cc/LinkedInPremium
2) Take your LinkedIn CompTIA A+ Courses, starting with A+ 220-1101, Core 1, Prep 1, and keep on studying: http://tiny.cc/APlus220-1101
3) When finished with all 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) Prep courses (still new, so they're still coming out), sign up to take the exam: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a#exampreparation
4) Any Questions? You can contact the instructor, Mike Myers, on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-meyers-7611874 (But don't bother him too much; you can do it on your own, I'll bet!! ;)
Keep taking deep breaths...you got this!! :)
LinkedIn Learning is a great resource. In the last 5-10 years or so, LinkedIn (the social network for professionals) has made some acquisitions (which is when one company buys one or more others - they themselves were acquired by Microsoft a while back!). They bought an online training company called Lynda.com, and now have hundreds of legit training courses available, all for the cost of a monthly LinkedIn Premium subscription (around $45 bucks -- the first month is FREE!!!). You can sign up for a month, and do the CompTIA A+ course (which Nick just mentioned - see below), but on your own time, and/or quickly as you might like to.
The current core A+ courses are called 220-1101 and 220-1102 -- they just changed the codes. The exam is updated every few years to stay current, but since it's the basics, once you get it, it doesn't expire. The codes can be a little confusing, so always make sure you're following one instructor, for the same courses. Mike Myers currently is the top guy for A+ on LinkedIn Learning...I've linked to him below. Remember: the new codes are brand new, so the new classes are still coming out, but this means you'll be on the cutting edge!! 8-)
If you're a real go-getter, you can finish the certification course in a few months, then take the exam, which is the most expensive part, really -- $246. I'm sure if you pull it off, your parents would be more than glad to help. (If not, start a GoFundMe! ;) You can take the Core 1 & 2 courses literally anywhere, as long as the training is affiliated with the CompTIA certification organization. If you have study materials, you'll be able to pass. With LinkedIn Learning, you'll always have access to the course materials, if you pass the course, and are still a member. So let's say it takes you 4 months: that's $135.00 + $246 = Less than $400 for the whole thing!! (It's good to know the numbers if you do need to ask for help ;)
Also, making a LinkedIn profile now is a great way to build your professional presence, and maybe get jobs as soon as you're done training! I got A+ Certified years ago - my "foot in the door" of IT - and I've been in the industry for over 10 years. I love helping people get their work done with technology. A+ is an awesome way to climb up the IT ladder, and get involved in anything from the Geek Squad, to a stock exchange trading floor!
Best of luck...steps are below :)
Carol recommends the following next steps:
Sudhakar Karuppaiah
IT Capacity Manager
1
Answer
Waltham, Massachusetts
Updated
Sudhakar’s Answer
Hi Dillin,
'CrashCourse' channel in YouTube would be a great resource to get you going.
https://youtu.be/O5nskjZ_GoI
It is free and has subjects broken down in small segments. Not a course for certification, but fundamental knowledge of software and hardware would be essential toward eventual certification
Another course would be Google IT Support Professional Certificate
It is paid course and for 6 months you would pay $300
Good Luck
https://youtu.be/O5nskjZ_GoI
'CrashCourse' channel in YouTube would be a great resource to get you going.
https://youtu.be/O5nskjZ_GoI
It is free and has subjects broken down in small segments. Not a course for certification, but fundamental knowledge of software and hardware would be essential toward eventual certification
Another course would be Google IT Support Professional Certificate
It is paid course and for 6 months you would pay $300
Good Luck
Sudhakar recommends the following next steps:
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
67
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
Hi Dillin,
I suggest learning about this through books, classes at High Schools, Adult Schools, and Community College programs as well as the others mentioned here. You can also learn a lot going to computer fairs and meetups and just tinkering and experimenting. Like others mention, the CompTIA A+ is the certification for computer repair (I have this cert) and its helpful. You do everything from building PCs and small networks for small businesses to removing viruses and other tasks. Its possible to work for larger companies to as help desk or tech support. Once you are up to speed and can build/fix computers, put an ad in your local paper and offer your service. You can meet interesting people and they really appreciate the help!
I suggest learning about this through books, classes at High Schools, Adult Schools, and Community College programs as well as the others mentioned here. You can also learn a lot going to computer fairs and meetups and just tinkering and experimenting. Like others mention, the CompTIA A+ is the certification for computer repair (I have this cert) and its helpful. You do everything from building PCs and small networks for small businesses to removing viruses and other tasks. Its possible to work for larger companies to as help desk or tech support. Once you are up to speed and can build/fix computers, put an ad in your local paper and offer your service. You can meet interesting people and they really appreciate the help!
Wilson Ung
Cybersecurity
29
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Wilson’s Answer
I don't know if there is any computer classes in high school that would prepare you in repairing phones and computers since it was never offered in my high school. I can't suggest Computer Science AP unless your goal is to do software development or trying to prepare on what Computer Science may entail to.
However, I will say this: I have done phone and computer repair by self-teaching and learning from others/Googling it. I had operated an independent repair service before I started my Cybersecurity career. It is something you can do while you're in high school.
If you want to certify and prepare yourself for it, CompTIA A+ would be another resource.
However, I will say this: I have done phone and computer repair by self-teaching and learning from others/Googling it. I had operated an independent repair service before I started my Cybersecurity career. It is something you can do while you're in high school.
If you want to certify and prepare yourself for it, CompTIA A+ would be another resource.