Skills Measured by CompTIA A+ Certification

aplus certification

Here are the key skills and knowledge areas measured by the A+ certification exam. A+ certified professionals:

• understand the basics of computer and mobile device hardware, software, networking and security.
• can identify PC hardware, peripherals and network components in a business environment.
• can categorize and explain multiple types of data storage devices and backup media.
• can describe in detail the types and features of motherboard components.
• know how to follow proper computer safety procedures and best practices.
• have interpersonal communication skills to better interact with peers and customers.
• can setup and manage popular operating systems inc. Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux.
• can install and configure input devices, e.g., keyboards, mice, bio-metric scanners and touch screens.
• can implement a variety of troubleshooting techniques to fix system errors and connectivity issues.

Download the CompTIA A Plus Exam Objectives below for a more thorough curriculum.

CompTIA A+ Certification Prerequisites

• Required: No required prerequisites for A+ certification exam
• Recommended: No recommended prerequisites for A+ certification exam

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What is the best entry level IT certification?

entry level it certification

Start a career in it technology

The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is an entry-level credential that validates fundamental technology skills and knowledge among students and job-seekers who are pursuing a career in technology.  MTA addresses a wide range of critical technology concepts with exams that are designed to assess and validate core technical concepts in three primary areas: Developer, Database, and IT Professional.

As the preferred path to Microsoft’s Certified Professional exams, such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), MTA is the ideal starting point for anyone interested in starting a career in technology.

As businesses continue to rely on increasingly complex information systems, the need for experienced IT professionals continues to grow. Individuals with particular IT certifications are even more sought-after since the rigorous exams and certification prerequisites showcase both deep knowledge and real-world experience.

There’s also evidence that IT certifications can boost earning potential. A recent survey showed that 23% of IT professionals experienced a 20% salary increase after getting certified.1 According to CompTIA, 72% of employers actually require IT certifications for certain positions, and 92% believe IT certifications help ensure the credibility of their IT staff.2          

We looked at over a dozen popular IT certifications and chose the best—those with the highest demand, earning potential, and opportunities for advancement. These are our top picks. 

How Much Can I Make with a CompTIA A+ Certification?

comptia a+ salary

IT support offers countless paths to fulfilling jobs and rewarding pay – you determine the direction and, ultimately, how much money you can earn with CompTIA A+. Not everyone has the same reason for getting certified. In general, you can apply your CompTIA A+ certification in these ways:

• Attract the attention of employers with an endorsement of your skills that is respected globally and industrywide
• Position yourself to launch your IT career
• Confirm to yourself that you've mastered the latest skills and concepts that act as the foundation of a career in IT

In all scenarios, CompTIA A+ can serve as a springboard for a career in IT. CompTIA A+ is the only industry-recognized credential with performance-based items to prove IT pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment.

It is trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in endpoint and technical support roles. CompTIA A+ is regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates the core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace.

Jobs That Require or Benefit from a CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. Jobs like support specialist, field service technician, desktop support analyst and help desk tier 2 support use the skills validated by CompTIA A+ certification.

Furthermore, companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and HP all look for CompTIA A+ certification in hiring.

Other CompTIA A+ job titles include the following:

• Service desk analyst
• Technical support specialist
• Field service technician
• Associate network engineer
• Data support technician
• Desktop support administrator
• End-user computing technician
• Help desk technician
• System support specialist

Where Can I Get CompTIA A+ Certified?

a+ certified jobs

All CompTIA certification exam testing is provided by our global testing partner, Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE has testing centers around the world, including in schools and on military bases. When you’re ready to take your exam, visit Pearson VUE’s website to find an authorized Pearson VUE test center near you to schedule your test. You’ll be able to select the testing center of your choice when scheduling your exam.

Schedule Your Test

When you’re ready to take your CompTIA certification exam, you can schedule your test on the Pearson VUE website. Follow these four steps:

1. Create a Pearson VUE Testing Account
   You’ll need a Pearson VUE testing account to register for your certification exam and store your testing information with the testing center.
2. Find a Pearson VUE Test Center
   All CompTIA certification exam testing is provided by our global testing partner, Pearson VUE at authorized Pearson VUE test centers. Use the link above to find the center nearest you.
3. Schedule Your Exam
   Sign into your Pearson VUE account to find a testing center, as well as schedule, reschedule or cancel an exam appointment. If you’ve already purchased a voucher, make sure you have your exam voucher number ready.
   If not, you can buy a voucher through CompTIA or on the Pearson VUE website. When scheduling your exam, you can find and select a nearby authorized testing center. If you cannot schedule your test online, Pearson VUE also offers scheduling via phone or via contacting your testing center directly. Go to the Pearson VUE website for more information.
4. Save Your Exam Appointment Confirmation
   Once your exam date is scheduled, you’ll receive a confirmation email with registration information as well as additional information that you may need to provide to your testing center. Make sure to store this information in a safe place. You will need certain information that you provide during the registration process, such as your email address, so that you can sign in to your certification account after you’ve passed your certification exam.

Other Important Information

CompTIA has a number of testing policies that you’ll need to sign prior to taking your certification exam. Make sure to read through all the policies beforehand. This includes a candidate agreement, candidate ID policy, the certification retake policy and our continuing education policies.

How much can you make with a+ certification?

jobs for a+ certification entry level 

Introduction

Interested in getting started as an information security professional? There are quite a few potential points of entry, but earning your A+ certification might be an excellent option. Infosec positions are widely available across the U.S., and with the right certification and minimum experience, you can embark on a rewarding career.

The right certification will also ensure that you have the ability to move on to higher certs as you build confidence and experience, giving you the ability to earn more and enjoy greater challenges in your daily responsibilities.

Not very, if you are interested in computers. If you've been playing with computers (desktops, specifically) for a few months, especially building them, you probably have a 60% knowledge level. Can you identify the components on a motherboard? Do you know how the hardware all fits together and makes a computer "go"? That's pretty much what the hardware portion is.

The software portion is how to use Windows (though it's supposed to be OS-neutral). Granted, I got my cert back in '96, so I can't say exactly how the test is designed now, but if you know how to get around Windows, e.g. use Control Panel and Device Manager, you should do fine.

IMO, you really only need a book to clarify items that are test-specific. Take practice tests until you get at least 80% every time; that way you'll have a good handle on how the questions will be asked. If you're lucky, many of the practice questions will be similiar to the actual questions.

Of course, if you're not interested in computers and are just getting the cert because you have to, you'll probably struggle a little bit more. It's still not hard, but you'll have to spend more time studying to learn the details of how computers work.

How much does it cost to get a+ certified?

a+ certification jobs near me

CompTIA A+ certification plays a key role in the careers of more than one million professionals around the world. It validates relevant skill sets and knowledge of software technologies and hardware. Employers use the credential to select candidates capable of supporting complex information technology (IT) infrastructure.

CompTIA A+ helps both entry-level and experienced professionals gain an advantage over their peers. It is based on industry-wide job task analysis (vendor-neutral). The credential is designed to establish best practices when it comes to security, troubleshooting, and networking on a wide array of devices. It also validates communication skills, which complement technical competency.

Organizations in the public and private sectors trust A+ certified professionals to handle their mobile and cloud technology. The credential is developed and maintained by qualified IT experts and it is compliant with the ISO 17024 standards. Subject matter experts are responsible for developing exam content and they draw insights from industry-wide survey feedback. CompTIA A+ is undoubtedly worth the effort and money.

Benefits of investing in a CompTIA A+ certification

• Credibility – the credential is widely recognized and respected; it is a powerful validation of your proficiency.
• Prerequisite for training programs – a number of corporate and vendor-specific training programs list A+ as a prerequisite.
• Improved career opportunities – it opens many new doors that boost your career. Many top IT companies, including IBM only hire CompTIA A+ certified service technicians.
• Increased salary earnings – IT salary surveys show that A+ certification helps increase earnings when compared to non-certified individuals.
• Higher levels of confidence – A+ certified candidates are more confident when applying for jobs.
• College credits – CompTIA A+ certification earns you credits in many colleges in addition to other top certification programs offered by Cisco, Microsoft, Certport and Hewlett-Packard.

CompTIA A+ certification costs

Although the cost of CompTIA A+ exams varies depending on country, the average price is $170. This translates to $340 for two exams required to become fully certified. The examinations you need to take and pass include 200-901 and 200-902. The passing score for 200-901 is 675 whereas the 200-902 exam requires a minimum score of 700. The standard 901 course takes 20 hours. To attend a CompTIA A+ boot camp for 5 days through the Infotec platform, you need to pay $199 for each of the two exams. This gives you an ample chance to prepare for the examination. Passing the first time is a sure-fire way to save money in retake fees. In some cases, training platforms offer significant discounts to help you save in overall certification costs. Some of the discounted prices are aimed at corporate members, which allows employees of eligible organizations to register at reduced fees. Non-member exam individuals are often offered discounts through vouchers. It is possible to enjoy cost savings of between 10 and 45 percent.

The CompTIA A+ exam vouchers generally come with an expiry date and are not extendable. Shorter validity periods provide larger discounts. It is vital to register early for the examination when using short-term vouchers. Geographical applicability may be limited but some are valid internationally. Only purchase vouchers when you are ready to take the examination because they cannot be exchanged or refunded. In some cases, vendors bundle the coupons with a wide variety of training products like study guides. The coupons can be delivered by via regular mail or digitally using e-mail. Some three- or four-exam self-study certification paths cost between $800 and $1,000. Classroom training requires a significant investment ranging between $5,000 and $11,000. Costs associated with self-study can also include study materials, practice and vendor's examination fees. The majority of these expenses exclude the cost of living while studying for exams or attending classroom training. The decision to use online training, self-study or classroom training is influenced by your budget and specific certification or training requirements.

How much can I make with a CompTIA A+ certification?

comptia a+ certification jobs

A+ critics say the exam is only good as a basic IT competency check. But that seems like a good thing?  While it’s true A+ certification won’t land you a senior role or coveted technical position, it definitely has its place in your certification toolbox.

If you’re coming into IT without experience, studying for exams help you learn the basics. The A+ exam might only be 90 questions, but you obviously don’t know which questions. It’s like the trick where the teacher or instructor allows a cheat sheet for an exam. By the time you’ve created the cheat sheet, you don’t need it.

For tinkerers, the A+ will be a little easier — and it will help validate your knowledge. If you’ve already been building PCs and installing operating systems, then you’d easily pass the 700-series exams from years ago. But the latest A+ exams released this month covers IT security, cloud concepts, and scripting that a hobbyist might not have touched yet.

It’s easier to get a job with a certification. Passing the new CompTIA A+ confirms you know your stuff in an industry-approved way. Hobbyist experience is great. You’ll certainly thrive in a support role, but that experience won’t hold the same authority on a resume compared to A+ certification. Certifications are a basic competency assurance for an employer. And that’s exactly what a person needs if they have no experience in IT.

Develop certification study habits with the new A+ certification

If you’re brand new to the IT certification process, you should take a long hard look at the new CompTIA A+ exam. By now, you’ve learned that the certification provides a strong foundation for an IT career. But if you want to earn the certification, you need to develop good study habits.

Certifications are a big part of a career in IT, which means you’ll need to learn how to study for them. If the A+ is your first exam, then you’re learning the CompTIA way of testing. You’ll be learning how to use the course objectives to build a study plan. You’ll even be learning how the exam day logistics, like what ID to bring and what it feels like to sit for a 90-minute exam.

Even though CompTIA A+ is relatively straightforward, it should not be taken lightly. There are the obvious monetary implications for not passing — the exams cost $219 for each attempt. You’re also building study habits — good or bad — that will inevitably carry over to other CompTIA certifications.

5. CompTIA A+ costs less than a computer science degree

We’ve debated certifications versus degrees because it’s an important, personal decision. Even our trainers are split on the topic. Depending on who you ask, degrees are great. They’re transferable, useful, and they never expire. So if you want a degree, go for it. That said, going that route will cost more and take longer than earning the new A+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification exams alone will cost $438. A computer science degree is going to cost quite a bit more. For a two-year CS associate program, the average cost per year is $20,784 USD.  And let’s be honest, degrees aren’t for everyone.

The utility of either education lies in how you plan on using it. If you are pursuing a career in CPU design or complex mathematical computation, then a computer science degree is obviously going to be the better choice.

If you plan on working for a small IT firm that does break and fix repairs, then you land that job with a certification. You’ll be better served by earning A+ certification. The bottom line is thinking about where you plan on going with your career — and find the tools that will help you get there.

6. If you want to get hands-on, the CompTIA A+ is a good start

There’s a general notion that A+ is only good for a job repairing computers or working the help desk. (As though that were a bad thing.)

Not everyone aspires to the CCIE or an AWS Solutions Architect. And *gasp*, maybe you actually enjoy interacting with people. Let’s be honest, some IT jobs consist of long hours staring at screens and hanging out in server rooms. Not exactly the best fit if you’re a more social person.

Besides, you’ve got to start somewhere. The help desk is the first stop for many IT pros. And to land that first job, the A+ really helps. You can stay there, or specialize when you discover a passion.

Is the CompTIA A+ worth it?

Earning A+ certification can open a lot of doors for you. Whether it’s networking or IT security, the new A+ provides you with the foundational knowledge you need to be successful in all areas of IT. When you’re ready to narrow your focus and go-vendor specific, your A+ certification will certainly have been worth it.

There’s a lot of reasons to earn A+ certification, so don’t let naysayers deter you. Even if your aspirations are higher up the IT ladder, certifying in A+ isn’t going to hurt you. Earning certs shows a strong commitment to learning and keeping your skills current.

How much can you make with an A+ certification?

a+ certification jobs

Introduction

Interested in getting started as an information security professional? There are quite a few potential points of entry, but earning your A+ certification might be an excellent option. Infosec positions are widely available across the U.S., and with the right certification and minimum experience, you can embark on a rewarding career.

The right certification will also ensure that you have the ability to move on to higher certs as you build confidence and experience, giving you the ability to earn more and enjoy greater challenges in your daily responsibilities.

What Is A+ Certification?

A+ certification is an entry-level credential designed for those hoping to enter the world of information security. It is backed by CompTIA, one of the most recognized infosec firms in the world. According to CompTIA, “A+ certification validates understanding of the most common hardware and software technologies in business and certifies the skills necessary to support complex IT infrastructures.”

As such, it makes an excellent starting point for those hoping to move up within the world of information security. Note that A+ is vendor neutral, so certificate holders are not tied to one particular software platform, but are certified for their knowledge across this entry-level sector. With that being said, A+ certification is not necessarily right for everyone interested in a career in the IT industry.

What Is the Average A+ Salary?

While A+ certification is an entry-level credential, you’ll find salaries vary greatly depending on a number of different factors. Among those factors are years of experience, the city where you’re employed, the actual job role you fill and even your gender. The average salary for a man with A+ certification ranges from $38,248 to $74,186. However, a woman with A+ certification has an average salary from $38,965 to $68,228. A+ certification holders are primarily male – only 7% of those with A+ certification are women.

Network Support Technician Job Description

network support technician salary

Network support technicians undertake tasks related to network development and maintenance. They also troubleshoot computer issues and provide technical support and guidance to employees. The purpose of this job is to create and maintain well-functioning network systems that help the business operate smoothly. Network support technicians usually work full-time hours. Because companies often require their computer systems to run constantly, evening and weekend work may also be required. This job is well suited to people who enjoy working with technology, have strong problem-solving skills, and take an analytical approach to their work.

Network Support Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Network support technicians carry out a variety of duties depending on the organization they work for. Based on job listings we analyzed, their duties typically include:

Design and Install Computer Networks

One of the network support technician’s primary tasks is designing and installing computer networks that run as effectively as possible to best serve the company’s business goals and daily operations. This involves checking connections and cabling and testing that devices are working as they should.

Troubleshoot System Failures

Network support technicians inspect system failures to identify the problem and highlight any bottlenecks that could slow down the network. They ensure the network and infrastructure are as efficient as possible and fix any problems or bugs that have been identified.

Test Software

A key part of this job is testing software to configure it correctly, in addition to maintaining or repairing hardware and devices when issues arise. Regular tests and data backups are performed regularly throughout the year to ensure the system works efficiently at all times and to protect the company’s data.

Organize Upgrade Schedules

Network support technicians regularly organize and plan system maintenance to check everything is running as it should. They schedule these checks in advance to avoid interrupting daily workflow. They also evaluate the network’s performance to see if it can be improved.

Provide Technical Guidance

Network support technicians help colleagues or clients with their computer and network usage problems, offering technical direction, instructions, and advice where they can to resolve the issues.

What is A+ certification good for?

comtia a+

About the CompTIA A+ certification

A+ (A Plus) is an entry-level computer certification for PC computer service technicians. The exam is designed to certify the competency of entry-level PC computer service professionals in installing, maintaining, customizing, and operating personal computers. The A+ certification is sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). CompTIA is a large trade group, founded in 1982 and made up of resellers, distributors, and manufacturers. It sets voluntary guidelines dealing with business ethics and professionalism, and is involved with many issues including product returns, warranty claims, and price protection.

Historically, A+ Certification was a lifetime certificate, but as of 2011, the A+ certificate must be renewed every three years by retaking the A+ test. Otherwise, certificate holders must pay a CEU (Continuing Education Units) fee to maintain certification.

The A+ exam contains situational, traditional, and identification types of questions. All of the questions are multiple choice, and there is only one correct answer for each question. The A+ exam is open to anybody, although it is designed to be taken by those with at least six months of job experience as service technicians.

Currently, A+ is the only major non-vendor-specific hardware certification available for IBM-compatible computer systems. Increasingly, many help desk positions as well as service centers are requiring A+ certification or similar experience as a basis for hiring.

CompTIA also sponsors certification for document imaging (Certified Document Imaging Architech [CDIA]) and a network certification exam (Network+). The CompTIA certifications are in general more basic and less product-specific than other certifications, such as Microsoft's MCSE or a Novell CNE.

CompTIA formerly offered a Macintosh module and certificate in the repair and installation of Apple computer systems. This module has been discontinued for several years, and currently the only hardware certification for Macintosh computer systems is available through Apple. For more, see Apple's Training and Certification page.

For more about A+ Certification, visit CompTIA.

How much can you make with an A+ certification?

a+ certification jobs

Introduction

Interested in getting started as an information security professional? There are quite a few potential points of entry, but earning your A+ certification might be an excellent option. Infosec positions are widely available across the U.S., and with the right certification and minimum experience, you can embark on a rewarding career.

The right certification will also ensure that you have the ability to move on to higher certs as you build confidence and experience, giving you the ability to earn more and enjoy greater challenges in your daily responsibilities.

What Is A+ Certification?

A+ certification is an entry-level credential designed for those hoping to enter the world of information security. It is backed by CompTIA, one of the most recognized infosec firms in the world. According to CompTIA, “A+ certification validates understanding of the most common hardware and software technologies in business and certifies the skills necessary to support complex IT infrastructures.”

As such, it makes an excellent starting point for those hoping to move up within the world of information security. Note that A+ is vendor neutral, so certificate holders are not tied to one particular software platform, but are certified for their knowledge across this entry-level sector. With that being said, A+ certification is not necessarily right for everyone interested in a career in the IT industry.

What Is the Average A+ Salary?

While A+ certification is an entry-level credential, you’ll find salaries vary greatly depending on a number of different factors. Among those factors are years of experience, the city where you’re employed, the actual job role you fill and even your gender. The average salary for a man with A+ certification ranges from $38,248 to $74,186. However, a woman with A+ certification has an average salary from $38,965 to $68,228. A+ certification holders are primarily male – only 7% of those with A+ certification are women.

What does a data center engineer do?

data center jobs salary

Data Center Engineer Job Description Example

What Does a Data Center Engineer Do?

Datacenter engineers are responsible for designing, setting up, and managing information/network systems at data centers.

Their job description entails monitoring systems operations and administering IT solutions to ensure servers, hard drives, and other data center equipment function efficiently.

It also involves the maintenance of HVAC and electrical systems at a data center.

Datacenter engineers inspect power/cooling systems to identify and fix flaws that may be detrimental to network performance.

They also maintain and conduct repairs on the physical structure that houses data center equipment.

As part of their duties, the engineers monitor and evaluate servers contained in a data center.

They calibrate them and perform backups to ensure standard performance and preservation of useful data.

They also perform data center renovations to ensure an energy efficient system.

The role of data center engineers also usually involves installing, configuring and maintaining routers, firewalls and virtual private networks.

Who uses data centers?Why do we need data centers?

united states data center

Despite the fact that hardware is constantly getting smaller, faster and more powerful, we are an increasingly data-hungry species, and the demand for processing power, storage space and information in general is growing and constantly threatening to outstrip companies' abilities to deliver.

Any entity that generates or uses data has the need for data centers on some level, including government agencies, educational bodies, telecommunications companies, financial institutions, retailers of all sizes, and the purveyors of online information and social networking services such as Google and Facebook. Lack of fast and reliable access to data can mean an inability to provide vital services or loss of customer satisfaction and revenue.

A study by International Data Corporation for EMC estimated that 1.8 trillion gigabytes (GB), or around 1.8 zettabytes (ZB), of digital information was created in 2011 [sources: Glanz, EMC, Phneah]. The amount of data in 2012 was approximately 2.8 ZB and is expected to rise to 40 ZB by the year 2020 [sources: Courtney, Digital Science Series, EMC].

All of this media has to be stored somewhere. And these days, more and more things are also moving into the cloud, meaning that rather than running or storing them on our own home or work computers, we are accessing them via the host servers of cloud providers. Many companies are also moving their professional applications to cloud services to cut back on the cost of running their own centralized computing networks and servers.

The cloud doesn't mean that the applications and data are not housed on computing hardware. It just means that someone else maintains the hardware and software at remote locations where the clients and their customers can access them via the Internet. And those locations are data centers.

How much does it support technician make at Amazon?

it support technician amazon salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American worker got paid $24.57 per hour in December, or $850.12 per week. That was up from $24.17 per hour and $829.03 per week a year ago. However, average income can be misleading given that wages differ significantly from industry to industry.

The Great Recession took a toll on the global economy, but American workers were among those that were the hardest hit. Job losses tied to staggering corporate profitability sent unemployment rates higher and average pay lower, but now that the economy has posted four consecutive years of growth, and unemployment is at six-year lows, wages must be recovering, right?

Nope. The most recent data out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that average hourly wages inched up by just 1.7% in the past year. That's hardly enough to put the kids through college, but before you get too discouraged, there is some evidence that workers are about to begin getting pay raises. If so, employees may want to see how their income stacks up against the average worker before heading to the negotiating table.https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/data-center-technician

By the numbers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American worker got paid $24.57 per hour in December, or $850.12 per week. That was up from $24.17 per hour and $829.03 per week a year ago.

However, average income can be misleading given that wages differ significantly from industry to industry.

For example, utilities employees were the best paid workers in December, earning an average $35.86 per hour, or $1,509.71 per week. That was significantly better than retail workers, who earned an average $17.04 per hour or $536.76 per week.

Microsoft data center technician salary

microsoft data center technician salary

How much does a Logistics Technician make in the United States?

The average salary for a Logistics Technician is $44,780 per year in the United States. Salary estimates are based on 174 salaries submitted anonymously to Indeed by Logistics Technician employees, users, and collected from past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months. The typical tenure for a Logistics Technician is 1-3 years.

Cloud computing apps have been the glue that has enabled many organisations to remain connected and keep operating during the ongoing period of enforced remote working. With staff banned from the office, they need to be able to use applications that can be accessed from anywhere and on any device.

Overall spending on IT is likely to decline this year as firms try to cut costs, but cloud computing is likely to be one software category where spending remains strong.

However, securing the corporate data within the wide range of cloud apps in service is a challenge. According to research by Thales Europe, nearly half (46%) of all data stored by European organisations is now stored in the cloud, of which a similar proportion (43%) is described as 'sensitive'. Only half of this sensitive data (54%) is protected by some form of encryption, despite around a quarter of companies admitting to a breach in the last year.

The complexity of cloud environments -- including the use of multiple cloud services -- is affecting data security, the research found. Four out of five companies have two or more infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) or platform-as-a-service (PaaS) providers, while the vast majority (86%) have more than 11 software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers, and a third have more than 50.

Data Center Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Data Center Technician Job Description

Data center technicians are skilled, hands-on professionals who provide a variety of services to keep computer data servers and hardware networks operating smoothly. They are the first line of defense in safeguarding a company ‘s valuable information. Most data center technicians have full-time schedules but do not work a typical 9 to 5 shift. They work shifts that are 8-12 hours long on nights, weekends, and holidays. They normally work in server rooms where usual office noise, machine noise, or construction noise is present. Data technicians must be willing to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, since data support is vital to any business’s core operations.

 Data Center Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Specific job responsibilities of a data center technician differ according to where they work. However, there are several core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of multiple job listings, these include:

Perform Preventative Maintenance

On a daily basis, data center technicians complete preventative maintenance of equipment and data network devices. They operate in tight spaces, run cables, and improve physical security around their assigned data center. Data center technicians engage in building projects and check utilities. To make sure the center does not overheat, they carefully examine power sources and heating and cooling controls.

Server Management and Repair

Data center technicians troubleshoot and repair servers that have hardware and network issues. They run hardware diagnostics and replace failing parts. They are responsible for day-to-day performance and capacity management of servers. If something goes wrong, data center technicians are called on to quickly fix it in order to keep business data flowing.

Monitor System Processes

Monitoring and maintaining operation of all network processes is the primary duty of data technicians. They evaluate machine temperature levels for optimal performance. Data technicians are expected to maintain accurate work records and event logs. They also create concise virtual information reports to keep company management informed of status updates.

Cross-Collaborate to Protect Data

Data technicians install and arrange new equipment for data centers. This may include physically upgrading internal system components (CPU), memory hard drives, fiber cables, copper, and more. Once they install new equipment, data technicians often collaborate with software and networking engineering teams to ensure cybersecurity and network efficiency.

Technical Support and Education

Data center technicians provide live support to clients and coworkers, and are expected to troubleshoot problems as they occur. They act as a main point person in the field, putting out fires and working on projects simultaneously. Educating other data center staff on how to properly troubleshoot hardware and software is also a key part of their role.

13 Honest Data Center Technician Salaries in 2018

data center technician salary

Salary averages can be misleading. One culprit? Geography. A salary in San Francisco doesn’t compare dollar-for-dollar to a salary in Charlotte. Another culprit? Math. Quite simply, outliers (i.e., expensive cities) skew the data. That seems obvious, right?

It’s easier to report a national average without context, but it’s better to look at regions than national averages to determine honest salary averages. That’s why we took a look at the salaries of data center technicians, by city (like we did for Information Security Analysts and Ethical Hackers).

Utilizing Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and local postings, we looked at salaries in 13 cities to get an accurate sense of the data. More importantly, we focused on cities that house large data centers.

It’s well known that more than 70 percent of the world’s internet traffic passes through Loudoun County in Northern Virginia. But, every one of these cities wooed companies to bring their data centers (and jobs) to their region with the two things every data center needs — cheap power and lots of land.

Requirements – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge – for Data Center Technician Role

If you are looking to work at a data center as a technician, here are major requirements you may be expected to have to qualify for the role in most firms:

• Education and Training: To become a data center technician, you require minimum of a high school diploma and training in software/hardware administration. You also require several years of experience in the field of computer networking. Some employers prefer technicians with a college degree, therefore having a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering can be advantageous. Certifications from recognized IT companies such as Cisco on the other hand increases job prospects
• IT Skill: Data center technicians are able to operate and maintain servers, switches, routers, monitors, and various other specialized equipment
• Communication Skill: They are able to explain complex technical processes in simple language for general company staff
• Troubleshooting Skill: They are skilled in conducting tests to identify and fix faults in a computer/network system.

How do I become a data center technician?

data center technician salary

In order to secure a position as a data technician, employers require a high school diploma and some experience. However, many employers prefer candidates have a bachelor's degree or associate's degree in a technical field, such as computer science or engineering, and at least one year of tech support experience.

Data center technicians are skilled, hands-on professionals who provide a variety of services to keep computer data servers and hardware networks operating smoothly. They are the first line of defense in safeguarding a company ‘s valuable information. Most data center technicians have full-time schedules but do not work a typical 9 to 5 shift. They work shifts that are 8-12 hours long on nights, weekends, and holidays. They normally work in server rooms where usual office noise, machine noise, or construction noise is present. Data technicians must be willing to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, since data support is vital to any business’s core operations.

 Specific job responsibilities of a data center technician differ according to where they work. However, there are several core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of multiple job listings, these include:

Perform Preventative Maintenance

On a daily basis, data center technicians complete preventative maintenance of equipment and data network devices. They operate in tight spaces, run cables, and improve physical security around their assigned data center. Data center technicians engage in building projects and check utilities. To make sure the center does not overheat, they carefully examine power sources and heating and cooling controls.

Server Management and Repair

Data center technicians troubleshoot and repair servers that have hardware and network issues. They run hardware diagnostics and replace failing parts. They are responsible for day-to-day performance and capacity management of servers. If something goes wrong, data center technicians are called on to quickly fix it in order to keep business data flowing.

Monitor System Processes

Monitoring and maintaining operation of all network processes is the primary duty of data technicians. They evaluate machine temperature levels for optimal performance. Data technicians are expected to maintain accurate work records and event logs. They also create concise virtual information reports to keep company management informed of status updates.