Key Skills Needed to Become an IT Technician

If you’re ready to get your IT career off to a strong start and you’re looking for a great entry point, training to become an IT Technician is a brilliant first step to take.    

In this article, we show you what an IT Technician does and what you need to study for a career as an IT Technician.

View our range of training courses and certificates for:

• Cloud Computing
• Cyber Security
• IT and Networking

What is an IT Technician?

First, let’s explore what an IT Technician is. An IT Technician (sometimes referred to as an IT Support Technician) is responsible for maintaining computer and network systems. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting and diagnosing computer software and hardware issues, working with employees and customers to resolve IT problems and setting up computer networks.

As IT Technicians operate and maintain computer systems and networks, they are mainly responsible for ensuring employees have efficient IT functionality and daily support.

An IT Technician’s duties would include:

• Being the first point of contact for IT support within the business.
• Installing, configuring, and maintaining hardware and software.
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software problems.
• Replacing or repairing damaged computer and network components.
• Installing and upgrading antivirus and firewall software to maintain high levels of security.
• Testing new hardware and software before rolling it out across the business.

Learn how to become an IT Technician

What are the benefits of working in IT?

One of the great things about a career in IT is the career progression and opportunities available to you once you have worked as an IT Technician for a year or so. This might include taking on a more senior job role or specialising in areas like Cyber Security and Cloud Computing.

IT salaries are typically above the national average, and you have the potential to work towards job opportunities exceeding £100,000 a year in senior or specialist job roles, such as an AWS Solutions Architect.

Discover our top tips for landing a job in IT 

How to become an IT Technician

The role of an IT Technician is very popular with individuals looking for a way into the IT sector. You will not need a degree to become an IT Technician, as earning CompTIA certifications and gaining hands-on experience will be enough to land you an entry-level IT job role with a wide range of companies.  

Many IT Technicians will top up their skills with the latest technical certifications to ensure their knowledge and skills remain current and valid.

At this level, you could study from a range of CompTIA certificates, including:

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals (Core Series)
• CompTIA A+ (Core Series)
• CompTIA A+ (Core Series) – Virtual Classroom
• CompTIA Network+ (Core Series)
• CompTIA Network+ (Core Series) – Virtual Classroom
• CompTIA Security+ (Core Series)
• IT Support Academy Programme

Do you have the skills needed to become an IT Technician?

Arguably, an IT support technician’s number one quality will be a strong aptitude for computers.

Other key skills and qualities include:

• A logical and methodical approach to work.
• An ability to work in high-pressure situations.
• A strong understanding of how hardware, software and operating systems work.
• Good communication skills and the ability to listen, diagnose and fix issues.
• First-class problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• An ability to work effectively either alone or as part of a team.
• Ability to keep up to date with changes in technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good IT Technician?

• A passion for IT
• Attention to Detail
• Discipline and being a self-starter
• Great Problem-solving skills
• Excellent Communication Skills

What are the top 3 skills for an IT Person?

While there will be IT-specific skills you will need for a career as an IT Technician, it would be beneficial to also have the following generic skills:

• Logical and methodical.
• Can successfully work in high-pressure situations.
• Have a strong understanding of hardware, software, and operating systems.

What are the skills required for an IT professional?

• Team Building, teamwork, and collaborative skills.
• Listening, reading, writing skills.
• Communicating complex information to non-technical individuals.
• Leadership skills.

Are you interested in a career as an IT Technician? Call us to speak with one of our Course Consultants on +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 or fill out our contact form, and someone will be in touch with you to discuss your training options shortly.