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Engineering ServicesISCO 7422

Computer hardware repair technician

A computer hardware repair technician is a person who installs, examines, tests and repairs computer hardware and peripheral devices, checking how a machine functions, identifying the problem and replacing the damaged components and parts. The job starts from a complaint rather than a diagnosis, and the first task is to establish what is actually broken.

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Rate 5 of the 20 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

create solutions to problems

apply company policies

demonstrate use of hardware

assemble hardware components

perform test run

About computer hardware repair technician

Diagnosis and repair make up the technical core. The technician performs test runs on the machine, isolates whether the fault lies in a component, a connection or a configuration, and replaces what has failed. Troubleshooting means working through the possible causes in turn, for example when a machine will not start at all.

Keeping equipment alive is the other side of it. The technician maintains hardware before it fails, keeps a record of the maintenance activities performed, and repairs equipment on site where the machine cannot be moved or the work cannot wait for it to be shipped.

The user is part of the work. The technician provides customer follow-up services after a repair, demonstrates how the equipment is to be used, and follows company policy on what is repaired, what is replaced and what is logged. The technician also explains to the user how to avoid the same fault in future.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (20)

ICT hardware specificationsICT hardware specificationsThe characteristics, uses and operations of various hardware products such as printers, screens, and laptops.electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.hardware components suppliershardware components suppliersThe suppliers who can deliver the required hardware components.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...apply company policiesapply company policiesApply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.demonstrate use of hardwaredemonstrate use of hardwareProvide customers with information about the quality of hardware, equipment and tools; demonstrate correct and safe product use.maintain records of maintenance interventionsmaintain records of maintenance interventionsKeep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.assemble hardware componentsassemble hardware componentsAssemble the necessary hardware components, such as the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), hard drive, disk drive, power supply unit, RAM, PCI card, mouse, keyboard, cameras and other necessa...perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.use ICT hardwareuse ICT hardwareAbility to use equipment such as monitor, mouse, keyboard, storage devices, printers, scanners etc to perform operations such as plugging in, starting up, shutting down, rebooting, saving files and ot...use repair manualsuse repair manualsApply the information, such as periodic maintenance charts, step by step repair instructions, troubleshooting information and overhaul procedures to perform routine maintenance and repairs.maintain customer servicemaintain customer serviceKeep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requ...perform maintenance on installed equipmentperform maintenance on installed equipmentPerform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.replace defect componentsreplace defect componentsRemove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.implement a virtual private networkimplement a virtual private networkCreate an encrypted connection between private networks, such as different local networks of a company, over the internet to ensure that only authorized users can access it and that the data cannot be...provide customer information related to repairsprovide customer information related to repairsInform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.repair equipment on siterepair equipment on siteIdentify malfunctions and repair or replace multi-media, audio-visual and computer systems, hardware and equipment on site.test computer hardwaretest computer hardwareTest computer hardware systems and components using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.provide customer follow-up servicesprovide customer follow-up servicesRegister, follow-up, solve and respond to customer requests, complaints and after-sales services.
Optional (23) — show
manage schedule of tasksmanage schedule of tasksMaintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.use e-servicesuse e-servicesParticipate in society through the use of public and private digital services. Seek opportunities for self-empowerment and for participatory citizenship through appropriate digital technologies.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.manage a small-to-medium businessmanage a small-to-medium businessManage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.maintain relationship with suppliersmaintain relationship with suppliersBuild a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.make independent operating decisionsmake independent operating decisionsMake immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best...work in shiftswork in shiftsWork in rotating shifts, where the goal is to keep a service or production line running around the clock and each day of the week.ensure compliance with warranty contractsensure compliance with warranty contractsImplement and monitor repairs and/or replacements by the supplier in compliance with warranty contracts.remove computer virus or malware from a computerremove computer virus or malware from a computerCarry out actions to remove computer viruses or other types of malware from a computer.observe confidentialityobserve confidentialityObserve the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.maintain professional administrationmaintain professional administrationFile and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.implement anti-virus softwareimplement anti-virus softwareDownload, install and update software to prevent, detect and remove malicious software, such as computer viruses.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...apply technical communication skillsapply technical communication skillsExplain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.negotiate supplier arrangementsnegotiate supplier arrangementsReach an agreement with the supplier upon technical, quantity, quality, price, conditions, storage, packaging, send-back and other requirements related to the purchasing and delivering process.install softwareinstall softwareInstall machine-readable instructions, such as computer programs, in order to direct the computer's processor to perform a certain set of actions.communicate by telephonecommunicate by telephoneLiaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.issue sales invoicesissue sales invoicesPrepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and...train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...implement a firewallimplement a firewallDownload, install and update a network security system designed to prevent unauthorized access to a private network.perform services in a flexible mannerperform services in a flexible mannerAdapt service approach when circumstances change.report to the team leaderreport to the team leaderKeep the team leader informed on current and emerging issues.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a computer hardware repair technician do?

Computer hardware repair technicians install, examine, test and repair computer hardware and peripheral components. They test computers' functionality, identify the problems and replace damaged components and parts.

What skills does a computer hardware repair technician need?

A computer hardware repair technician needs 20 essential skills, including ICT hardware specifications, electronics, hardware components suppliers, create solutions to problems, apply company policies.

Will AI replace computer hardware repair technician jobs?

The AI disruption score for computer hardware repair technician is 48/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: issue sales invoices, implement anti-virus software, manage schedule of tasks. Most resilient: work in shifts, use ICT hardware, repair equipment on site.

AI Replacement Risk

48/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupElectrical and electronic trades workers
Essential Skills20

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