Electronic service technicians repair a variety of equipment for consumers and businesses, often traveling to customer locations. A high school diploma is required, but some employers prefer a two-year college degree. Professional organizations offer certifications and networking opportunities. Good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and communication skills are important.
Electronic service technicians maintain and repair a wide range of equipment such as stereos, appliances, security systems, biomedical equipment and much more for both consumers and businesses. They often travel in the field to their customers’ locations to service equipment. To become an electronic service technician, a minimum of a high school diploma is required. Some employers will provide on-the-job training for promising entry-level workers, but many prefer to hire electronic service technicians with two-year college degrees. There are also organizations that offer field certifications for beginners and experienced electronics service students and technicians.
If you want to become an electronics service technician, it’s helpful to take computer, science, and math courses in high school. Also, take any electronics course your school might offer. Language arts courses that develop reading, writing, and speaking skills are also important if you want to become an electronics service technician.
You can find university programs to become an electronic service technician at community colleges and technical and vocational schools. School programs for electronic service technicians generally focus on teaching the practical over the theoretical. Core courses typically involve instruction in the fundamentals of electronics, circuitry, and more. Some university programs help put students into learning electronics.
There are some professional electronics organizations that offer student chapters, which can be invaluable for networking, enabling mentoring contacts, and enhancing your knowledge. Some of these organizations also offer certification in the field, which may be required by some employers and may make you more marketable even if you don’t need one. Some examples of organizations offering certifications are the International Technicians Association International (ETA International) and the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).
ETA International provides over 50 types of certification. Certification levels in electronic technology range from high school to master’s. The organization also offers certification in specialized areas such as biomedical, smart home systems, consumer electronics, photovoltaics, and more. ISCET provides certification programs in electronic technology at the associated traveler level. It also offers certification for technicians to work on major appliances, multimedia systems and more.
Characteristics important to electronic service technicians include good eyesight for working with small, complex parts and good hand-eye coordination. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required for this career. If your job includes traveling to client locations, a driver’s license may be required. A professional appearance and excellent communication skills are also necessary, especially for electronic service technicians working in the field.
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