Completing a tech support training program is the best way to learn and validate the skills you need to succeed in this role. Computer schools offer technical support programs that feature training and certification prep in marketable subjects like desktop support, Windows, Linux & Mac administration, PC repair, mobile device management, networking and cloud computing.
This page will explore the most important factors when choosing a tech support training program, including:
- subjects you should look for in a technical support course or degree program
- comparison of tech support degree levels with cost, duration and requirements
- careers and salaries you can achieve with each type of tech support training
Desirable Tech Support Subjects
Here are the most important hard skills, soft skills and certifications that employers want - and which you should look for - in a technical support training program.
Hard Skills
Hard skills are the tools, techniques and platforms you will use on a regular basis as a technical support specialist. Seek out these hard skills in a tech support training program:
- Computer hardware installation, maintenance and repair
- Mobile device setup, security and administration
- Troubleshooting software, hardware & network errors
- Customer service and technical support - remote and on-site
- Operating system management - especially Windows, Linux & Mac
- Install and configure network and telecommunications systems
- Foundational security tasks, such as backups and restorations
Soft Skills
Soft skills are character traits and communication skills that will benefit you in the job role. Some are innate but most can be learned. Marketable soft skills to seek out in a technical support training program include:
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Creative Problem Solving
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Patience!
Certifications
Some tech support training programs include lessons and exam prep for sought-after IT certifications. Here are some valuable certifications to look for in a tech support program:
Technical Support Program Levels
Technical support training comes in a variety of levels, including certificate, associate and bachelor's programs. Because IT support specialist is an entry-level career, there are no master's degrees or higher that focus on this role. The tech support program you pursue will depend on numerous factors, including your employment goals, current level of education, and the time and money you wish to allocate on training.
Here are the most popular types of technical support training programs along with the cost, duration, entry requirements, and jobs you can get with each:
Technical Support Certificate
Certificate programs in technical support typically take from 6 to 12 months to complete with a full course load.
Unlike college degrees, most technical support certificate programs do not have any specific admission requirements.
The average net price (after financial aid) for a tech support certificate is $10,393, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, there are many online tech support certificates you can get for half this price or less.
Jobs you can pursue with a technical support certificate include desktop support specialist and help desk technician.
Associate Degree in Technical Support
Associate degrees in technical support and related fields typically take 2 years to complete as a full-time student.
Common requirements for admission into a tech support associate program are a high school diploma or passing grade on the GED.
The average net price for a technical support associate degree is $11,133, according to the NCES.
Jobs you can pursue upon earning an associate degree in technical support include IT support specialist, junior systems analyst, and help desk technician.
Bachelor's Degree in Technical Support
Technical support bachelor's programs typically take four years to complete as a full-time student. Also, most bachelor's degrees in this space will cover additional skills beyond technical support, such as network administration, cybersecurity, and data management.
Common admission requirements for a bachelor's degree in technical support are a high school diploma or GED. Some tech support bachelor's require a certain score on your high school transcripts or SATs - these vary by institution.
The average net price - after financial aid - for a technical support bachelor's degree is $15,281, according to the NCES.
Jobs you can pursue with a bachelor’s in tech support and related subjects include computer support specialist, systems administrator, and network manager.
Jobs You Can Get with Tech Support Training
Completing a certificate or degree program in technical support can unlock a range of career opportunities. Here are some popular roles for graduates of tech support training programs, along with the typical education level and salary for each job.
| Job Title | Typical Education Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| PC Repair Technician | Certificate or Associate | $43,000 |
| Help Desk Technician | Certificate or Associate | $50,000 |
| Desktop Support Analyst | Associate or Bachelor's | $63,000 |
| Mobile Device Support Analyst | Bachelor's Degree | $72,000 |
| Technical Support Manager | Master's Degree | $138,000 |
Technical support salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology.
Technical Support Specialist Resources
- Explore the IT help desk / tech support career path
- Research and compare technical support specialist salaries
- Discover the job outlook for technical support specialists
- Blog: Soft Skills to Excel as a Help Desk Technician
