What Is an IT Support Specialist?

 

CompTIA A+ Certification

 comptia a+ jobs

What Jobs Can I Get with 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. Companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HP all look for the CompTIA A+ certification when hiring for jobs like IT support specialist, IT field service technician, desktop support analyst and help desk tier 2 support.

Having IT certifications makes a great first impression when you’re looking for a job. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), 96 percent of human resources managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment.* Learn more about all the places you career can go with CompTIA certifications.

If you’re looking to get into IT, keep reading to learn more about types of entry-level jobs that CompTIA A+ validates the skills for.

What Is an IT Support Specialist?

The IT support team maintains the computer networks for all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring the company runs smoothly.

An IT support specialist may have the following responsibilities:

• Installing and configuring computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers and scanners
• Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks
• Responding in a timely manner to service issues and requests
• Providing technical support across the company (this may be in person or over the phone)
• Setting up accounts for new users
• Repairing and replacing equipment as necessary
• Testing new technology
• Possibly training more junior staff members

There are also a number of qualities that candidates should be expected to display:

• A technical, logical thought process
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to stick to strict deadlines
• Ability to prioritize and delegate
• A keen eye for detail

What Is a Help Desk Technician?

A help desk technician may have the following responsibilities:

• Diagnosing and solving computer issues
• Installing and training end users in new technologies
• Providing remote technical support over the phone or internet
• Backing up and restoring data files
• Repairing hardware and configuring software to maintain operating systems

A help desk technician must have both hard and soft skills because the position requires a strong technical understanding as well as the ability to communicate clearly with others. For example, when a user has a question, the help desk technician must be able to diagnose the IT issue, identify a solution and then explain it to the user. Read more about the daily life of a help desk technician 

Other Top CompTIA A+ Job Titles

• 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