Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers troubleshoot equipment malfunction problems. They provide machine maintenance and they repair equipment commonly used in office settings. They are typically referred to as one of the following:
Field Technicians
Computer Repairers (Computer Service Technicians)
Office Machine and Cash Service Servicers
Office Machine Repairers
Automated Teller Machine Servicers
Field technicians travel to companies to diagnose and repair equipment problems. They provide scheduled maintenance. Computer repairers work with computer equipment; they evaluate the server and the efficiency of the mainframe. They install computers and answer questions to provide technical and customer support. They often monitor hard drives and other data storage components to determine if a replacement solution is needed. They work closely with bench technicians who diagnose computer problems through installing software onto the computer.
Office machine and cash register servicers typically troubleshoot and repair office copiers and retail store cash machines. Office machine repairers work to resolve minor equipment issues such as copy problems and broken lamps. They usually replace parts. Automated teller machine servicers install ATMs. They provide resolution to ATM technical problems associated with the machine not reading or misreading the patron’s debit card. They repair and remove faulty parts.
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers use equipment tools to diagnose problems. Such tools include multimeters, software, and other forms of hand tools. The job prospects for computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers is expected to increase as more technicians transition into self-employment.
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repair Job Responsibilities
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers work in areas that receive much sunlight. They mostly work indoors, with the exception of field repairers who travel as part of their job responsibilities. They may work in repair shops and in ventilated surroundings. ATM repairers are expected to work in small spaces and may work outdoors in inclement weather.
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers typically work from forty hours per week to fifty hours per week. They work overtime, weekends, and most holidays.
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repair Training and Education Requirements
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers must be knowledgeable in the field of electronics. They are required to have a minimum of an associate’s degree and a certification in their field of expertise. They may complete training through an approved and accredited vocational school that offers electronics as a major or through experience gained in the military. Most training is achieved on-the-job, but technicians are still expected to have formally received instruction in technicians and equipment repair principles. New repairers and technicians must demonstrate their knowledge through on-the-job practicum in order to be considered for a recommendation to a certification program. Equipment repairers and technicians are required to have a driver’s license to operate company vehicles.
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repair Certifications
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers are required to be certified in their field of expertise. They may pursue various options to become certified. They must pass a written test, meet course prerequisites, and demonstrate their knowledge through practicum.
They may pursue a certification program offered by the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA). The ETA offers the following Basic Electronic Certifications:
Associate Electronics Technician (CETa)
Student Electronics Technician (SET)
Apprentice (APP)
Students who complete the Associate Electronics Technician program receive an associate level designation. The certificate is called the Associate Certified Electronics Technician. Technicians with two years or less experience may pursue this certificate. Technicians who have also received their education from a trade school may also pursue this course of study. To become certified, students must pass an exam before they pursue further course options. The program takes two years to complete and the certificate is good for two years, after which graduates of the program may pursue a Journeyman certification. The program offers a exam study guide. There are no renewals for the associate certificate.
Students who pursue the Student Electronics Technician Certification are typically enrolled in high school. They typically don’t have experience in the field. The program provides training for students to pass to the associate level certificate. The program offers a practicum in which students use their hands to learn materials and apply principles. The Apprentice Certification is centered on a telecommunications curriculum in which students learn current theory and some technical math. They train in the procedures and principles of technical communications. They must be able to demonstrate their ability through practicum.
The ETA also offers the Motorola Electronics Certification. The program trains technicians to service Motorola products. Technicians take courses in general electronics. They must take the Associate Certified Electronics Technician exam to obtain a Motorola certificate. The program also offers training coursework for technicians to become a full Journeyman. Technicians take a series of tests on theory and a hands-on practical exam. Students who choose this option may complete one of the following additional certifications:
Wireless Communications (WCM) Certification
United States Motorola Service Station (USMSS) Certification
Senior (CETsr) Certification
Master (CETma) Certification
Computer, automated teller and office machine repairers may also seek certification through The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). The ISCET offers the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) program. The certification is voluntary. The program aims to help technicians increase their knowledge in the field and advance professionally. The following certifications are offered by ISCET:
Associate Level Electronics CET
Multimedia Systems Technician Journeyman Level (MST)
Electronics Systems Associate (ESA)
The Associate Level Electronics CET certification requires technicians to pass the exam with a minimum score of 75%. The test is multiple-choice and it tests the technician’s knowledge of math, troubleshooting, and electronics principles. The graduate of this program will receive a certificate that is valid for no more than four years.
The Multimedia Systems Technician Journeyman Level (MST) certification requires technicians to also pass an examination. This certification centers on a “hands-on” curriculum and provides a study guide that prepares students for studies in installation procedures and electronics equipment features. Most of the lectures are conducted online through a distance learning technology. Study materials are saved onto a disk.
The Electronics Systems Associate (ESA) certification program explores electronics principles such as DC and AC. Students must pass all four parts of the exam to become certified and receive certificates in each part. They may also complete the Associate Level Electronics Certification through the ISCET certification offerings.
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repair Salary and Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for computer, automated teller and office machine repairers was $18.18 in May 2008, with the highest ten percent earning $28.41 per hour. Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers who worked in the computer design services industry earned more at a rate of $19.87 per hour while the same group of repairers earned a rate of $15.67 at electronics stores. Those who worked in the office supplies industry earned a median hourly rate of $17.40 per hour, which is only less than a dollar than repairers who earned $17.03 per hour in the equipment repair industry.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repair Professional Associations
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers may join the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA). The ETA provides advocacy to its members; curriculum and certification programming; discounts on book subscriptions; vocational training; and professional development conference seminars. Members of ETA are a part of fields that involve electronics; such fields include biomedical, telecommunications, electronics, and aviation. Members are professors at local colleges in addition to electronics technicians. Membership benefits include certificate recognition, career services, journal publications, technology updates, annual conference discounts on products and services, discounts on certification exams, and magazine subscriptions.
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers may also pursue membership with the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). The ISCET provides professional development standards and training materials to its members. Members are not only technicians, but also managers, writers, and publishers. Members who have passed the Journeyman exam will be eligible to vote during officers’ elections. Membership benefits include advocacy, discounts on web purchases, magazine subscriptions, technology updates, and certificate recognition. Members may join for one year, two years, or for a lifetime at an annual rate. A one-year membership is charged at the rate of $70; two-year charged at the rate of $125; and lifetime members are charged at the rate of $425. Students may also join at the rate of $35; they must be enrolled in a course in electronics. A college may establish an ISCET Student Chapter; they will be charged $25.
