This article is part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move. These articles take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.
Problems and challenges arise in everything. When a technological problem occurs in an organization, it can halt everyday tasks and pull attention away from business that needs to be done. Technical support specialists take care of these hiccups so business can be accomplished as usual. If you enjoy problem solving and being part of the bigger picture of success, then being a technical support specialist could be in your future.
Find out how.
What Is a Technical Support Specialist?
A technical support specialist does a range of tasks, from installing software to setting up computer workspaces, as well as solves technical issues that arise on a day-to-day basis. A technical support specialist may also do the following:
- Maintain system capability by testing computer components
- Train users on proper use of hardware and software
- Document hardware and software changes, revisions and problems
- Test an organizations’ existing equipment and programs and try out new systems and software to see if the organization would benefit from them
- Clearly communicate with managers and co-workers to ensure the understanding of the proper use of technology and any troubleshooting that may be needed
A technical support specialist may support internal clients, helping to keep employees productive, or external customers of a company, helping them via the telephone or web chat.
A technical support specialist is an important piece of an IT team, and companies generally employ more than one at a time. Technical support specialists at larger companies may be called upon to write user manuals for their employees or customers. Fields like education, finance, computer systems and telecommunications employ technical support specialists.
IT Career Paths: How to Get into IT Support
How to Become a Technical Support Specialist
A technical support specialist can be an entry-level tech support job, not requiring a four-year degree. Most companies hiring for this position will look for someone with some IT or customer service experience, which may be obtained during schooling or an internship. CompTIA's workforce charity, Creating IT Futures, helps train adults for technical support specialist positions for free through its IT-Ready program.
As an entry-level tech support job, technical support specialist could lead to other positions, like computer programmer or database administrator as one’s experience and education grows.
Certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ can give you the background in IT that you need if you don’t already have it, and CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Linux+ can get your foot in the door as a technical support specialist. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become a technical support specialist.
CompTIA Linux+ validates the skills of IT pros with hands-on experience configuring, monitoring and supporting servers running on the Linux operating system.
The exam focuses on the following skills:
- Security
- Kernel modules
- Storage and virtualization
- Device management at the enterprise level
- Git and automation
- Networking and firewalls
- Server side and command line
- Sever coverage
- Troubleshooting
- SELinux
In addition to certifications, CompTIA offers a full suite of training products to help you learn the technical and professional skills necessary to become a technical support specialist. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you land this role.
- CertMaster Learn: Learn at your pace with interactive lessons and videos
- CertMaster Labs: Get hands-on practice using real software applications
- CertMaster Practice: Test your knowledge and find out if you’re ready for the exam
- The Official CompTIA Study Guide: Learn and review exam objectives with our comprehensive textbook
The Details
Technical Support Specialist Salary
The salary for a technical support specialist, or computer user support specialist, varies based on job responsibilities, company and location, but the median annual wage in 2021 was $62,760, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Technical Support Specialist Job Outlook
Employment of technical support specialists is on the rise, with 11% growth expected from 2016 to 2026, according to the BLS. If you want to get into IT, technical support specialist is a great place to start.
Job Titles Related to Technical Support Specialist
- Customer support specialist
- Help desk specialist
- Information technology project manager
- IT training specialist
+ Means More
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. That means you can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified, finding, interviewing for and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career but getting a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
- We help you decide how to take your exam. Scheduling your exam is the easy part. CompTIA exams are offered at testing centers around the world as well as through online testing, which is available 24/7, so you can test in person or at home. Learn more about your testing options.
- We help you land your next job. CompTIA certifications hold great value in the IT industry and are highly sought-after by recruiters. They signify a proven competence and expertise in various tech disciplines, making individuals who earn these certifications stand out in the job market.
Need more job inspiration? Check out CompTIA’s Tech Job Report video series now premiering on CompTIA Connect. Learn more about the latest data and trends in tech hiring and the implications for employers and the U.S. workforce with new episodes each month.
Read about more IT jobs featured in Your Next Move.
Will your next move be Technical Support Specialist? If so, download the exam objectives for CompTIA Linux+ to learn more.
