When an organization’s server is running smoothly in the background, work continues without interruption, and nobody thinks about the server technician. But when a problem arises, the server technician is the emergency contact. If you have a knack for problem-solving and work well under pressure, IT server technician may be a good next move for you.
What is an IT server technician?
An IT server technician ensures an organization’s server systems are running smoothly by installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining systems in the following ways:
- Installs servers, archives data, and switches to new systems
- Builds and configures servers into new networks
- Maintains and upgrades servers
- Troubleshoots server and computer network issues
- Runs security and vulnerability scans
- Upgrades hardware and software
- Resolves server-related customer support issues
The scope of an IT server technician role can vary depending on the size and type of employer. Some server technicians work full-time to oversee the server systems of a specific company, while others operate on a contract basis and are called in when needed. Your responsibilities may be managing the server system for a school or office, all the way up to overseeing rows of servers housed in data centers for large enterprises or tech companies.
How to become an IT server technician
Most companies hiring a server technician will seek a candidate with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science—or equivalent experience. An IT server technician is a mid-level role, and you should expect to gain experience in several different positions before landing this one.
For example, you could begin your IT career as a help desk technician, move up to a network administrator role, and then specialize in server management.
Candidates should also have excellent communication and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, technical writing ability, and a knack for problem-solving. Employers will expect you to be able to effectively troubleshoot, provide technical support, and understand network administration—especially in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. To gain that experience, turn to certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+, and CompTIA Server+.
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers and support today’s core technologies.
CompTIA Network+ helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks.
CompTIA Linux+ validates the competencies required of an early career systems administrator supporting Linux systems, including the Linux command line, basic maintenance, installing and configuring workstations, and networking.
CompTIA Server+ ensures pros have the skills to work in data centers or cloud environments by requiring the candidate to demonstrate multi-step knowledge to deploy, administer, and troubleshoot servers securely.
CompTIA offers a full suite of training products for each of these certifications to help you learn and practice the skills covered and prepare for your certification exam.
- 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
Job titles related to IT server technician
- Server support technician
- Network administrator
- Systems administrator
- Network engineer
- Data center technician
- Server administrator
+ 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 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 and 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.