How To Become A Computer Assistant

Due to the wide range of skills used in various IT support jobs, there are many ways to work. A bachelor's degree is required for some positions as a computer support specialist, but an associate's degree or postsecondary class may suffice for others.

education

Training requirements for computer support specialists vary. Jobs as a computer user support specialist require some computer skills, but not necessarily a postsecondary degree. Applicants who have participated in computer courses are often qualified. For computer network support specialists, many employers accept applicants with an associate's degree, although some applicants prefer a bachelor's degree.

Large software companies that support commercial users who buy their products or services often require a bachelor's degree. More technical positions may require a degree in a field such as computer science, engineering, or information science, but for others, the applicant's field of study is less important.

To keep pace with technological change, many computer support specialists continue their education throughout their careers.

Certification

Certification programs are generally offered by vendors or vendor-independent certification providers. The certification confirms the knowledge and best practices required by computer support specialists. Businesses can request certification from their IT support specialists for the products they use.

Advancement

Many computer support specialists move to other IT positions, such as: For example: B. Network and computer system administrators and software developers. Some become managers in the IT support services department. Some organizations offer opportunities for support specialists to move to other parts of the organization, such as: B.: B. in sales. For more information, see the profiles for network and computer system administrators and software developers.

Read More: computer operator job descriptions

Career as a computer operator

Should I become an IT operator?

Computer operators monitor computer hardware systems to ensure that they are processing accurate data about the facilities required for support. Computer operators also maintain peripherals to ensure that they are working properly. A large number of industries employ IT operators, including scientific institutes, technical structures and companies. This career is often a launch pad for positions in software development and computer programming. Computer operators often sit at their desks for many hours.

Career requirements

At the beginning of this career, a graduate can acquire a corresponding diploma. Although this is not essential, many employers prefer an employee with about 1-2 years of experience. The key competencies that an IT operator needs are time management, operation and control, critical thinking, complex problem solving, active listening, monitoring, reading comprehension and monitoring. It must also be able to use the database user interface and query software, network monitoring software, object or component oriented software and operating system software. In May 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics announced that computer operators paid an average annual salary of $ 45,840.

Career as a computer operator

The career of a computer operator is the starting point for anyone looking for a job in programming and engineering. The IT operator is responsible for the administration and operation of various systems. It works on hardware systems, network systems or mainframes. It also has the task of supporting and solving technical problems as soon as they arise. The problems are then logged and monitored to ensure that the system is functioning properly. Programs are also tested by a computer operator. A computer operator must have solid experience in computer related courses and work experience to be considered in higher positions. Acquiring communication and technical skills is a must, but learning must never stop for a computer operator. It must have kept pace with changes in computer technology.

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Different Jobs You Get with a CCNA?

Whether you've recently passed a CCNA certification, you're obviously ready to take on more responsibilities in a network role or perhaps specialize. When you start your job search, there are specialized job titles associated with CCNA specialized exams.

Cisco offers 10 CCNA certifications that validate different skills:

• CCNA routing and switching
• CCDA
• CCNA Cloud
• CCNA collaboration
• CCNA Cyber ​​Ops
• CCNA Data Center
• CCNA Industrial
• CCNA Security
• CCNA Service Provider
• Wireless CCNA

It is common to find these folded certifications in the "preferred certifications" sections of an apparently generic network administrator position. Very often, job titles are not what they seem. Network administrator or network engineer are general terms that sometimes believe in your specialization. Sometimes, however, employers make it easier to find a specialized job. In these cases, they will use a more accurate professional title.

Job titles and responsibilities are inconsistent and may depend on things like the size of the organization, be it companies or government agencies, and what IT technologies and strategies they are adopting.

While we have marked some job titles for each certification, the best solution is to look closely at the required certifications also for generic administrator and network engineer positions. Certifications often determine the type of work you must do, even if the title is not.

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What Is the Outlook for CCNA Jobs?

According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for network and computer system administrators are expected to increase 6% between 2016 and 2026. Part of this growth is due to the increasing use of new technologies and faster cellular networks. Additionally, companies are expected to update their current technology to make it faster. The healthcare and computer systems design industry is expected to particularly challenge these professionals. However, the BLS notes that other industries may grow more slowly due to the use of cloud computing, and fewer network administrators are required.

Improve your job prospects

While the BLS doesn't specifically report job prospects for CCNA holders, the website says those with a bachelor's and certification may have better job opportunities. If you are familiar with cloud computing, you can also enhance your career opportunities.

Salary information

In May 2018, BLS reported a median annual salary of $ 82,050 for network and computer system administrators. Computer systems design company; Business and corporate management; Telecommunications; Colleges, universities and vocational schools; and local governments had the highest level of employment for these professionals with an average annual salary between $ 77,740 and $ 93,830. California, Texas, New York, Virginia, and Florida had the highest employment rates for network and computer system administrators. The BLS reported that the average annual wages for these countries ranged from $ 79,070 to $ 97,810.

Additionally, in June 2019, PayScale.com reported that the majority of CCNA certified network administrators earned between $ 42,000 and $ 82,000. System administrators with the certification earned between $ 46,000 and $ 88,000. While CCNA certified network engineers earned between $ 50,000 and $ 101,000, and the best certified network engineers earned between $ 73,000 and $ 130,000.

Receive certification

If you have a CCNA certifications, you have demonstrated knowledge of medium-sized IT networks and have passed the required exam. While there are no prerequisites for taking the CCNA exam, it is recommended that you take Parts 1 and 2 of the ICND (Cisco Interconnect Network Devices) courses. The exam covers topics such as the installation and operation of small and medium networks, integration of network security, work with wide area network (WAN) technologies, as well as monitoring of IP addresses, routes and traffic management. The certification is valid for three years. To recertify, you must take the appropriate exam and pass it.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam & Certification

Although the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam has no official prerequisites, the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification is a good starting point to prepare for the most advanced CCNA certification. CCENT certification is obtained by passing the first part of the Cisco Network Device Interconnection exam (ICND1). The ICND1 certification course and exam are also required for CCNA credentials. Although positions that use CCNA credentials are not required for certification, they generally require several years of experience.

Exam preparation can be accomplished through self-study with textbooks and practice exams, on-site programs, online courses or concentrated training camps offered in many locations, including Cisco authorized learning partners. People who have already obtained CCENT certification only need to take the second part (ICND2) of the certification training and pass the second part of the exam to become CCNA. Alternatively, those without prior certification can take a combined course and an exam covering both the ICND1 and ICND2 materials.

Many universities offer programs designed to prepare students for the CCNA exam. These programs cover topics such as core network concepts, LAN routing and switching concepts, along with the terminology and skills needed to pass the exam and obtain CCNA certification. Students may also consider graduate programs in related areas such as information technology.

Cisco certification exams can be taken at authorized test centers. Applicants can register online up to six weeks in advance. Most exams can be completed in two hours. Laboratories can take up to eight hours. The marks passed are based on the scores of the current tests, therefore the minimum required can vary from test to test. The certifications are valid for three years. Repeating the CCNA certification exam, passing a CCNA specialist exam or completing a more advanced level of certification can obtain certification.

Consider specialized exams

The CCNA certification demonstrates competence in the skills necessary to build, maintain and solve the routing and switching problems of medium-sized networks. In addition to the general CCNA certification to support core networks, there are four additional special certifications available in security, service provider operations, voice and wireless networks. Depending on the specialization, some certification exams may require examiners to have the current CCNA certification.

What Is the Outlook for CCNA Jobs?

Work perspective

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. USA USA USA (BLS), job opportunities for IT systems and network administrators are expected to increase by 6% between 2016-2026 (www.bls.gov). Part of this growth is due to the growing use of newer and faster mobile networks and technologies. In addition, companies should update their current technology to make it faster. Health system design and IT industries should specifically request these professionals. However, BLS notes that other sectors may experience slow growth due to the use of cloud computing, reducing the need for so many network administrators.

Improve your job prospects

While the BLS does not specifically report job prospects for CCNA owners, the website has indicated that those with a bachelor's degree and certification may find better job opportunities. Having knowledge in cloud computing can also improve your job prospects.

Salary information

In May 2018, BLS reported an average annual salary of $ 82,050 for network and IT systems administrators. Computer systems design companies; business and corporate management; telecommunications; colleges, universities and vocational schools; and local governments had the highest levels of employment for these professionals with average annual wages of between $ 77,740 and $ 93,830. California, Texas, New York, Virginia and Florida had the highest levels of employment for administrators of networks and IT systems. The BLS reported that the average annual wages for these states ranged from $ 79,070 to $ 97,810.

Additionally, in June 2019 PayScale.com reported that most CCNA certified network administrators earned between $ 42,000 and $ 82,000. System administrators with the certification earned between $ 46,000 and $ 88,000. While CCNA certified network engineers earned between $ 50,000 and $ 101,000 and top certified network engineers earned $ 73,000 - $ 130,000.

Read More: entry level ccna jobs

Cisco Certification Program - Career Outlook

Cisco is a leading provider of network solutions and IT certifications in the industry. You can explore a wide range of elementary, intermediate, and advanced IT certifications for every type of IT professional.
These certifications help IT professionals stay up to date on the technologies, skills, and services required to become a valuable member of a company. A Cisco Certification Guide provides a clearer picture of Cisco certifications.

The Cisco certification program is divided into the following levels:

1. Elementary school qualifications (CCENT), (CCT)

2. Associate Level Certifications (CCNA / CCDA)

3. Certifications on a professional level (CCNP / CCDP)

4. Certifications at expert level (CCIE / CCDE)

5. Certification at architect level (CCAr)

Depending on your skills, abilities, and career goals, there are approximately nine different Cisco certification paths to choose from. You are:

1. Routing and switching

2. Planning

3. Network security

4. Wireless

5th voice

6. Data center

7. Storage network

8. Service provider

9. Operation of the service provider

If you're an aspiring IT professional who doesn't have enough years of professional networking experience, you can start with an entry level certification like the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification and progress gradually to a more advanced level.

After passing the CCENT certification exam, you can get certification at the level of either or both. Although both CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) and CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) are associated with level certifications; CCDA focuses more on the design aspect of a network, while CCNA mainly focuses on routing and switching.

You can then opt for certification at a professional level such as CCNP or CCDP, followed by certification at expert and specialist level.

Read More: cisco certified network associate