Add Row 
Add 
What You Need to Know Before Becoming a
Help Desk Technician
Are you eager to make an impact on the world and become a Help Desk Technician? Have you ever considered how much knowledge you’ll require before taking up this vocation? To help, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of what one must know when becoming a Help Desk Technician.
Help Desk Technician Salary Range
income potential for help desk technicians varies based on employer, experience, and location, leading to significant differences in earnings.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for this profession is just under $44,000 per annum. Keep in mind that it can vary significantly from one region to another (between $38,000 and $48,000 in North America). For those who have been working in the industry for between twelve and twenty years typically earn more than those with less experience. ($52,000 to $80,000.)
What Is Help Desk Technician Job Description?
Help desk technicians are employed by IT service providers and support organizations for a wide array of responsibilities, including but not limited to troubleshooting computer issues; resolving software issues; responding to phone calls from clients; and even writing customer service emails.
Help desk specialists are often tasked with providing remote help and technical assistance. These individuals may be employed by companies that do not have an in-house IT department – they’ll provide support over the telephone or online platforms. Alternatively, they may be deployed at various client locations where they can offer hands-on assistance during emergencies!
Help Desk Technician Career Requirements
It’s crucial to ascertain the qualifications required for your desired career before embarking upon any adventures. To become a Help Desk Technician, you typically need to possess at least an Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in IT; however, most hiring managers prefer having more than this minimum requirement. Many times, they will also be open to you having officially recognized IT certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, Cisco, AWS and Microsoft.
For example, if you’re seeking employment as a Help Desk Technician with XYZ Corporation, they may require one or even more than one computer science courses on their list of prerequisites. Luckily, there are plenty of other options available to aspiring professionals! (Obtaining IT certifications)
Help Desk Technician Education Requirements
It is prudent to procure some postsecondary education if you aspire to succeed in the IT field. However, even those without formal training are able to make a mark on their industry by acquiring certifications which demonstrate proficiency in particular aspects of technology use.
One of the most popular benchmarks for assessing your proficiency and skill level is the CompTIA A+ certification. This exam covers fundamentals of PC troubleshooting and maintenance as well as information security. For individuals seeking a more substantial credential, the Network+ certification can provide reassurance regarding one’s understanding of network connectivity and security protocols – both critical components of any help desk platform!
Whatever path you choose, we’re confident that an accredited degree or certification will pave the way to an exciting career!
Help Desk Technician Certification & Training
There are several options for attaining Help Desk Technician certification, such as an online course or attending a facility-based training session. Each has its merits and demerits, so it’s vital to weigh them carefully before making your choice.
Online courses are convenient, but they typically don’t offer the same degree of hands-on training as classroom settings can provide. Plus, if you’re planning on working as a computer support specialist, they may not be enough; many companies require additional credentials to employ them! On the flip side – if you want to advance within the industry and gain experience while doing so – then these courses could prove invaluable!
In order to attain certification, you’ll have to complete an exam process that may include practical assessments, quizzes and other requirements.
Do I Need a Formal Certificate?
If you’re seeking employment in a professional capacity, such as with federal agencies or even private businesses, then obtaining a credential could certainly help your cause. For example, U.S. Army personnel must obtain EPA certification for their soldiers to operate sensitive machinery like jet engines successfully!
What IT Certifications to Be a Help Desk Technician?
An IT help desk technician has to be an expert at fixing various issues. They need attention to detail to troubleshoot various software and hardware problems and must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of people. Additionally, they must have excellent communication skills and the ability to learn new things. They should also have good people skills and be willing to expand their knowledge. Having the proper IT certifications can help you land a job in a fast-paced environment.
ows employers that you are qualified to perform this type of work. Even if you aren’t working in a help desk today, it is possible to gain experience in a network environment. You will have a broad knowledge of networking and help desks, and you’ll also develop soft skills like management and communication. Those skills will help you land a job and earn a higher salary.
As with any career, it is important to know your goals and prepare for any interview questions. An IT certification will show employers that you are dedicated to your education and have worked hard to develop your skills. Having a certificate shows that you’re willing to work hard.
Help Desk Technician Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Help Desk Support Specialists remains strong and stable. The field continues to show promising growth, with computer support specialist positions projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032. This translates to approximately 75,000 job openings projected each year over the decade, representing a consistent demand for skilled professionals in this field.
This rise is not surprising, given that businesses are continually seeking out new ways to improve productivity as well as obtain access to solutions which could aid people with their day-to-day tasks. With such a trend towards innovation present within organizations across the globe one can expect an uptick in demand for tech support professionals!
Like any other occupation, the help desk technician field has its perks and challenges. On one hand, it provides an excellent opportunity for entry-level employment; on the other hand – it does offer some unique challenges along the way.
With an abundance of employment opportunities available, aspiring help desk technicians must be savvy about how to leverage their skills and credentials toward landing an ideal position.
Conclusion
In addition to undergoing thorough training, you’ll also have to work closely with your company’s IT department to establish policies regarding how they are going to handle Help Desk calls.
Help Desk technicians are in charge of ensuring that users’ calls are routed quickly and efficiently. They also screen callers for any potential security issues before taking them through to a support agent, who can help resolve any issues related to hardware or software.
Ensure you’re adequately trained and gain experience as you progress in your career; then set about establishing policies for your organization so that the Help Desk is up and running smoothly! We hope you found this article helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do you need to be a help desk technician?
Entry-level help desk positions typically require:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Basic IT knowledge and troubleshooting skills
- Strong customer service and communication abilities
- Understanding of common operating systems (Windows, macOS)
- Familiarity with basic networking concepts
- Problem-solving capabilities
While not always mandatory, the following can significantly improve your prospects:
- IT certifications (CompTIA A+, Microsoft certifications)
- Technical training or coursework
- Previous customer service experience
- Knowledge of ticketing systems and remote support tools
How do I start a career in help desk?
Starting a help desk career involves several key steps:
1. Build Your Foundation
- Learn fundamental IT concepts through online courses or self-study
- Practice troubleshooting common technical issues
- Develop strong communication and customer service skills
- Create a home lab to gain hands-on experience
2. Get Certified
- Obtain CompTIA A+ certification (widely recognized entry-level credential)
- Consider additional certifications like Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
- Look into vendor-specific certifications relevant to your target employers
3. Gain Experience
- Look for internship opportunities
- Consider volunteer IT work for non-profits
- Take on technical support roles in your current workplace
- Build a portfolio of personal projects
Is help desk a good career?
Help desk can be an excellent career choice for several reasons:
Advantages:
- Excellent entry point into IT
- Clear career progression paths
- Strong job security and demand
- Competitive starting salaries
- Opportunity to learn multiple technologies
- Skills are transferable across industries
Potential challenges:
- Can be high-stress during busy periods
- May require shift work or on-call duties
- Regular upskilling required to stay current
- Customer interactions can be demanding
Career growth opportunities include:
- Systems Administration
- Network Engineering
- Security Analysis
- IT Project Management
- Technical Team Leadership
Do I need a degree for IT help desk?
A degree is not mandatory for most help desk positions, but education requirements vary:
Without a degree:
- Focus on certifications and hands-on experience
- Build a strong portfolio of practical skills
- Network within the industry
- Consider technical bootcamps or vocational training
With a degree:
- May have access to more advancement opportunities
- Could command higher starting salaries
- Might be preferred for enterprise-
level positions
- Better positioned for management roles
Which certification is best for IT help desk?
Top certifications for help desk professionals include:
1. CompTIA A+ (Most Recommended)
- Industry-standard entry-level certification
- Covers hardware, software, and operating systems
- Widely recognized by employers
2. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
- Excellent for Windows-centric environments
- Demonstrates Microsoft ecosystem knowledge
- Good stepping stone to more advanced certifications
3. HDI (Help Desk Institute) Certifications
- Focused specifically on service desk and technical support
- Emphasizes both technical and soft skills
- Internationally recognized
4. ITIL Foundation
- Valuable for understanding IT service management
- Important for enterprise help desk roles
- Demonstrates process and framework knowledge
Can you be an IT tech without a degree?
Yes, you can absolutely succeed in IT without a degree. Key strategies include:
Alternative paths to success:
- Focus on building practical skills through hands-on experience
- Obtain relevant certifications
- Create a strong professional network
- Develop a portfolio of personal projects
- Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions
Success factors:
- Continuous learning mindset
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Excellent documentation skills
- Ability to adapt to new technologies
- Professional communication capabilities
Remember: The IT field values demonstrated skills and experience often more than formal education. Many successful IT professionals have built rewarding careers through certifications and practical experience rather than traditional degrees.
Mike G.
IT Certification Jump
