Overview
User support technicians provide first-line technical support to computer users experiencing difficulties with computer hardware and with computer applications and communications software. They are employed by computer hardware manufacturers and retailers, software developers, in call centres and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors. They are also employed by independent technical support companies or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Provide business systems, network and Internet support to users in response to identified difficulties
Collect, organize and maintain a problems and solutions log for use by other technical support analysts
Participate in the redesign of applications and other software
May supervise other technical support workers in this group.
Communicate electronically and in person with computer users experiencing difficulties to determine and document problems experienced
Consult user guides, technical manuals and other documents to research and implement solutions
Reproduce, diagnose and resolve technical problems encountered by users
Provide advice and training to users in response to identified difficulties
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$42,108
$64,174
$100,276
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
1,869expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
College or other courses in computer programming or network administration are usually required.
Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional information
- Progression to computer programming, interactive media development, Web development or systems analysis is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as User support technicians in B.C.
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - User Support Technician
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - User Support Technician
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as a user support technician in B.C., you may choose to register with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an accredited diploma program and 24 months of progressive work experience, 12 of which must be at the technologist profile or higher in a Canadian work environment.
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