Although employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed postsecondary training courses, many service technicians train informally on the job. Industry certification is becoming increasingly important. Many service technicians become qualified through informal on-the-job training, working closely with experienced technicians. Trainees receive from a few weeks to a few months of guidance and often learn the basics of electronics diagnostics and repair before beginning to work independently.

Although informal on-the-job training remains common, employers generally prefer to hire workers who have attended postsecondary vocational, technical, or associate’s degree programs in electronics repair. These programs, which include hands-on and theoretical training in digital consumer electronics, often help reduce the amount of training new workers need.

Service technicians must stay familiar with rapidly changing technologies. Employers frequently require technicians to attend training sessions and read manuals and reports on new products to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Employers increasingly expect service technicians to be certified because certification shows competence.