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ESCO occupation

computer hardware test technician

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Computer hardware test technicians conduct testing of computer hardware such as circuit boards, computer chips, computer systems, and other electronic and electrical components. They analyse the hardware configuration and test the hardware reliability and conformance to specifications.

3114.1.3 ISCO 3114 ESCO source
Competences
45
Groups
4
Essential
24
Optional
21

Competences and skills

45 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
hardware architectures

The designs laying out the physical hardware components and their interconnections.

digital
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hardware materials

The characteristics, applications and environmental effects of materials used to develop hardware.

digital
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hardware platforms

The characteristics of the hardware configuration required to process the applications software product.

digital
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Cross-sector

7 competences
electrical discharge

The qualities and applications of electrical discharge, including voltage and electrodes.

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electronic equipment standards

The national and international quality and safety standards and regulations with regards to the use and manufacture of electronic equipment and its components, such as semiconductors and printed circuit boards.

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hardware components

The essential components that make up a hardware system, such as liquid-crystal displays (LCD), camera sensors, microprocessors, memories, modems, batteries and their interconnections.

digital
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hardware testing methods

Those processes in which hardware components or systems are tested, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT).

digital
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instrument performance elements

Elements that indicate or influence instrument performance. A first indication of the performance of the instrument is the accuracy or precision of the instrument, such as its response time, resolution, and range. A second indication of performance is the technical performance of the instrument, such as its power level, the electromagnetic interference, and transient voltages. A third indication of performance are environmental factors that can influence instrument performance, such as humidity, operating temperatures, or dust.

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quality assurance procedures

The procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.

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quality standards

The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

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Essential skills and competences 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
interpret circuit diagrams

Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.

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Cross-sector

13 competences
analyse test data

Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.

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communicate test results to other departments

Communicate testing information such as testing schedules, samples testing statistics and test results, to the relevant departments.

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conduct quality control analysis

Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.

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ensure conformity to specifications

Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.

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inspect quality of products

Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.

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measure electrical characteristics

Measure voltage, current, resistance or other electrical characteristics by using electrical measuring equipment such as multimeters, voltmeters, and ammeters.

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meet deadlines

Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

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read assembly drawings

Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.

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read engineering drawings

Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.

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read standard blueprints

Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

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test hardware

Test computer hardware systems and components using appropriate equipment and testing methods, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT). Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.

digital
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use measurement instruments

Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

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use testing equipment

Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.

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Optional knowledge 6 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
consumer electronics

The functioning of electronic consumer goods such as TVs, radios, cameras and other audio and video equipment.

digital
ESCO source
waste removal regulations

The regulations and legal provisions governing waste removal activities.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
electronics

The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.

digital
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mechanics

Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

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microelectronics

Microelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.

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printed circuit boards testing methods

Printed circuit board (PCB) testing methods consist of those processes in which PCB components or systems are tested, such as the in-circuit test (ICT), joint test action group (JTAG) test, and automated optical inspection (AOI).

digital
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 15 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
test wireless devices

Analyse and test wireless devices and digital platforms that use power management integrated circuits (PMIC), radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) or wireless chipsets.

digital
ESCO source

Sector-specific

2 competences
perform in-circuit test

Conduct in-circuit test (ICT) to assess whether the printed circuit boards (PCB) were correctly manufactured. The ICT tests for shorts, resistance, and capacitance, and can be performed with a "bed of nails" tester or with a fixtureless in-circuit test (FICT).

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test printed circuit boards

Test the printed circuit board with special testing adapters to ensure optimal efficiency, functionality, and that everything works according to design. Adapt the testing devices to the type of circuit board.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
calibrate electronic instruments

Correct and adjust the reliability of an electronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer and using calibration devices.

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check system parameters against reference values

Make sure that the measurable factors which define the operation of a system correspond to the predetermined norms.

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keep records of work progress

Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.

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liaise with engineers

Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.

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maintain test equipment

Maintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.

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operate precision measuring equipment

Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.

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perform test run

Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

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remove defective products

Remove defective materials from the production line.

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research equipment needs

Research equipment or required machine parts; compare sources, prices and delivery times.

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resolve equipment malfunctions

Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.

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send faulty equipment back to assembly line

Send equipment that didn't pass inspection back to the assembly line for re-assembly.

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write inspection reports

Write the results and conclusions of the inspection in a clear and intelligible way. Log the inspection's processes such as contact, outcome, and steps taken.

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