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How to Become a Systems Administrator – Centriq 

Systems administrators play a core role in managing a company’s IT infrastructure and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Becoming a systems administrator involves a combination of educational courses, technical skills, and experience. To get started, learn about the ins and outs of a systems administrator’s role and responsibilities.  

What Does a Systems Administrator Do? 

The job description for a systems administrator includes maintaining the performance, security, and reliability of an organization’s computer systems. The goal is to ensure that everything is running efficiently on the tech side of a company. While responsibilities can vary depending on where you’re working, common tasks include:

  • Installing, configuring, and maintaining computer systems, servers, and network devices.

  • Monitoring systems performance and diagnosing and resolving issues.

  • Implementing security measures and maintaining data backup systems.

  • Upgrading software and hardware systems and staying up to date with the latest technologies.

  • Managing user accounts, security, and data access.

  • Collaborating with other IT professionals, such as software engineers, to develop and implement new solutions and technologies.

  • Ensuring high availability of mission-critical systems.

  • Monitoring systems performance and taking corrective actions to resolve issues.

  • Developing and maintaining documentation for systems configurations and processes.

  • Implementing security measures to protect systems and data.

  • Providing technical support to users.

Systems Administrator Salary

The average salary for a systems administrator varies depending on several factors. A senior systems administrator can earn an average of $90,000 to $140,000 per year, while a junior systems administrator earns an average salary range of $60,000 to $90,000 per year.

The difference in salary not only stems from level of expertise and experience but also the size and location of the company. While general responsibilities may be similar, the specific assigned duties may vary from company to company which can also account for the differences in salary. 

Interview Questions for Systems Administrator Roles

Interview questions when applying for a systems administrator role are meant to gauge your experience. You can expect questions to cover everything from your background to your technical skills. You may even be asked to perform tests that demonstrate your expertise. To help you prepare, we’ve listed a few questions you may encounter while interviewing:

  • What experience do you have with Windows and Linux operating systems?

  • How do you stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in the field?

  • Describe a time when you had to diagnose and resolve a complex technical issue.

  • How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple projects at the same time?

  • Can you explain how you would secure a server against potential threats?

  • How do you manage user accounts, permissions, and security in a multi-user environment?

Systems Administrator Training

You don’t have to sit through four years of college to become a systems administrator. Centriq offers a systems administrator training program that focuses on the specific technology skills you need to land a job and pass the certifications that prove you’re a pro.

Certification programs provide you with a comprehensive overview of technologies, concepts, and best practices in the IT industry. It’s just one way of showing your commitment to the field and willingness to invest in your professional development. Earning certifications such as the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) can demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge to future potential employers. 

Remote Systems Administration Jobs 

Remote work and cloud computing are becoming a common industry practice which means the demand for remote Systems Administrators has increased. In a remote role, you’ll be expected to manage and maintain the IT infrastructure of an organization all from the comforts of home.

Ready to start the journey to your next career? Check out the IT training program we offer at Centriq and you’ll be ready for your new IT career in just four short months! With hands-on training, expert instructors, and real-world experience, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a rewarding and challenging systems administrator role. 

Start Date
End Date
Day/Eve
Break Weeks
Track
Jan 23, 2023
Jul 27, 2023
Eve
4/3/23-4/7/23
5/22/23-5/26/23
7/3/23-7/7/23
CSSP-V
Jan 30, 2023
May 5, 2023
Day
3/6/23-3/10/23
4/10/23-4/14/23
CSSP-V
Feb 6, 2023
May 19, 2023
Day
3/27/23-3/31/23
FSCP-V
Mar 20, 2023
Jun 23, 2023
Day
4/24/23-4/28/23
5/22/23-5/26/23
CSSP-V
Apr 10, 2023
Jul 28, 2023
Day
5/29/23-6/2/23
7/3/23-7/7/23
FSCP-V
Apr 24, 2023
Oct 19, 2023
Eve
7/3/23-7/7/23
8/21/23-8/25/23
CSSP-V
May 15, 2023
Dec 14, 2023
Eve
7/3/23-7/7/23
9/4/23-9/8/23
11/20/23-11/24/23
FSCP-V
Jun 5, 2023
Sep 8, 2023
Day
7/3/23-7/7/23
8/7/23-8/11/23
CSSP-V
Jun 19, 2023
Oct 6, 2023
Day
7/3/23-7/7/23
9/4/23-9/8/23
FSCP-V
Jul 24, 2023
Jan 25, 2024
Eve
10/2/23-10/6/23
11/20/23-11/24/23
12/25/23-12/29/23
CSSP-V
Aug 14, 2023
Nov 17, 2023
Day
9/5/23-9/8/23
10/16/23-10/2/23
CSSP-V
Aug 28, 2023
Dec 15, 2023
Day
9/4/23-9/8/23
11/20/23-11/24/23
FSCP-V
Oct 30, 2023
Feb 2, 2024
Day
11/20/23-11/24/23
12/25/23-12/29/23
CSSP-V
Oct 30, 2023
May 2, 2024
Eve
11/20/23-11/23/23
3/4/23-3/7/23
CSSP-V
Nov 6, 2023
Mar 1, 2024
Day
11/20/23-11/24/23
12/25/23-12/29/23
1/29/24-2/2/24
FSCP-V
If you don't see the Cohort Start date you are looking for don't forget to check out our campus calendars.
CSSP-I: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (In-Person Modality)
CSSP-V: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (Live Virtual Modality)
FSCP-I: Full Stack Coding Program (In-Person Modality)
FSCP-V: Full Stack Coding Program (Live Virtual Modality)
Please note that Centriq will be closed on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day following Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Start Date
End Date
Day/Eve
Break Weeks
Track
Feb 29, 2024
Mar 24, 2024
Day
3/25/24-3/29/24
4/22/24-4/26/24
CSSP-I
May 13, 2024
Aug 16, 2024
Day
5/27/24-5/31/24
7/1/24-7/5/24
CSSP-I
Aug 19, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
Day
9/2/24-9/6/24
10/21/24-10/25/24
CSSP-I
Dec 2, 2024
Mar 14, 2025
Day
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
2/10/25-2/14/25
CSSP-I
If you don't see the Cohort Start date you are looking for don't forget to check out our online instructor-led calendar.
CSSP-I: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (In-Person Modality)
CSSP-V: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (Live Virtual Modality)
FSCP-I: Full Stack Coding Program (In-Person Modality)
FSCP-V: Full Stack Coding Program (Live Virtual Modality)
Please note that Centriq will be closed on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day following Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Start Date
End Date
Day/Eve
Break Weeks
Track
Jan 15, 2024
Apr 19, 2024
Day
2/19/24-2/23/24
3/18/24-3/22/24
CSSP-I
Feb 26, 2024
May 24, 2024
Day
4/1/24-4/5/24
CSSP-I
Apr 08, 2024
Jul 12, 2024
Day
5/27/24-5/31/24
7/1/24-7/5/24
CSSP-I
May 20, 2024
Aug 23, 2024
Day
5/27/24-5/31/24
7/1/24-7/5/24
CSSP-I
Jun 24, 2024
Sep 27, 2024
Day
7/1/24-7/5/24
9/2/24-9/6/24
CSSP-I
Jul 29, 2024
Feb 6, 2025
Eve
9/2/24-9/5/24
11/25/24-11/28/24
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
CSSP-I
Aug 5, 2024
Nov 8, 2024
Day
9/2/24-9/6/24
10/7/24-10/11/24
CSSP-I
Sep 9, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
Day
10/14/24-10/18/24
11/25/24-11/29/24
CSSP-I
Oct 21, 2024
Jan 31, 2025
Day
11/25/24-11/29/24
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
CSSP-I
Dec 2, 2024
Mar 14, 2025
Day
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
2/10/25-2/14/25
CSSP-I
If you don't see the Cohort Start date you are looking for don't forget to check out our online instructor-led calendar.
CSSP-I: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (In-Person Modality)
CSSP-V: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (Live Virtual Modality)
FSCP-I: Full Stack Coding Program (In-Person Modality)
FSCP-V: Full Stack Coding Program (Live Virtual Modality)
Please note that Centriq will be closed on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day following Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.