In-Depth
MCDST
For help desk and desktop support technicians.
Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, on October 8, 2003 to address a gap that had existed for quite some time in its certification offerings, that of the help desk, desktop, or end user support technician. The MCDST fills that gap with two new exams that cover operating systems and applications issues.
According to the requirements page on Microsoft's MCP site, the MCDST is aimed at those tasked with supporting and troubleshooting desktop applications and desktop operating systems, in particular, Windows XP.
MCDST requires passage of these two exams:
- 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Windows Desktop Operating Systems
- 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Desktop Operating System Platform
Courseware and self-study guides for these exams are expected to be available by mid-2004.
Both exams also count as electives under the MCSA on Windows 2003 titles, although, as of this writing, Microsoft hasn't officially added them to the requirements lists for that title.
For MCDST requirements, also see http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcdst/requirements.asp; also be sure to check out Microsoft's MCDST FAQ at http://www.microsoft.com/TrainCert/mcp/mcdst/faq.asp.