Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technicians (MCDST)
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The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) certification will get you started in your IT career by ensuring you have the skills to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments running on the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Certification Audience
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technicians (MCDSTs) have the technical and customer service skills to troubleshoot hardware and software operation issues in Microsoft Windows environments.
Certification Requirements
MCDST candidates are required to pass two core exams:
Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
Exam 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
The MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) is a specialised I.T. certification that is aimed at personnel working in a Desktop Support role. As an entry-level certification the MCDST is designed for those who have about 6 months or more experience supporting users in an Windows XP environment in a small, medium or large-sized organisation.
Gaining the MCDST credential offers a number of potential benefits:
- Gives applicants the skills necessary to comfortably perform their day-to-day tasks
- Gives notice to your employers that you are serious about improving and possibly advancing your career
- If you're trying to get a foot in the door in the I.T. industry the MCDST certification might just give you an edge over other job candidates
- Gets you in the habit of studying for I.T. certifications (especially if you intend to go after more certifications as your career develops)
The MCDST certification is focused entirely on the technical aspects of the support or helpdesk environment, and not the delivery of service to the customer. In other words, although customer service skills are a key ingredient of any support position, the MCDST exams are focused entirely on troubleshooting and resolving Microsoft product problems and therefore only test your technical proficiency, not your customer service skills. If you really want to develop or demonstrate your all-round skills you may want to consider complementing the MCDST certification with a more customer-service focused certification as well (for example, the Help Desk Analyst Certification from the HDI).
