Microsoft Corporation offers many different certifications in which candidates can reinforce or verify, through one or more comprehensive examinations, their proficiency in working with various Microsoft products.
One of these certifications is the MCDST, or Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician.
The MCDST is a certification directed primarily at individuals who work in a desktop support role using the Windows XP platform.
People who generally have between 6-12 months of experience supporting users in a Windows XP environment are usually the primary candidates for MCDST certification.
The main emphasis of MCDST certification is on troubleshooting and problem-solving within the Windows XP system, and reflects the candidate's ability to translate the use of these skills to real world scenarios in a support environment.
To gain MCDST certification, the successful applicant must pass two multiple choice exams.
The first is on troubleshooting the Windows operating system itself, and the second on troubleshooting desktop applications related to Windows XP.
Successful MCDST candidates can always upgrade their certification at a later time to reflect similar support skills using newer Windows-based operating systems such as Windows Vista and Windows 7.
The benefits of MCDST certification, whether as a stand-alone certification or as a preliminary validation of skills en-route to more advanced Microsoft certifications, include: - Enhances your skill-set in a desktop support role - Serves as notice to employers that you are serious about furthering your IT career - Give you an advantage over other applicants - Prepares you to take more advanced certification programs The MCDST certification focuses specifically on the candidates working technical knowledge of Windows XP, and not necessarily on the customer service skills required to impart that knowledge.
For that there are other certifications offered through Microsoft and other providers which are more customer service specific.