Microsoft Certified
Desktop Support Technician
on Microsoft Windows XP

The Microsoft^® Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) on Microsoft Windows^® XP credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the baseline skills to enter the IT industry as a support desk technician in a Windows-based desktop environment. Whether you are a career-entrant or a current support technician, you can readily pursue MCDST certification—an important step in accelerating your career as an IT professional.

 Launch a successful IT career.

Organizations need qualified entry-level professionals to support the Microsoft Windows Desktop Operating System environment. There are an estimated 100,000 IT desktop support jobs available in the United States.[1] In addition, demand for support specialists is expected to grow more than 90% between now and 2010.[2] 

The MCDST certification validates the fundamental skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support desk professional. The desktop support technician role helps end-users be more productive with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. If you’re looking to begin a successful career path and take advantage of job market opportunities, the MCDST certification puts you on the right track to get a job that meets increasing support services demand.

Start with the right foundation.

MCDST certification demonstrates valuable troubleshooting expertise with the Windows Desktop Operating System to employers and clients. For career entrants looking to enter the IT industry or current support desk representatives looking to differentiate themselves, MCDST training and certification demonstrate to employers and clients your valuable troubleshooting skills supporting end-users with the Windows Desktop Operating System.

The MCDST certification provides a framework for learning and validating the skills that support technicians need. As a desktop support technician, you will use excellent customer service skills, educate users, and solve hardware or software operation and application problems on the desktop. You will learn valuable skills and best practices consistent with IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) foundational operations which are emphasized throughout all of the training content.

The value of MCDST certification to candidates:

·         MCDST certification validates the baseline skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support professional.

·         MCDST certification helps accelerate support technician careers by providing a structured framework for learning skills.

·         MCDST certification distinguishes job candidates from their peers.

·         MCDST certification enhances job satisfaction through increased technical competency.

·         MCDST certification provides a knowledge foundation for additional Microsoft certifications.

The value of MCDST certification to hiring managers and organizations:

·         MCDST certification provides a tangible benchmark for identifying qualified candidates for a support technician role.

·         MCDST training and certification give your organization a competitive advantage by allowing you to provide outstanding and consistent service to your customers.

·         MCDST training and certification increase operational efficiency and reduce business costs.

Target audience:

This job role represents an entry point into a career as an IT professional. Candidates for this credential work in small- to medium-sized computing environments supporting end-users that use Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional as a desktop operating system. They have either completed technical training on supporting Windows XP Professional and Windows 2000 Professional or have a minimum of six months of experience supporting and trouble-shooting any desktop operating system in a workgroup or domain network environment.

Typical job titles for MCDST:

·         Help Desk Technician
·         Customer Support Representative
·         PC Support Specialist
·         Technical Support Representative

Experience:

MCDST is an entry-level certification.

Exam requirements:

Two core exams.

 MCDST on Microsoft Windows XP

Core exams: two required