How to Become a Microsoft Certified Technician

The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential certifies that you have the basic skills necessary to successfully troubleshoot computers with desktop environments running on the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. This entry level certification covers the skills of a help desk technician, customer support representative, PC support specialist, technical support representative and technical support specialist.

Things You'll Need

• Approved study guides
• Microsoft practice tests

Instructions

1. Review the two required core exams offered to assess the skills each exam tests. Determine which of the skills you will need to acquire to successfully complete these two certification exams.

2. Understand you will be required to pass both core exams to qualify for certification: 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.

3. Select from one of the Microsoft-approved training/preparation services to study for Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System Exam. Options include Course 2261: Supporting Users Running Microsoft Windows XP Desktop Operating Systems (three-day classroom training) and/or Microsoft e-Learning Course 2261: Supporting Users Running the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System (12 hours of self-study) and/or Microsoft Press MCDST Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-271): Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System, Second Edition.

4. Assess your skills by taking a Microsoft-approved practice exam 70-271, available through the Resource links below.

5. Obtain the 70-271 exam voucher (also available through the Resource links below) and successfully complete the exam.

6. Select from one of the Microsoft-approved training/preparation services to study for 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System Exam. Options include Course 2262: Supporting Users Running Applications on Microsoft Windows XP (two-day classroom training) and/or Microsoft e-Learning Course 2262: Supporting Users Running Applications on the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System (12 hours of self-study) and/or Microsoft Press MCDST Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-272): Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on Microsoft Windows XP, Second Edition.

7. Assess your skills by taking a Microsoft-approved practice exam 70-272, available through the Resource links below.

8. Obtain the 70-272 exam voucher (also available through the Resource links below) and successfully complete the exam.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft recommends successful completion of Exam 70-271 prior to beginning study of Exam 70-272 as your knowledge of the operating system will assist with the application exam.

References

• Microsoft Certifications-MCDST
• Brain Buzz MCDST Solutions
• Cram Session MCDST Study Guides

Resources

• Measure Up Practice MCDST Certification Test Provider
• Self Test Software BN-M15 Microsoft Certification Practice Products MCDST Bundle