The MCDST certification allows technicians to work in customer support or computer repair with Windows operating systems. To obtain it, one must pass two exams costing $125 each. Microsoft provides practice tests and materials, and updating certification may become necessary as operating systems change.
The MCDST certification, short for Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, allows the certified person to work in the field of customer support or computer repair working with Windows operating systems. To obtain the MCDST certification, the interested person must pass the exam “Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Windows XP Operating System” and “Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Windows XP Operating System” , known as exams 70-271 and 70-272 respectively. Both exams prepare the technician to work with Windows operating systems and desktop applications found on computers running Windows.
The two exams cost $125 USD each. The exams can be taken in any order. While a technician may have taken other tests and become certified in these areas, they will still need to take these two specific exams to become MCDST certified. Interested technicians can register for the exams on the Microsoft website and find out when and where they can take the tests.
Microsoft also provides links to sites that offer practice tests and materials to help prepare the interested individual before the test. Online classes, face-to-face classes and study materials are available on various websites to provide you with guidance and a better idea of what real exams are like. Classes for older operating systems may be limited and one should use online resources to learn about exams.
When choosing whether or not MCDST certification is the right step to take, a technician should consider what type of job he or she wants and current qualifications. Anyone who has received some sort of certification from Microsoft is known as an MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and can perform repair work related to computers in the field they studied. A technician may not need the MCDST certification, but generally most technicians need to work with the Windows operating system at some point, and this certification can help you land a job in this field.
As Windows systems update, such as the release of Windows 7, technicians can take new exams to update their certification. Whether or not this is necessary depends on the company the technician works for and what operating system the company or its customers use. Over time, updating certification may become necessary as operating systems change and older systems are used less frequently.
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