• Exam 70-271:
  Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Windows XP Operating System,
• Exam 70-272,
  Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Windows XP Operating System.

That’s one more exam than required for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification, but two less than the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA).

The MCDST credential is for professionals who use customer service skills to educate users, as well as solve hardware or software operation and application problems on the desktop or client-side based on the Microsoft Windows desktop operating system. This is in contrast to the MCSA credential, for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating systems. MCSAs do not generally provide direct support to end-users or troubleshoot desktop or client-side issues as part of their job function. Unlike MCSAs, MCDSTs are not expected to have network administration skills. MCDST, MCSA, and MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) job roles are distinct. These certifications—for desktop support technicians, systems administrators, and systems engineers, respectively—provide hiring managers with an accurate means to identify qualified individuals for specific job roles within an organization’s IT structure.

According to Microsoft, recent research indicates that a demand gap exists in organizations between the number of support technicians needed on Microsoft Windows Desktop Operating systems and the number of skilled individuals available to do the job. The MCDST credential will help employers readily identify qualified individuals to close this gap. Job titles for the MCDST certification cover help desk technician, customer support representative, PC support specialist, technical support representative, and technical support specialists as defined by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies Skill Standards for Information Technology and other research worldwide.

As far as testing is concerned, the MCDST exams are accepted as an alternative to the elective exams for the MCSA and MCSE credentials.

Is the MCDST a useful certification?
The verdict is still out.

In a recent article, Bill Heise, the Help Desk Manager for the Kentucky Educational Technology System, said he felt it was a great certification. After over 25-years in the business, Bill oversees a staff of nine help-desk technicians supporting 700,000 users. He feels the certification establishes a baseline competency. Another IT consultant voiced his opinion: 

Jeremy Licata, an MCP, disagrees. He feels Microsoft’s just inventing another income stream, failing to create valid certifications that successfully demonstrate the equivalent of real world experience. He goes on to state that this beginner’s certification would add no value to hiring in his environment. “Entry-level is still entry-level,” Licata stated.

The bottom line for evaluating the usefulness of this certification is probably somewhere in between the above views. If the certification is a good match for the job you presently have, or wish to pursue, then it can provide a valid measure of expected competencies. However, if your job aspirations have nothing to do with providing end-user support, taking the exams is most likely a waste of time and money.

If you would like more information on the MCDST certification, go to Microsoft’s site.