The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential proves that you have the skills to successfully support end users and to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments running on the Microsoft Windows® operating system.

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MCDST candidates are required to pass two core exams. Elective exams are not required. The following table lists Official Microsoft Learning Products courses and Microsoft Press books designed to help you prepare for these exams. See individual exam preparation guides for exam availability.

Exams	Courses	Hours
Exam 70-271: Supporting users and troubleshooting Microsoft Windows XP operating system	Course 2261: Supporting users running Microsoft Windows XP operating system	24
Exam 70-272: Supporting users and troubleshooting desktop applications on a Microsoft Windows XP operating system	Course 2262: Supporting users running applications on a Microsoft Windows XP operating system	16
Total Hours		40

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• Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.

• Access to technical and product information—directly from Microsoft—through the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Member Site.

• Access to exclusive discounts on products and services from selected companies. Some offers are available only to MCSE+Is, MCSEs, MCDBAs, and MCSDs. Access these benefits by visiting the MCP Member Site.

• MCDST certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as a Microsoft Certified Professional to colleagues or clients. Electronic files of logos and transcript may be downloaded from the MCP Member Site upon certification.

• Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.

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• If I am an MCSA or MCSE on windows 2000, will I automatically become certified as an MCDST?

• How can I determine whether I am an appropriate candidate to earn the MCDST certification?

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• If I am an MCSA or MCSE on Windows 2000. Will I automatically become certified as an MCDST?
  The core exams for MCDST test a different set of skills than the core exams for MCSA or MCSE; however, the MCDST credential does count as elective toward your MCSA credential.

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• How can I determine whether I am an appropriate candidate to earn the MCDST certification? 
  The MCDST certification covers the skills of 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 Technical Technologies skills Standards for Information Technology and other research worldwide.

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