Certification and Advancement
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 that are running the Microsoft Windows operating system. (1)

Course Overview
Learners acquire knowledge to support end users who run Microsoft Windows XP Professional in a corporate environment or Microsoft Windows.  Learners will gain knowledge in how to resolve operating system issues by telephone, by connecting to an end user's system remotely, or by visiting an end user's desktop.   Twelve-week course.  Class meets twice per week.

• Installing a Windows Desktop Operating System
• Managing and Troubleshooting Access to Resources
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers
• Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Applications and Resolving Issues Related to Usability
• Resolving Issues Related to Application Customization
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Connectivity for Applications
• Configuring Application Security

Potential Career(s)
Employment for beginning computer support specialists is expected to continue to grow.   Support specialists may advance into positions in which they use what they have learned from customers to improve the design and efficiency of future products. Job promotions usually depend more on performance than on formal education. (2)  Careers include desktop support specialist.