Microsoft Certification: Learn more about MCDST
February 10, 2004
Published: March 26, 2004
Please note:Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity
Introduction
Moderator: KenM (Microsoft)
Welcome to today's Training and Certification Chat. Our topic is Microsoft Certification: Learn more about MCDST. Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome.
Moderator: KenM (Microsoft)
I'll now have the hosts introduce themselves.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Hi! I'm Andy Ruth, Product Planner for the MCDST certification. I helped with identifying the tasks that are tested, and the learning and certification products that are associated with the MCDST credential. I spend a lot of time on microsoft.public.cert.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
Hello, I’m Steve Gzesh. I’m a Marketing Manager in the Microsoft Learning team.
Host: Kari (Microsoft)
Hi, I'm Kari Fink, Marketing Manager for MS Learning
Host: John (Microsoft)
John_ms - John Norby, product manager in MS Learning. I’m the voice of the customer for MCDST. I own the business portion of the credential including identifying customers, forecasting and tracking of how the credential is doing in the marketplace.
Host: Eric (Microsoft)
Hi, my name is Eric. I'm an MS Exam Technology Program Manager.
Host: Daryl (Microsoft)
Hi, I’m Daryl. I manage the content development team for exams 70-271 and 70-272.
Moderator: KenM (Microsoft)
Ken McGrath here, TechNet/MSN Web and Communities Producer.
Start of Chat
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: The programs (classes, exams, etc) laid out in training & certification webpage. Is rather confusing. Is there a webpage that I can go to that will tell me which classes to start first to eventually get MCSE certified?
A: Hi, I assume you’ve been here. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/default.asp do you have Windows 2000 MCSE?
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Just a heads-up. Both of the exams for MCDST are now available. Are any of you going to take the certification?
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: GTACH: regarding MCSE new entrant
A: No problem, if you are new to IT, start here. You are basically going to take 7 exams. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: In comparison to the candidates for an MCSA or MCSE certification, how many people does Microsoft expect will be interested in this certification... above and beyond the certa-holics who would take any exam to get any new credential? Thanks.
A: We expect this one to be as popular (or even more popular) that the MCSA and MCSE certifications. In the US alone, there are over 500,000 positions, with 100,000 of those positions open.
Host: Kari (Microsoft)
Q: gtach : KariMS and JohnMS, Is it better for somebody new at certification process to go for MCSA first, then MCSE?
A: It depends on your current job role and experience level. If you're entry to the IT field, the MCDST is a good starting point. Recommendation is to check out each of the tracks available at www.microsoft.com/mcp and see which maps best to your career
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
Q: How long has the MCDST certification been available?
A: The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) certification became achievable as of last Thursday, February 4, when the second of two required exams became available.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
That exam is 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: I understand that there are no books available at this time for either of these courses
A: The books will be out this summer. There are courses available at this time.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: panda : What level of real world experience does this cert. reflect? Beginner?
A: This is an entry level certification. We based it on the skills set of someone who had 6 months of experience on the job.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: I am looking for study materials and demo test?
A: Study materials are being developed as we speak and the MOC courses are available. Practice test should be out in the next month or so, and we have three assessments that will be available in March.
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: Is it OK to skip MCDST and go directly to MCSA, or MCDST is an important stepping stone toward MSCA and MSCE??
A: Yes. It all depends on your job role and experience. If you are working as a Systems Administrator or System Engineer, there's no reason to be certified on as an MCDST.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: Lynn: What steps will MS take to convince companies that first level support people do not need to be full MCSE and that the MCDST is a valid cert for the help desk?
A: Regarding validity, we did extensive work with existing help desk staff to define and write exam item questions on the exams. People who have already taken the test and received their certification are saying that is appropriate for the job role.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
Q: From my experience with the 70-271 beta test and what I've read about that exam and from postings by people who've taken the 70-272, I'm seeing a lot of the same comments: the exams are similar to 70-270? True?
A: Although both exams do deal with Microsoft Windows XP, the MCDST exams (70-271 and 70-272) tackle issues from the perspective of a support technician rather than by a systems administrator or systems engineer.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
Troubleshooting end-user issues is one of the key distinctions.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: When could we begin to prepare for these exams?
A: You can begin now! Simply go to www.microsoft.com/mcdst and review the exam preparation guides. If you feel you need training, use the Find Training search tool to find training available near you.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: This may be a bit off-topic, but I just got the MCDST and it seems that the eMVPstore won't be carrying any MCDST related products like they do for MCP and other certs - is this temporary?
A: The MVP Store is a partner and will be creating products specifically for the MCDST certification, but I am not sure when it will be available.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: Lynn: What steps will MS take to convince companies that first level support people do not need to be full MCSE and that the MCDST is a valid cert for the help desk?
A: Also anecdotal feedback tells me hiring managers get this. Most hiring managers I talk with say they can’t afford to teach the full MCSA/MCSE path for help desk. On a related note, MCDST counts as an elective for MCSA Windows 2000 and 2003.
Host: Renee (Microsoft)
Q: so there is MOC available for these courses?
A: Yes, there are two courses available today, 2261 and 2262. Here is the link to the course syllabi and how to find a Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions to take the training. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/ and
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: for the 272 exam, does one have to know how apps like Office work?
A: Not so much how they work as an end-user would use them, but generally how to configure and troubleshoot applications.
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: AliceMS, are CompTIA good electives for cert exams? Would you recommend them or do you feel thet there are better study courese??
A: The MCDST certification is being supported for current platforms (Windows 2000 and Windows XP) and future platforms only.
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
A: Of course I'm partial to Microsoft electives ;-), but the most important consideration should be what products and technologies your company uses or what interests you the most.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: I noticed that the cert specifically states XP, other than questions in the exam how are 2000 and 2003 addressed at this level or are they?
A: Good question! Windows XP is the specific desktop operating system we cover. If there is a need to have an exam for Windows 2000 Professional, we would consider developing it. For Windows Server 2003, there is not a desktop version so we will not creat
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: Phil Are there any companies that you know of who have committed to focusing on MCDST for their support desk personnel? Thanks.
A: we’ve worked extensively with many companies of mid-market to enterprise size to validate the MCDST credential. I can’t list them yet, but know that we are pushing this credential within the industry.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
Q: I was told that it will cost $2000 for this cerification. Is that correct?
A: You must pass 2 certification exams to earn MCDST. Each exam costs $125 (US Dollars). So that would be $250 for the certification.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
If you need training to prepare for certification, then you may incur additional costs. There is a variety of training options that meet the learning preferences and budgets of certification candidates; some will become available by early summer.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
For instructor-led training, you may wish to contact a local Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions to learn about any introductory offers they may have.
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: AliceMS, i'm mostly interested in server side, perferably windows server 2003, exchange server, server-side..
A: gtach, it sounds like you have your answer. The Windows Server 2003 exams are core anyway and you can use the Exchange exams as your electives.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: I noticed that my transcript shows a Windows XP next to the MCDST; does this signify there will be other areas the MCDST will cover in the future? If not, why make the specification?
A: For all of our IT Professional certifications, we certify to a specific platform, so that people can identify what platforms they are proficient in. Though MCDST is certifying people on the Windows XP platform, as we release new desktop operating syste
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: I noticed that my transcript shows a Windows XP next to the MCDST; does this signify there will be other areas the MCDST will cover in the future? If not, why make the specification?
A: Though MCDST is certifying people on the Windows XP platform, as we release new desktop operating systems, we will likely create MCDST certifications for those platforms.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
:-)
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: Phil : John, From students in my classes, what I'm seeing is those who need to retrained, or who are looking for a foothold find it more accessible (quicker) than MCSA and MCSE. Once you've got the job, it's not as meaningful.. as when you are job hunt
A: Yes, and I’d say that is our primary audience, those seeking a job, but for companies seeking to baseline or assess their staff, the credential will have meaning.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: Phil : John, From students in my classes, what I'm seeing is those who need to retrained, or who are looking for a foothold find it more accessible (quicker) than MCSA and MCSE. Once you've got the job, it's not as meaningful.. as when you are job hunt
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: Also we want to simplify recruiting, and provide a competitive edge for companies with the cert and those who don’t.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Thanks Phil for your question.
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: AliceMS-Do you all know what percentage of people actually take MCP learning centers classes, and how many self-study? Will I be missing a lot with self-study?
A: It all depends on your learning style. If you are able to learn through self-study, that's great. A lot of people prefer the value-add of instructors so it is totally dependent on your learning style.
Host: Cheryl (Microsoft)
gtach - in a classroom setting you can also share Q&A with students from other environments--something not offered through self-paced learning. However, you can join a community.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: Jim & Phil What kinds of promotion of the new MCDST certification can we expect to see that will raise its visibility? Magazine articles? Wider use of the insignia? MCDST is a great idea but I don't know how many people are actually aware of it yet.
A: Good question, as of next week you will see promotion on Microsoft.com. We have set plans for promotion in online media, print media, direct mailing and emails in the upcoming weeks. Customers can look at career and help desk sites, technology magazine and certification magazines. We will also be at help desk conferences and at Tech-ed. This credential is very important to our customers. thanks!
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: AliceMS/CherylMS- I'm interested in how you got started? Perhaps I could do the same...
A: Neither Cheryl nor I are certified. Actually, we both work in exam development, not in the IT field. Our expertise is in language. You should start with MCDST or MCSA ;-).
Host: John (Microsoft)
FYI I started at Microsoft in help desk
Host: John (Microsoft)
I was in Product Support for 3 years
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
Q: In your opinion..where is the best place to get study materials.. New Horizon in this area is not offering the 2261 2262 classes at this time?
A: To help you find a Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions in your area that offers training for MCSDT, try using our on-line Find Training tool.
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
This tool is assessable on the course syllabi (upper right screen) at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/ and http://www.microsoft.com/learning/.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: Is there anything like the "network essentials?
A: We incorporated the content into the MCSA certification track. The closest thing we now have to network essentials is course 2276, which is a TCP/IP primer.
Host: Cheryl (Microsoft)
wsfng2002 and Steve_MS-- you can start with the study materials referenced on http://www.microsoft.com/learning/books/howtobuy/buy.asp Just do a search on the links provided
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: emflores : This is my first venture into any kind of certification. Is there study materials or pretest for the MCDST?
A: Courses are available now, As they come available, you can find them on www.microsoft.com/mcdst
Host: John (Microsoft)
I meant pretest and self study materials
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: AliceMS/CherylMS- I consider myself pretty good at windows client-side, but got real fascinated by servers when I helped a friend set up a network and server running windows server 2003. Now i'm thinking that certification is a good way to get serious
A: It sounds like you'd be most interested in the MCSE. You may need to work up to it by starting in help desk if you don't have any other experience.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Certification is a great way to get a learning path as well, to help you validate the skills required for the role.
Host: John (Microsoft)
MCDST is for supporting the client or desktop, MCSA/MCSE is for network administration
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: To differentiate the MCDST from MCSA and MCSE, would it be relevant for Microsoft to include some guidelines for Support Desk management and incident prioritization ? I would think this would help differentiate the certification. Thanks.
A: Great point, we don’t test on those items but we definitely talk about this in the course content. Help Desk is not always about answering the entire solution, but solving the immediate problem.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: where can i find study materials for MCDST?
A:www.microsoft.com/mcdst and look at the exam resources page
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: Can either 70-271 or 70-272 be used for MCSA or MCSE?
A: 271 and 272 do not count towards the MCSA or MCSE, but the MCDST certification can count as your elective for MCSA on either Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003.
Host: John (Microsoft)
mcsa: We are excited too!
Host: John (Microsoft)
MCSA: how do you plan to use the credential in your organization? Recruiting, validating technical readiness?
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: I think that the level of client satisfaction from a help desk is proportional to both your knowlege and attitude... I think there is a place for this concept and management of a Help Desk in the MCDST. That would be thinking outside the box.
A: Yes, totally agree, we stuck to our expertise in validating the technical part of the credential.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: I've found from my 2003 exam results that the score and the "feedback bars" sometimes don't match up. Without revealing secret recipes, what correlation is there between the score and the feedback?
A: The passing score for all of our exams is now 700, so the max score you can make varies. The feedback bars give you an idea how you did in each area.
Host: John (Microsoft)
Thanks MCSA, we are looking at localization for Germany, but it will be a while. thanks for sharing.
Host: Kari (Microsoft)
Q: Lynn: I am an instructor in the California state school system basically retraining adults changing careers. Besides A+ I have a help desk class which I am rapidly changing to bring it inline with this cert. Any advice?
A: You may want to have your school investigate IT Academy program. There are discounts to students for exams and the pricing for Official Microsoft Learning Products is discounted as well.
Host: Kari (Microsoft)
http://www.microsoft.com/education/msitacademy/default.asp?ID=itaphome and http://www.microsoft.com/education/msitacademy/?ID=ITAPBenefits
Host: Alice (Microsoft)
Q: AliceMS- cont'd.. I wishthere's some type of curriculum or fixed guideline laid out for people (esp newbie) to follow along, classes all laid out in sequence for a guy like me..
A: For the majority of our exams, there's one or two courses that support them. Sometimes it's hard to cover all the content needed in just one course. For the MCDST, there is one course for each exam. We do hear that the web site can be confusing, so we'll need to work on making it clear. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdst/requirements.asp
Host: Steve (Microsoft)
Did you know that over 300 people are now MCDST-certified since the certification became available last week? All of these individuals will receive special Charter Membership recognition.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: Andy: The max score you can make varies? I suppose then when a person scores 800 and their feedback bars are almost all maxed out, it means they did really well. There was some confusion around that.
A: That is correct. Max score could be 701 or 1701. J
Host: John (Microsoft)
Q: What one characteristic do you envision for your ideal MCDST certificant? Thanks.
A: Certainly customer service and call management skills are important from the MCDST credential, someone with aptitude, and troubleshooting skills on the Windows XP and Office will succeed.
Host: Andy (Microsoft)
Q: is this new scoring guideline documented somewhere?
A: I’m not sure. If it is, it is in the exam FAQ available at www.microsoft.com/mcdst http://www.microsoft.com/mcdst.
Host: Kari (Microsoft)
Thanks everyone for joining us today
Host: Kari (Microsoft)
Watch www.microsoft.com/learning for the next Microsoft Learning chat. Subscribe to the MCP Flash to at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/ to stay up to date with the latest Microsoft Learning program
Host: Kari (Microsoft)
You can also ask questions of your peers within the Certification public newsgroups at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/community/. If you have urgent questions, please contact a customer service representative in your region http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support
Moderator: KenM (Microsoft)
Thanks for joining us today and thanks for the questions. It's time for us to go now.
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