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[edit section] All About the Microsoft MCDST 70-272 Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications

The Microsoft MCDST 70-272 Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications in Windows XP exam is the second of two MCDST exams that are designed to be a Microsoft equivalent to the CompTIA A+ certification series. The 70-272 is supposed to test a candidate’s ability to identify and troubleshoot common desktop application issues in a Windows XP environment. It is unique in that it is one of the few Microsoft certification exams tailored around common Microsoft applications like Office, Internet Explorer, and Outlook Express.

[edit section] Difficulty and Scope

The Microsoft MCDST 70-272 exam is more difficult than the MCTS exams but much less difficult than the MCSE exams. It requires a good bit of study but candidates who are already familiar with the Office, Outlook Express, and Internet Explorer applications will find the test intuitive. It also helps to have a firm grasp of Windows XP in general, which candidates can become more familiar with by studying for and taking the 70-271 Windows XP troubleshooting exam. It is an exam with a somewhat limited scope in comparison to other Microsoft exams, which makes it easier to study for. The topics of the exam include:

• Identify and troubleshoot problems in Microsoft Office products
• Support users of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express
• Troubleshoot general issues in other Windows XP applications
• Manage usability and accessibility in applications
• Customize applications in Windows XP
• Manage network and hardware connectivity for applications
• Configure application security

[edit section] When and why to take the MCDST 70-272 exam

Most people take the MCDST 70-272 in working towards the MCDST certification, which is a new Microsoft equivalent of the CompTIA A+ certification as a general technical support skills test. Becoming MCDST certified can help you achieve a career in help desk support, systems repair, on-site technician, or technology trainer. The 70-272 in particular focuses on the application side of things, especially end user Microsoft application troubleshooting. This means that being MCDST certified shows you are aware of how to troubleshoot pesky Office quirks or Internet Explorer memory leaks and makes you uniquely qualified as a general application support specialist.

If you are wondering when is best to take the exam, the answer is simple: after you successfully complete 70-271. The 70-272 builds a bit on the previous exam in the MCDST series and it would be to your benefit to simply take the 70-272 after you have passed the former exam. It is a bit easier than the 70-271 and will not be sucha burden to study for as well.

[edit section] I’m going to take the 70-272! Now what?

First, you will need to determine if it is really feasible for you to take the certification exam. Not everyone has the time to set aside to study for this exam, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that you should have at least 45 hours available to prepare for this exam, although anywhere from 30 to 65 hours would be a reasonable estimate of time required to prepare. For this reason, we would highly suggest that you have at least a month or two available to really prepare for the exam. Next, once you have set the time aside, you should probably schedule a date to take the exam at a Prometric test centre. Finally, use ProProfs resources in addition to your own study materials to prepare for the exam. We wish you the best of luck in your studies!

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