http://certcities.com/editorial/news/story.asp?EditorialsID=509
Microsoft has implemented a new certification: Microsoft Certified Desktop Service Technician, meant to be an entry-level certification, with two exams covering such things as trouble-shooting InterNet Explorer problems and assisting users with OFFICE. Published opinon has been split, with some denouncing it as a money grab by Microsoft, and others lauding the certification as filling a real gap.
On the face of it, I call this too soon to tell -- we will have to see what the actual exam tests. But I think two points are worth noting:
1) As described [and unless changed], the MCDST does not replace the A+; the former is Microsoft-specific and as much [or more] directed to Microsoft applications as Microsoft OS, while the latter extends its grasp beyond software to hardware, and looks outside the Microsoft world. I would think having both of these certifications would be highly advantageous to someone looking for helpdesk work.
2) There is some evidence suggesting that the real 'growth' opportunity for IT professionals is with smaller organizations who cannot afford offshore outsourcing. In such a case, the 'design' skills of something like a MCSE will be necessary, but not sufficient, because such an IT worker must be a jack of all trades, in which case the MCDST would be a desirable credential for MCSEs as well.
There is some evidence that Microsoft is looking to replicate Cisco's certification stucture, with an entry-level certification, a junior certification in the MCSA, a senior certification in the MCSE, and an 'architect' certification [which nature is to be determined yet] somewhat equivalent to the CCIE.
Again, it is easy to fleer at Microsoft for developing such a structure, but certification granularity makes great sense to me in the light of the fact that IT shops have a certain "chiefs-to-indians" ratio to maintain, and it is actively counterproductive to insist on the highest level of certifications for those at the lower rungs of the ladder in a large shop. In a small shop, especially one starting to implement IT in a formal way, an entry certification could be initially appropriate, and then the certification requirement could 'grow with the job', providing an effective way for people to combine certification training with the development of on-the-job skills.
For this happy development to be realized, however, the certification exams have to be relevant and resistant to cheating, and on this prospect, the jury is still out.
Posted by jho at October 21, 2003 08:35 AM