CONTACT:
Mike Lurie
Office: 410-455-6380
Cellphone: 443-695-0262
mlurie@umbc.edu

January 15, 2009

BALTIMORE -- UMBC Training Centers has added a new program, "Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)," to its IT training curriculum. This course will provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to take and pass the two exams required to achieve Microsoft's MCDST Certification.

The MCDST designation certifies IT professionals as being qualified to perform troubleshooting, provide facilitation and customer service, perform hardware and software installation, and perform configuration and upgrades for the Windows XP and Vista operating systems and Microsoft office applications.

This program will be offered at UMBC Training Centers' main training facility at UMBC's Technology Center beginning May 4, 2009. The program will be offered in the evenings, two nights per week for five weeks.

"We are glad to roll out this program to help individuals interested in beginning their IT careers as help desk support professionals," says Jon Lau, practice manager of UMBC Training Centers' IT and Engineering programs. "The demand for qualified IT professionals in this area remains high, as the combination of technical skills, customer service and problem solving abilities is difficult to find. We think this program will give our students an advantage in finding new opportunities and building their careers as IT professionals."

The MCDST program complements UMBC Training Centers' existing Microsoft certification programs, which include the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). For additional information, contact Kent Malwitz at kmalwitz@umbctrainingcenters.com or (443) 543-5418.

UMBC Training Centers is a special mission affiliate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Training Centers extends UMBC's academic excellence to working professionals and organizations through the delivery of high-quality professional, scientific and technical training programs. Training Centers serves over 2,500 students annually from the region's leading businesses and government agencies.