The exam is about trouble shooting desktop programs and user supports on a Microsoft Windows XP operating platform. The exam is for end users who use Microsoft Windows XP Home edition in a home environment or end users of the Microsoft Windows XP Professional in a corporate setting. This allows the end user to experience the programs that the operating platform contains. These programs include Microsoft Outlook Express and Microsoft Internet Explorer. It also includes programs that are commonly used in productivity such as Microsoft Office.

Examinees should be able to determine operating platform issues by connecting to an end user’s system remotely, by telephone or by visiting an end user’s desktop. They should also be knowledgeable with operating in an Active Directory domain Environment or workgroup. The examinee should also know how each environment could affect an end user.

Skills that are being measured in the exam

The exam is intended to know if the examinee can troubleshoot and configure Office programs. This involves answering an end-user question that is related to configuring an Office program. It also includes setting the compatibility configuration of the program with the operating platform and troubleshooting certain installation problems. The exam aims to know if the examinee can troubleshoot and configure the Internet Explorer and the Outlook Express. The examinees are also asked how to resolve issues involving the Office support features. The task may involve configuring and interpreting error messages of Office programs. The exam is also intended to determine if the examinee can resolve issues related to program errors. It also presents problems on configuring application security.

Credit Toward Certification

A passer of the Troubleshooting desktop program and supporting users on a Microsoft Windows XP operating platform exam will get Microsoft Certified Professional or MCP status. The passer will also learn core recognition to Microsoft Certified Support Technician or MCDST in the Microsoft Widows XP certification.

The exam 70-272 is a good preparation for various job roles. These job roles may include PC support specialists, technical support specialist, customer support representatives and help desk technician. It is also best suited for those who want to work or currently working in a usually complex environment of computing. It is appropriate for medium and large organizations that make use of Microsoft Windows XP operating platform.

Some Tips for the Exam

The test is multiple choices, hot area, build list and reorder. It may also include a drag and drop question. There are 50 questions and the time allotted is 90 minutes.