For individuals who have little experience with Windows operating systems or who are nervous about the exams, a number of organizations offer MCDST courses. These courses, available in person and online, help students prepare for the exams by going over the subjects the exams cover as well as the types of questions used on the exam.
A number of books and multimedia materials have been created to help students prepare for the MCDST exams. These can be excellent resources for students who need more flexibility than a class offers or who prefer learning independently. This can also be a good approach for individuals who do not need a full overview of all the course material but want to review certain areas. Used books and CDs are available in many cases, but materials that are too old should be avoided, as they may not have up-to-date information.
There are several online forums for Microsoft technicians, including forums hosted by Microsoft. This can be a good place to interact with individuals who have already passed the MCDST exams and have years of experience. If there are any areas of the tests that are unclear or that a student is worried about, talking to experienced Microsoft technicians should clear things up.
A number of books and several online sources have MCDST practice tests. These are not copies of the actual MCDST exams, but they should give students a good idea of what the tests will be like and the kinds of questions that will be asked. The practice tests will also help to highlight any areas that need work or further study.