What are the best desktop technician qualifications and training to get ahead?

What is the best training for becoming a desktop technician? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective desktop technician?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

Host said: What is the best training for becoming a desktop technician? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective desktop technician?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

Everyone seems to want the A+ as a basic requirement. It's fairly simple to get. A bit expensive though as CompTIA exists only to make money off certifications. You'll spend ~350 with the book. The other requirement I see a lot is the Microsoft Certified Professional. A lot of places want 70-270 which is XP Pro. That's $125 to take through Prometric and the book retails for $60.

The Comptia A+ is the first cert you should get.
This will allow you to test for Vendor certifications if you obtain employment with a service provider. IBM. HP, Dell Certifications.
You may want to pursue a Microsoft certification.
But there is no substitute for OJT.
If you are looking to start new, try going for an internship through your school.