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

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

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

Some would say that the CompTia A+ is what you need to knock on the IT door and although I hold this Cert, I wouldn't recommend chasing it to enter the market, simply because, despite of what you might of heard about CompTia, this cert doesn't hold the weight it ones did in the market, with so many Technology vendors all offering certification paths, the A+ simply won't cut it anymore.

A better approach for Desktop Techs are:

-Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician,Exams 70-271 and -70-27
-Linux Certified Professional

These are the best options for today's IT Job Market. Good Luck.

As Far as "Qualifications" Go.....It All Depends on What You Means by "Qualifications"......What You Need is the Right Training for the Job, Not Confusion. Good Luck.