Getting your beta on for the holidays! (Exchange and WinMo6.5)

Firstly, let me start out by thanking Krista Wall and Gerry O’Brien of the Microsoft Learning Team for publishing the official Beta Exam Invites!

And with no further adieu, here are the published invites! (Hooray!)

Windows Mobile 6.5 Developer Beta Exam Invite

Exam: 71-580, TS: Windows Mobile® 6.5, Application Development

Registration begins: November 11, 2009 – Beta exam period runs: November 30, 2009– December 21, 2009

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: WEMOD

Windows Mobile 6.5, Configuring Beta Exam Invite

Exam: 71-579, TS: Windows Mobile® 6.5, Configuring

Registration begins: November 11, 2009 – Beta exam period runs: November 19, 2009– December 11, 2009

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: WEMOI

Exchange 2010 Pro beta exam available—Register now!

Exam: 71-663: Pro: Designing and Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

Registration begins: November 20, 2009 – Beta exam period runs: December 1, 2009– December 21, 2009

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: EPROJ

Well, this is a pretty straight forward breakdown of the exams! If you encounter any of the exams closed (from the codes being over used, be sure to let us know! :))

Good luck, and good testing! (I’m scheduled for the Exchange exam, but my post mortem won’t come until Dec 21st – so too late for the rest of you :))

Exchange 2010 Beta Exams are calling you! Update your SME Profile today!

Wait, what?! Yay?! That’s right! The Exchange 2010 exams will be hitting beta soon, and you can get first crack at testing it in the beta process – All it takes is clicking random links and updating your profile to reflect the fact that you’ve been playing with the 2010 bits!

Step 1. Visit this MSL Post to get the highlights (thanks Krista Wall!) Exchange 2010 beta exams coming soon—submit your SME profile now!

Step 2. Visit this second MSL Post in order to get the details about the SME Profile on connect! One word, rhymes with sneeze—Sign me up!

Step 3. Alright, I didn’t follow steps 1 or 2 because I don’t like clicking links so I want to go directly to setting up my SME Profile on Connect

    • Visit the Connect Home Page
    • Click on “Were you invited to join Connect?”
    • Put this invitation code into the box: SME2-JC3G-DKDY
    • Fill out the survey/profile
    • You’re set and on your way to being the part of this beta and other future betas! Yay?!

So, the keys are in your hands – So step up and be a part of the future of the Exchange 2010 exams… or sit on the sidelines waiting until its released in final form in a million years!

I hate it when Beta Snakes bite me! (ASP.NET 71-564 Beta Exam!)

Firstly, thanks Beta Exam Blog, and GerryO!

Registration Begins 11/5/2008

You are invited to take beta exam 71-564: Pro: Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.5. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The results will not appear on your transcript until several weeks after the final form of the exam is released. The 71-xxx identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for registration.

71-564: Pro: Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.5 counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

· Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: ASP.NET Developer 3.5. In order to earn this certification you must also hold the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications.


Availability

Registration begins: November 5, 2008

Beta exam period runs: November 6, 2008– December 1, 2008

Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

Testing is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions). All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


Registration Information

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: RSC43
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.

To register in North America, please call:

· Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)

Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:

· Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp


Test Information and Support

You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.
You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.
Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-564.mspx

NS1-050 Post Mortem: NetApp Installation Accredited Professional

What is there to say about NS1-050…

Avoid taking it if you don’t have a good understanding of FAS equipment and Data ONTAP

It doesn’t require an advanced understanding, but a good solid foundation, having worked with equipment for some time, as well as some basic diagnostic and configuration work.

Still nothing published about this on the NetApp Certification site, but betas are as betas will be!

Good luck taking it!

Study Tips for SQL 2008 and BI Beta Exams (71-432, 71-448)

So, you’re planning to take the beta exams, but you want to have a LITTLE more hands-on to prepare yourself!

Well, look no further! (Well, do look further, but check this out as well)

Books! Read Read Read away!

SQL Server 2008 Books Online Release Candidate (RC0)

Virtual Labs – These are a wealth of information, labs and “live” systems to play with!
TechNet Virtual Labs: SQL Server 2008
TechNet Virtual Labs: Business Intelligence

Hopefully this gives you that headstart you’re looking for, outside of what you already know!