2/25/2004 -- On Monday Symantec's certification program announced via e-mail a free beta of its upcoming Virus Protection & Integrated Client Security Solutions (251-504) exam.

The beta is one of four new exams the program is creating for an upcoming certification. Details for the title were not available by press time.

Symantec said that the Virus Protection exam will test candidates' knowledge in the following areas:

• virus protection and client security;
• desktop and mobile computing solutions;
• groupware, gateway, server, and multi-tier solutions; and,
• integration in an enterprise environment.

The beta consists of 223 questions with a time limit of 3 hours, 45 minutes. Those who pass will receive credit toward the final exam.

The beta will be offered for free through most, but not all, Prometric testing centers worldwide from March 3 through March 22. Candidates must register by phone and should check with their local Prometric center regarding pricing, Symantec said. Registration opens March 2.

There are no required prerequisites for participating in the beta, although candidates should have experience with the products and technologies tested.

For more information about this beta, including exam objectives, e-mail . For more on Symantec's current certification program, go here. -Becky Nagel