4/8/2003 -- Cisco Systems has extended two beta exams -- Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers (BGP), for its Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional title; and Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH), for its Cisco Certified Design Professional credential -- until Tuesday April 15.

When the discounted betas originally debuted, they were scheduled to be available only within February. As recently as last week, the betas were shown as closed on March 31. However, as of Monday, Cisco's Web site was updated to show the new deadline.

Certification programs like Cisco's often offer discounted beta exams to test new versions of tests before they officially go "live." Cisco is currently offering five other beta exams for various credentials.

All the betas are being offered for $50 (U.S.) at Prometric and Pearson Vue testing centers worldwide. Candidates who pass the betas receive credit toward certification. Cisco exams normally cost $125 (US).

For more information on participating in any of these betas, click here. -B.N.