10/28/2003 -- Cisco Systems recently extended the life of two beta exams: 643-531 CSIDS, which counts toward the company's Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) title, and 641-821 INTRO, which is part of the new two-exam Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) track.

Both betas launched earlier this summer. CSIDS was originally scheduled to retire from beta format in Aug., but will now be available through Dec. 15. INTRO's beta period has been extended to Nov. 30, which is around the time the exam was originally expected to go live. Cisco did not state on its Web site why the betas were extended.

The betas are currently available worldwide at Pearson Vue and Prometric testing centers for $50. Those who pass will receive credit toward certification.

Live dates for the exams have yet to be announced.

For more information on Cisco's beta exam program, click here. -Becky Nagel