10/12/2000 -- In what Microsoft says is a continuing effort to "retain the validity and value of Microsoft certification," the company has changed its exam beta testing process, offering the beta versions to selected candidates via invitation-only. Also, while past beta exams were typically offered for half the fee of live exams, new beta exams will be free.

Among the criteria for choosing candidates, Microsoft says it will pluck from:

• A pool consisting of those who previously passed a corresponding live exam (for example, invitees for a SQL Server 2000 beta exams will come from a list of those who passed the SQL Server 7.0 version of the exam).
• Active participants in Microsoft's Rapid Deployment Partner and Joint Development Partner programs.

Microsoft says it will send invitations to candidates via its "MCP NewsFlash" newsletter; to subscribe to it, go to http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/default.asp?PageCall=newsletters&PageLoc=content&PageMenu=home. -Microsoft Certified Professional magazine