1/10/2007 -- Microsoft has released 70-624 TS: Deploying and Maintaining Vista Client and Office System 2007 Desktops into beta testing. According to the exam objective guide, the exam actually was put into beta testing on Dec. 18, with testing to end Jan. 10.

Exam 70-624, which is labeled 71-624 while in beta, is a requirement for the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Deploying and Maintaining Vista Client and Office System 2007 Desktops. Unlike other Vista exams, though, this one covers a wide range of technologies that Microsoft expects candidates to be well prepared in implementing: Windows SharePoint Services, Web administration with IIS, ISA Server, SQL Server 2000/2005 administration, as well as others.

Registration for this exam is already open and is available through Vue and Prometric testing centers worldwide. Beta exams are free and are offered by Microsoft by invitation only. To find out more, go here.

Microsoft hasn't revealed details on the live release date for this exam and doesn't comment on exams that are in development. -Michael Domingo, courtesy of MCPmag.com