11/7/2007 -- Last week, Microsoft released new certification exams that allow Microsoft Certified System Engineers (MCSEs) and Microsoft Certified System Administrators (MCSAs) certified on Windows Server 2003 to update their credentials to Windows Server 2008.

The exams earn MCSEs and MCSAs several new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) titles focused on Windows Server 2008 months before the server itself is set to be released. According to David Lowe, senior product manager for the Windows Server Marketing group, the content of the exams is based on the current technology in the pre-release versions of Windows Server 2008.

The upgrade exam for 2003 MCSEs is 70-649 TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008. MCSEs who pass the exam will be awarded the following titles, according to Microsoft's Web site:

• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Application Platform Configuration

These exams also count as credit toward filling the requirements of Microsoft's new Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Server Administrator and Enterprise Administrator certifications.

The upgrade exam for 2003 MCSAs is 70-648 TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008. MCSAs who pass this exam earn the following titles:

• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

The exam also goes toward the same MCITP certifications as the MCSE exam.

Both exams are live and available now at Prometric testing centers worldwide for $125 (U.S.). - Becky Nagel, with additional reporting by Michael Domingo