9/18/2008 -- The Microsoft Learning Group announced on its Beta Exam blog a new exam for database developers. Exam 70-433 TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development, opens for registration on Sept. 19 with beta testing slated from Sept. 22 to Oct. 10. While in beta, candidates should refer to Exam 71-433.

Exam 70-433 counts toward a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008 Database Development certification. The exam is also a requirement for those planning to step up to the higher-level Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Developer 2008 certification that is planned for availability early next year.

According to the exam objective guide, exam 70-433 targets database development professionals who have worked with SQL Server 2008 for at least a year and build data-driven applications.

While in beta, the exam is numbered 71-452; the beta registration code is available from this Beta Exam blog post; information on that page indicates that the exam is available worldwide except in China, India and Pakistan. Microsoft plans to release the exam in November.

Beta exams are free and those who pass the exams in beta can count the exam as a live one toward a qualifying certification. To find out more, click here. Michael Domingo