10/30/2008 -- According to a recent Microsoft Learning blog post, the company is extending the pilot testing phase for its performance-based Active Directory exam.

Pilot testing for 70-113: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring has been extended to Dec. 17. As a pilot exam, test takers provide feedback and get a taste for the new performance-based exams that the group will be adding to the mix of question types.

So, what's the incentive this time to taking these exams when you don't get anything in return, such as credit toward the Active Directory exam itself?

Microsoft, for its part, is offering three vouchers good toward taking any Microsoft certification exam, limited to the first 3,000 pilot test takers worldwide. The catch is that you must reside in a region where the pilot exam is being delivered and you must register seven days prior to taking the exam.

For more details and to obtain the promotional code to take the exam, click here.

To read reviewer Andy Barkl's insights into the 70-113 Pilot exam, click here.

For training and self-study resources for this exam, which is based on Exam 70-640, click here. Michael Domingo