4/20/2009 -- As Windows 7 gets nearer and nearer to a rumored release date this year, the Microsoft Learning Group will be close behind with an exam for the OS. But before that happens, the exam still must be put to the usual beta test cycle.

The Born to Learn blog announced recently that the Windows 7 beta test will take place from May 5 to 18, with registration opening up for the exam on April 27.

Microsoft Learning expects Exam 70-680 TS: Windows 7, Configuring (dubbed 71-680 while in beta and for registration purposes) to be a popular one, even though some surveys are indicating the OS won't be on many corporate upgrade schedules in the coming year.

Microsoft also has two other Windows 7 exams in development: 70-685, MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician, and 70-686, MCITP: Windows 7, Desktop Administrator. Guides for the Windows 7 exams have yet to be posted to the Microsoft Learning site as of this writing.

To find out more about related courseware for this exam, see our earlier news on the Windows 7 exams here.

As usual, this exam beta will be free; the code can be found here. Candidates who pass the beta will earn the MCTS: Windows 7, Configuring certification. Michael Domingo