10/24/2001 -- Compaq is offering several free beta exams this month for its Accredited Platform Specialist (APS) and Accredited Platform Integrator (API) certifications.

The first beta, AlphaServer Systems Technology exam (#011-715), for its API title, launched on Oct. 8. Two others -- Desktop/Workstation and Portable (both for the APS title) -- are scheduled to debut by the end of Oct.

All three betas are free and feature 240 questions. Candidates can only register through Prometric at (800) 366-3926. Compaq doesn't indicate whether the betas are available worldwide, or if the tests are only available in the U.S. Nor does it say whether those who pass the beta version of the exams will receive credit towards the related certification.

For more information on participating in these betas, click here. -B.N.