2/8/2006 -- Microsoft's new-generation MCP certifications have finally emerged from the shadows.

On February 1, the company released three new exams:

• 70-431: TS: SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance
• 70-441: PRO: Designing Database Solutions with SQL Server 2005
• 70-528: TS: .NET Framework 2.0 - Web0based Client Development

Candidates who passed exam 70-431 in its beta form have fulfilled the single requirement for the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005 title. The exam also counts toward the three second-tier Microsoft Certified IT Professional titles.

Also new is 70-441: PRO, which, along with 70-431, comprises two of the three exams needed to fulfill requirements toward the second-tier MCITP: Database Developer title. (Exam 70-442: PRO: Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using SQL Server 2005 is expected to be beta tested later this month, with release in April.)

Exam 70-528 fulfills one of two requirements for the MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications. One other exam is also required for that title: 70-536: TS: .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation, which is expected to go live some time in March.

The exams are available at Pearson Vue and Prometric testing centers worldwide, and cost $125 each in the U.S. To view exam objectives, go to the main information pages on Microsoft's MCP Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/. -Michael Domingo, courtesy of MCPmag.com