Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Windows®-Based Client Development

I have been asked to pass long some information to folks.  If you are interested in taking some of the new Microsoft Certification Courses in BETA check out the information below.  The registration period has been extended for a few more days until the end of the month.

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Beta Exam 71-526: TS: Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Windows®-Based Client Development [Beta version of Exam 70-526]

As an early adopter or someone who has expressed interest in Microsoft Certifications, you are invited to take the Beta (pre-release) version of Exam 70-526 and provide feedback. The Beta exam is FREE for you, and it will count towards certification in the same way as the final version of the exam. When the exam begins, you will be able to specify whether you want to take the exam in Microsoft Visual Basic 2005, Microsoft Visual C# 2005 or in Microsoft Visual C++ 2005.

Microsoft® has launched a New Generation of Certifications. There are two series of credentials for .NET Framework developers: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) . The MCTS credential highlights your ability to develop Windows, Web, or distributed applications using the .NET Framework 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005. The MCPD credential highlights your job role, featuring your specific area of expertise and allowing you to distinguish yourself as an expert in Windows Development, Web Application Development, or Enterprise Applications Development.

Exam 70-526, is one of two exams required for the “Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications credential. To achieve this credential you will also need to pass exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation” . After achieving the Technology Specialist credential for Windows applications, you will be able to achieve the “Microsoft® Certified Professional Developer: Windows Developer credential by passing one additional exam: “70-548 PRO: Designing and Developing Windows®-Based Applications by Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework.”

You are being given advanced notification about this Beta exam. By participating in Beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification Program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to the development of a high quality exam. We depend on the contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications. You can expect to receive notification on whether or not you have passed the exam before the final exam is released.

SPECIAL OFFER: Candidates who take and achieve passing score in the beta exam will receive a free exam voucher* for any Microsoft Certification Exam. Vouchers will be sent after exam scores are tabulated.

The preparation information for this exam can be found at:

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-526.asp

Beta exams have limited availability (approximately 500 seats worldwide), so please follow the registration information below to make your reservation.

**Registration Information**

Note: You will be given four hours to complete the Beta exam. Please plan accordingly.

Testing is held at Thomson Prometric and Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries. You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam. Contact your exam provider for seat availability, which is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This exam will have limited availability and will be offered for a limited time.

Please register for the exam only if you intend to take the exam, and register as soon as you receive this notice. Registration will open December 8 2005 – ONCE AGAIN SEATING IS LIMITED.

Please read the following registration information carefully as the schedules vary depending on which testing center you choose:

Registration begins:

December 8 2005

Beta exam period runs:

January 12 2006 through January 25 2006

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the 71-526 Exam:

TSB526

This Beta exam period is subject to change.

To register for this exam or for information about testing centers in your area, call:

  • Thomson Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)
  • Pearson VUE: 800 TEST Registration (800-837-8734)

Outside the U.S./Canada, please visit the following Web sites for registration information:

NOTE : This Beta exam will not be available in China, India and Pakistan. 

* Offer good only for people who pre-register for, and pass, Exam 71-526. Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on January 25, 2006, or when registration closes for this Beta exam. Beta exam registration has limited availability. This offer is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Any gift returned as non-deliverable will not be re-sent.

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Microsoft Certification Program Information on the World Wide Web

For more information, visit the Microsoft Learning Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/mcp/

Specific pages that answer some frequently asked questions are listed below.

What is a Beta exam?

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/procedures.asp

Where can I learn more about the registration process?

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/register/default.asp

How do I prepare for this exam?

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-526.asp

When will my Beta exam results be available?

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/procedures.asp#D

Where can I learn more about the Beta exam invitation process?

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/beta.asp

How can I learn more about the new and improved item types?

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/innovations.asp

If you have further questions regarding this exam or the Microsoft Certification Program, please contact your Regional Service Center. You may find the contact information for your Regional Service Center here: https://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/worldsites.asp.