First Windows 7 Exam Available

Microsoft's first Windows 7 exam is out of beta and available at Prometric testing centers.

The exam is 70-680, and has the ungainly name of "Technical Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring". It's the first exam testing knowledge of Windows 7, Microsoft's newest desktop operating system (OS), which is due out very soon.

According to Microsoft's excellent Born To Learn blog, the exam is for those with at least a year's experience in IT, including configuration and installation of desktop OSes. The test counts as credit toward three certifications under the "Microsoft Certified IT Professional" umbrella:

• MCITP: Enterprise Administrator
• MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator 7
• MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician 7

The difficulty of the test is unknown; however, some early test-takers (known as beta testers) commented that they thought the exam was very easy. Microsoft, which takes test feedback seriously, likely adjusted parts of the exam to make it more difficult, so prepare carefully.