A number of you have recently asked me about the Microsoft exam 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory and the newer Exam 83-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory.

Exam 83-640 was released by Microsoft back in November 2008 and is a lab-based exam which will gradually replace the current version of the Exam 70-640, the study content and objectives are the same for both exams. 70-640 & 83-640

The lab-based exam will also include the traditional multiple-choice item types. Microsoft does not plan to discontinue that type of question at this time, since some points are better tested in a question/answer format than by demonstrating a technique

At the time of writing the new exam 83-640 is only available in three countries: Ireland, Singapore, and Canada, as yet there is no indication when it will be released in the rest of the world. In areas where 83-640 has not been released, test-takers will take 70-640. Both versions count equally toward certification, if you pass exam 70-640 you will not have to take and pass exam 83-640 because the skills that are tested are the same, you are therefore not required to retest.

I hope this has clarified any confusion between the two tests (70-640 and 83-640). For a FAQ on this new exam format visit the Microsoft Web Site