Microsoft announced that the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is now available. Intended as an entry-level certification, MTA is a first step toward a higher certification -- whether as a developer, database admin or IT professional. Currently, seven exams have been announced, each leading to the MTA credential:

• 98-361:Sofware Development Fundamentals
• 98-362:Windows Development Fundamentals
• 98-363:Web Development Fundamentals
• 98-364:Database Administration Fundamentals
• 98-365:Windows Server Administration Fundamentals
• 98-366: Networking Fundamentals
• 98-367:Security Fundamentals

More information on MTA can be found here.