With Windows 7 scheduled to be released later this year, Microsoft Learning is closing in on exam development.Microsoft announced some preliminary information on three new MCST-level exams for the upcoming OS.

The news at this point is sparse; what's known so far is that the group already has three exams in development:

• 70-680, TS: Windows 7, Configuring
• 70-685, MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
• 70-686, MCITP: Windows 7, Desktop Administrator

With exam development just getting underway, exam objective guides haven't been posted yet. Microsoft Learning through the blog post has put out a call for subject matter experts to help with development on 70-686, Desktop Administrator.

Currently, it's unknown when beta exams will be made available.

In the meantime, Microsoft Learning has released two new courses for Windows 7 early adopters: Clinic 6289A: First Look: Windows 7 Beta for IT Professionals and Hands-On Lab 6290A: First Look: Windows 7 Beta for IT Professionals Hands-on Lab. Both courses are instructor-led, with limited availability