I think not. With the advent of Small Business Server 2008 (SBS 2008) I received several inquiries about the lifespan of 70-282. As far as I can tell it will not go away any time soon. What makes me think that?

1.       In the past, Microsoft technology exams have been released to the public about 2-3 months after RTM. With SBS 2008 having been pushed back to RTM around “the second half of 2008” I don’t think we’ll see the actual exam 70-ahem… (for SBS 2008) until later this year, possibly at the beginning of 2009. 

2.       Getting a new exam on SBS 2008 doesn’t automatically retire 70-282 as there will be a big jump in technology platforms and Microsoft will give an official announcement in plenty of time.

If you were planning on becoming a Small Business Specialist this year, don’t keep sitting on the fence, go and get 70-282 done. It will be a lot easier than having to ramp up for all the changes with Windows Server 2008 and SBS 2008 which will be on the new exam -  and you get to wear the Small Business Specialist logo sooner!