>That question was on the MCP exam as well, and because it was on the sample prep exam, I checked it out and was able to answer it.
>
>Since then (about 10 years go), I've probably used VARTYPE once.
>
>Can anyone explain, other than the quotes, why MS went to the trouble of creating VARTYPE()?

It's faster. I always use VARTYPE() except where it won't work.

Tamar