FAA B737 Type rating

[ClimbSequence]

Sorry if it was posted before but I wonder why FAA does not discriminate among the different B 737 models to issue a type rating?
Can you fly an NG variant even if you train and take the check ride in a -200 sim?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

[captseth]

1. Because its a common type. That means the variants aren't different enough to warrant a separate type rating.
2. Yes.

[flyboyike]

You will, however, go through differences training prior to being qualified on the NG or vice versa.

The 737 is not alone in this regard. I, for one, hold a CL-65 type which is common for all CRJs but needed to go through differences training when going from the -200 to the 700/900. I also hold an ERJ-170/190 type rating and am currently qualified in the -170 and the -175. I will need differences training to transition to the -190.

[MarkerInbound]

DC-9 covers the -10 through MD90
LR-Jet covers 20s, 30s and the 50
B-757 and B-767 are together as are B-747-400 and -8