FAA B737 Type rating
 

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!

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

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.

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