If you are interested in certification retirement, you can find all the information you need at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/examstoretire.mspx. It says there: "New-generation certifications, including Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), will retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology, not when related exams are discontinued."