i apologize if this question has been asked before, or if this is the wrong place to put it.

I'm beginning my study track for the MCPD certification in Web Development. However, Microsoft plans to retire this certification on July 31st of 2013, along with two of the necessary tests to receive the certification. On MS's site, I can't find a newer certification path to take - I imagine that Microsoft will release new certification paths and new tests for their new software, but I don't know when that will happen.

I don't really know anything about Microsoft's process, as this is the first Microsoft certification I'll be studying for.

The bottom line is this - I don't want to lose six months waiting for a new test to appear that won't expire, but I don't want to rush to get a certification that will be invalid in six months (or have to reset any progress due to new study material). To those with experience in affairs like this - what is the best course to take, and can I maximize the time I have now (not wait for new testing material)? Is there any way to find material for the new tests that Microsoft will be rolling out?

Thank you for your patience. If this is the wrong place to put this question, I would like to request that it be moved to the correct StackExchange site instead of being closed.

Thanks for your help!