What does it all mean? Defining key certification concepts

Hi Liberty, 

Thanks for the extended explanation of all the terms.

One question: The mentioning of the Certification renewal assessment is done in different blogs and posts for a while now, and they all say 'coming soon'. Any idea when soon is, and how this assessment is going to work.

My Azure Architecture certification expires in May, and I would like to know how much time I will have for the assessment before the certification expires. I really do not want to have to take the exams again. Thanks for any information you can provide.