In an interview today, Senior Manager of Learning Product Development explained that Cisco created these concentrations based on a survey of 1,500 hiring managers around the word. Senior Manager of Learning Product Development said that the data showed that employers -- especially those in "emerging" countries -- are looking for specialized employees earlier in their careers, and that these areas are the most sough-after specializations by those employers. "We really validated the need for [these certifications] with that survey," she commented.

According to Senior Manager of Learning Product Development, the concentration exams will also play a larger role for those moving up the Cisco certification ladder. For example, the CCNA Security concentration will become a prerequisite for the companys mid-level Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) title once the CCSPs Securing Cisco Network Devices (642-552) exam retires in November. Also, the CCNA Voice concentration will become required for the Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) in June 2009.

While Cisco does not currently have a higher-level Wireless track, Senior Manager of Learning Product Development said the CCNA Wireless may become a prerequisite one if and when the company creates it.

CCNAs can earn multiple concentrations, if desired. Renewing a CCNA concentration will require taking any concentration exam, or any Cisco professional or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) written exam.