CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Certification

In the first article of this series, we covered a high level overview of the Certified Wireless Network Professional Certifications (CWNP) and the Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS) certification processes.

Today we continue with our next piece in the series with a look at the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) certification.

CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator

The CWNA certification is aimed at IT professionals who have responsibility for wireless network administration. Candidates should be able to install a wireless network with basic security.

You will also be measured on your understanding of Radio Frequency (RF) behavior and site surveying. This certification is required for those interested in pursuing the CWSP, CWDP, CWAP or CWNE.

Although salaries for CWNAs vary widely depending on your experience level, company and location, the average salary for CWNA certified professionals is $65,000 according to Simplyhired.com which isn’t bad for an entry level certification.

The CWNA (PW0-104) Exam

In order to become a certified CWNA, you must pass 1 exam: PW0-104. All testes are proctored and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Prior to taking the exam, you will need to buy an exam voucher which is available at the CWNP store along with additional information about taking the exam.

You will have 90 minutes to complete the 60 question. The format is multiple choice/multiple answer. A minimum score of 70% (80% for instructors) is considered passing and your score will be visible immediately upon completion. Cost is $175.

PW0-104 Exam Objectives:

Radio Frequency (RF) Technologies (21%)

• 1.1 RF Fundamentals
• 1.2 RF Mathematics
• 1.3 RF Signal and Antenna Concepts
• 1.4 RF Antenna Accessories

IEEE 802.11 Regulations and Standards (17%)

• 2.1 Spread Spectrum Technologies
• 2.2 IEEE 802.11-2007 Standard (as amended and including 802.11n-draft2.0)
• 2.3 IEEE 802.11 Industry Organizations and Their Roles

IEEE 802.11 Protocols and Devices (17%)

• 3.1 IEEE 802.11 Protocol Architecture
• 3.2 IEEE 802.11 MAC & PHY Layer Technologies
• 3.3 WLAN Infrastructure and Client Devices

IEEE 802.11 Network Implementation (17%)

• 4.1 IEEE 802.11 Network Design, Implementation, and Management
• 4.2 IEEE 802.11 Network Troubleshooting
• 4.3 Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• 4.4 WLAN Architectures

IEEE 802.11 Network Security (10%)

• 5.1 IEEE 802.11 Network Security Architecture
• 5.2 IEEE 802.11 Network Security Analysis, Performance Analysis, and Troubleshooting
• 5.3 IEEE 802.11 Network Security Policy Basics

IEEE 802.11 RF Site Surveying (18%)

• 6.1 IEEE 802.11 Network Site Survey Fundamentals
• 6.2 EEE 802.11 Network Site Survey Systems and Devices

What If I Don’t Pass?

If you take the test and don’t pass the first time, you can retake at any time. However, if you fail to pass a second time (or all subsequent attempts), there is a 5 day waiting period for retesting.

CWNA Training and Preparation

Detailed exam objectives are included in this pdf download available at the CWNP website. So, be sure to download a copy for your review.

To prepare for the CWNA exam you can study with:

• authorized CWNA video training by Train Signal
• CWNA study guide from Sybex
• CWNA practice test questions
• CWNA training kit
• or attend a CWNA training class offered by CWNP authorized learning partners

Will I Need to Recertify?

CWNA candidates must recertify after three years by taking the updated exam. The more advantageous route though would be to study for one of the advanced level CWNP certs, such as the CWSP, CWDP or CWAP.

Up Next

I hope that this information provided the keys necessary to begin your quest for CWNA certification. Be sure to join me for the next article in this series, as we take a closer look at the Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) certification.

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