CWNP Wireless Networking Certification Overview

The days of managing solely wired, Ethernet based networks have gone the way of the 386 processor. Most environments now include an eclectic mix of wired and wireless technologies. But managing wireless networks presents unique challenges that require a far different skillset. In this vein, it stands to reason that the need for a professional certification in this space would emerge.

Enter the Certified Wireless Network Professional CWNP certification. CWNP was founded in 1999 and offers vendor-neutral, wi-fi certifications and training. This program is intended to validate an IT professional’s knowledge of enterprise wi-fi applications, tools, troubleshooting, and security.

CWNP Certifications

There are currently seven beginner to expert level CWNP certifications available:

• CWTS: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist
• CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator
• CWSP: Certified Wireless Security Professional
• CWDP: Certified Wireless Design Professional
• CWAP: Certified Wireless Analysis Professional
• CWNE: Certified Wireless Network Expert
• CWNT: Certified Wireless Network Trainer

Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail.

CWTS: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist

If you’re looking for the best route for beginners, look no further than the CWTS certification. CWTS is an entry level certification targeted at technical professionals new to the wi-fi arena and others like project managers and sales staff.

You will establish baseline WLAN and 802.11 networking skills necessary to provide basic support and understand the terminology unique to these types of networks.

More information on the CWTS Certification is available here.

CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator

Network administrators responsible for managing wireless networks will be interested in the CWNA certification. Passing this examination will demonstrate proven skills and abilities in installing and administering wi-fi networks, RF behavior and much needed security basics.

As a foundation certification, the CWNA is a requirement for those seeking the more advanced CWSP, CWDP, CWAP and CWNE designations.

Train Signal actually provides authorized CWNA video training that has been reviewed and approved by CWNP (more info on that here).

More information on the CWNA Certification is available here.

CWSP: Certified Wireless Security Professional

CWSP expands upon the CWNA certification, with more focus on enterprise level security. This certification is most suited to professional level network engineers. Skills tested include security installation and configuration for wireless networks.

If you need further motivation to pursue this certification, a 2008 Certification Magazine survey suggests the average salary for a CWSP is $95k.

More information on the CWSP Certification is available here.

Coming Soon! CWDP: Certified Wireless Design Professional

The CWDP certification was announced earlier this year and will become available in early 2011. CWDP focuses on design of enterprise-level wireless networks for a variety of different environments. CWNP candidates will need to understand how to plan and design 802.11 networks regardless of the infrastructure of the deployment environment.

To obtain the CWDP certification you must hold a current CWNA certification as well.

More information on the certification is available here.

Coming Soon! CWAP: Certified Wireless Analysis Professional

CWAP certification is being reintroduced with updated content and will become available in the fall of 2010. CWAP was originally released in 2004 and was available for a brief period only to be retired because of a lack of interest. CWNP stated that the “industry was not ready for the depth of analysis and troubleshooting that was required to earn CWAP” in 2004.

CWAP is being revamped to account for changes in wi-fi technology and will focus more on helping candidates troubleshoot and solve problems. To obtain the CWAP certification you must first pass the CWNA exam.

More information on the CWAP certification is available here.

CWNE: Certified Wireless Network Expert

The last and most advanced certification is the CWNE. Building on the knowledge from the prior certifications, this designation will identify its holders as experts in the field of wi-fi networking. You will thoroughly understand how to install, administer, configure and troubleshoot wireless networks. Currently, there are only 82 CWNE’s worldwide.

To obtain the CWNE certification you must first pass the CWNA and CWSP certification exams.

More information on the CWNE certification is available here.

CWNT: Certified Wireless Network Trainer

For those interested in teaching CWNP certification classes, there is the CWNT certification. CWNP training partners are required to use CWNT instructors.

CWNT requirements are steep. You must attend an authorized class taught by a CWNT certified instructor before attempting the exam. You also must have a minimum of 12 months of IT industry training experience, and you must have documentation to prove this.

In addition, you must have a current technology training certification or degree, such as:

• Microsoft MCT
• CompTIA CTT+
• Novell CNI
• Cisco CCNI or CCSI
• JEB Level 3 Certificate
• Current certification as an instructor by any branch of the Armed Forces
• College or University Professor

There is also a CWNT application and an annual review/certification fee of $200. More information on the CWNT certification is available here.

How To Prepare for CWNP Certifications?

CWNP recommends that prior to taking any of their certification exams, you download a copy of their terminology document. This file will familiarize candidates with the specific terms and language they will see in the CWTS, CWNA, CWSP, and CWNE exams. 

CWNP blogs and forums are also good resources to examine. You may also subscribe to their newsletter to receive certification and training updates, special offers and discounts.

For instructor based video and in-person training, CWNP uses authorized training providers. Training is offered worldwide, taught by, you guessed it, CWNT certified instructors.

It should be noted that CWNP has strict policies with regards to other training materials. They specifically caution against the use of ‘brain dumps’. All certification candidates will in fact, have to review the CWNP Candidate Conduct Policy prior to taking an exam.

CWNP Re-Certification

As technologies and the skills required to support them change rapidly, recertification has become a hot topic. Depending upon the exam, CWNP has differing policies on recertification.

CWTS

You’ll be happy to know, that as an entry level certification, the CWTS lasts a lifetime. No recertification will ever be required.

CWNA

CWNA holders aren’t quite so lucky. You will need to recertify in three years by passing the current CWNA or CWSP exams.

CWSP

Similarly, the CWNA will also require recertification in three years. You’ll need to pass the current CWSP or CWNE.

CWNE

For those who earned the CWNE certification after 12/31/2006, the certification is lifetime. However, in order to remain current, you’ll need to meet the continuing education requirements outlined here.

CWNT

Things get a bit more stringent when it comes to this instructor certification. CWNT’s must recertify within 90 days, each time one of the exams are updated. So, say that you have been certified to teach both the CWSP and CWNE, when those exams are updated, you’ll need to take and pass both of those exams withing 90 days.

Next Steps

This is just a high level overview of the CWNP certification options. We will continue this series with a more in-depth examination of specific objectives and testing requirements. Be sure to join me for the next article in this series, as we take a closer look at the CWTS certification.

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