CWTS: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist Certification

Last week I presented a high level overview of the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) certifications. Today we’ll continue with a closer look at the Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS) certification

CWTS: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist

The CWNP family of certifications begins with the entry level CWTS certification. The audience for this certification will include IT professionals new to the wireless networking field. Those individuals like project managers or sales staff, who are expected to be able to effectively communicate about wireless technologies, will also benefit.

The CWTS was designed for enterprise WLAN sales and support professionals and those who must be familiar with the wireless networking terminology and concepts.

The certification covers the essentials of WLAN and 802.11 networking; things like the basic tools and terminology unique to wireless networks.

It’s also important to note that although CWTS is an entry level certification, it is not a prerequisite to the other CWNP certifications. Because of this many networking professionals skip the CWTS and actually start with the CWNA certification.

The CWTS (PW0-070) Exam

In order to become a certified CWTS, you must pass 1 exam: PW0-070. All testes are proctored and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Prior to taking the exam, you will need to buy an exam voucher. Check the CWNP website for more information.

You will have 90 minutes to complete the 60 question exam. The format is multiple choice/multiple answer. A minimum score of 70% is considered passing and your score will be visible immediately upon completion. Exam cost is $125.

PW0-070 Exam Objectives:

Wi-Fi Technology, Standards, and Certifications (15%)

• 1.1 Define the roles of the following organizations in providing direction and accountability
• 1.2 Define basic characteristics of Wi-Fi technology
• 1.3 Summarize the basic attributes and advantages of the following WLAN standards, amendments, and product
  certifications.

Hardware and Software (25%)

• 2.1 Identify the purpose, features, and functions of the following wireless network components. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration steps in a given scenario
• 2.2 Identify the purpose, features, and functions of the following client devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration steps in a given scenario
• 2.3 Identify the purpose, features, and functions of and the appropriate installation or configuration steps for specified types of antennas

Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals (15%)

• 3.1 Define the basic units of RF measurements.
• 3.2 Identify factors which affect the range and speed of RF transmissions
• 3.3 Define and differentiate between the following physical layer wireless technologies
• 3.4 Define concepts which make up the functionality of RF and spread spectrum technology
• 3.5 Identify RF signal characteristics and the applications of basic RF antenna concepts
• 3.6 Describe the proper locations and methods for installing RF antennas
• 3.7 Identify the use of specified WLAN accessories and explain how to select and install them for optimal performance and regulatory domain compliance

Site Surveying and Installation (15%)

• 4.1 Understand and describe the requirements to gather information prior to the site survey and do reporting after the site survey
• 4.2 Define and differentiate between the following WLAN system architectures and understand site survey concepts related to each architecture. Identify and explain best practices for access point placement and density
• 4.3 Define the need for and the use of a manual site survey tool and differentiate between site survey types
• 4.4 Differentiate between manual and predictive site surveys
• 4.5 Define the need for and use of a protocol analyzer in a manual site survey
• 4.6 Differentiate between site surveys involving networks with and without a mesh access layer
• 4.7 Define the need for and use of a spectrum analyzer in a manual site survey
• 4.8 Identify limitations on hardware placement
• 4.9 Understand industry best practices for optimal use of directional and omni-directional antennas in site surveys

Applications, Support, and Troubleshooting (15%)

• 5.1 Identify deployment scenarios for common WLAN network types
• 5.2 Recognize common problems associated with wireless networks and their symptoms, and identify steps to isolate and troubleshoot the problem. Given a problem situation, interpret the symptoms and the most likely cause
• 5.3 Identify procedures to optimize wireless networks in specific situations

Security & Compliance (15%)

• 6.1Identify and describe the following WLAN security techniques
• 6.2 Regulatory Compliance

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.

CWTS Training and Preparation

The training objectives are fully outlined in the form of a pdf download available at the CWNP website. So, be sure to download a copy of the file.

To prepare for the CWTS exam you can study with:

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

Will I Need to Recertify?

CWTS candidates can breath a sigh of relief. Once you certify, the designation is a lifetime one. There is no requirement to recertify at this level, which is a good incentive to get the CWNA certification which will take a closer look at next week.

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