What to Know About the CWNA | Information and Training
Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)
A technology professional, who has attained the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) distinction, is qualified to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure wireless networks of various scopes and sizes. This certification is specific to the networking industry itself rather than to a specific hardware or software vendor. Professionals who have successfully passed the CWNA exam have a demonstrated range of knowledge in topics such as radio frequencies and wireless local area network (LAN) components. The demand for trained technicians in wireless maintenance continues to grow as more businesses and organizations are adopting wireless networks in order to increase productivity and efficiency.
The path to receiving Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) classification begins with at least one training class that covers the required topics. CWNA candidates can choose from a wide variety of resources for these classes both online and in traditional classrooms. This certification course is one of many commonly offered at two-year colleges and vocational schools. Prospective students who wish to study for this certification exam at their own pace can also purchase online CWNA course materials and then schedule the exam once they are sufficiently prepared. Recommended supplemental exam prep materials can include books, online periodicals, and vendor websites covering relevant topics on wireless LAN hardware and software.
Many computer technicians who hold a wireless certification began their careers with receiving their A+ certification before moving on to more specific and specialized areas. This entry-level certification demonstrates knowledge of computer hardware and software as well as the ability to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. A+ certification creates a solid foundation for understanding how these components connect to and work with networking technologies, both wired and wireless.
Computing professionals interested in CWNA certification most commonly have several years of experience in the technology industry as well as other related certifications. It has been shown that candidates with existing certifications in networking technologies are the most successful at learning applying the material on the CWNA exam. Having a Network+ certification helps greatly in understanding how wireless technology has been adapted to established networking architecture and topography. A working knowledge of cabling, servers, clients, and network access hardware creates a much easier learning curve for the topics on the CWNA exam. Hands-on field experience in planning, building, and troubleshooting networks is easily transferable to fieldwork with wireless LAN networks.