Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)

Credential: Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)  In-Demand resource  GI Bill resource
Credentialing Agency: Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP), Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) is a base certification for Enterprise Wi-Fi within the CWNP family of certifications. Candidates must have an understanding of the fundamentals of RF behavior and the ability to describe the features and functions of WLAN components as they apply to WLAN administration. CWNA candidates must have the skills needed to install, configure, and troubleshoot WLAN hardware peripherals and protocols in small business and enterprise deployments. Candidates must pass a written exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:    high

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

Exam Administration (View Details)

  • In-person exam
  • Remote proctored on-line exam
  • Third-party test vendor

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 3 years

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

2224 Sedwick Drive
Suite 102
Durham, NC  27713

Phone: (866) 438-2963

Fax: (919) 287-2952
Email: customercare@cwnp.com

Written Exam CWNA-107

  • Radio Frequency (RF) Technologies (15%)
    • 1.1 Define and explain the basic characteristics of RF and RF behavior
    • 1.2 Apply the basic concepts of RF mathematics and measurement
    • 1.3 Identify RF signal characteristics as they relate to antennas
    • 1.4 Explain and apply the functionality of RF antennas and antenna systems and the mounting options and antenna accessories available
  • WLAN Regulations and Standards (10%)
    • 2.1 Explain the roles of WLAN and networking industry organizations
    • 2.2 Explain the IEEE standard creation process including working groups, naming conventions, drafts and ratification
    • 2.3 Explain and apply the various Physical Layer (PHY) solutions of the IEEE 802.11-2016 standard as amended including supported channel widths, spatial streams, data rates and supported modulation types
    • 2.4 Identify and apply 802.11 WLAN functional concepts
    • 2.5 Describe the OSI model layers affected by the 802.11-2016 standard and amendments
    • 2.6 Define the frequency bands used by the 802.11 PHYs
    • 2.7 Identify and comply with regulatory domain requirements and explain how to determine constraints within a regulatory domain
    • 2.8 Explain basic use case scenarios for 802.11 wireless networks
  • WLAN Protocols and Devices (20%)
    • 3.1 Describe the components that make up an 802.11 wireless service set
    • 4.1 Identify technology roles for which WLAN solutions are appropriate and describe the typical use of WLAN solutions in those roles
    • 3.2 Identify and explain the basic frame types defined in the 802.11-2016 standard
    • 3.3 Explain the process used to locate and connect to a WLAN
    • 3.4 Define terminology related to the 802.11 MAC and PHY
    • 3.5 Explain 802.11 channel access methods
    • 3.6 Describe features of, select and install WLAN infrastructure devices
    • 3.7 Identify the features, purpose, and use of the following WLAN client devices and adapters
  • WLAN Network Architecture (20%)
    • 4.2 Describe and implement Power over Ethernet (PoE)
    • 4.3 Define and describe controller-based, distributed, cloud-based, and controller-less WLAN architectures
    • 4.4 Define and describe a multiple channel architecture (MCA) network model and contrast it with a single channel architecture (SCA) model
    • 4.5 Match WLAN deployment requirements commonly specified to technology solutions
    • 4.6 Determine and document required network services supporting the WLAN
  • WLAN Network Security (10%)
    • 5.1 Identify weak security options that should not be used in enterprise WLANs
    • 5.2 Identify and configure effective security mechanisms for enterprise WLANs
    • 5.3 Describe and select common security enhancements and tools used in WLANs
    • 5.4 Explain and use secure management protocols
  • RF Validation (10%)
    • 6.1 Explain the importance of and the process of a post-implementation validation survey
    • 6.2 Locate and identify sources of RF interference
    • 6.3 Perform application testing to validate WLAN performance
    • 6.4 Understand and use the basic features of validation tools
  • WLAN Troubleshooting (15%)
    • 7.1 Define and apply industry and vendor recommended troubleshooting processes to resolve common 802.11 wireless networking problems
    • 7.2 Describe and apply common troubleshooting tools used in WLANs
    • 7.3 Identify and explain how to solve the following WLAN implementation challenges using features available in enterprise class WLAN equipment and troubleshooting tools
    • 7.4 Troubleshoot common connectivity problems in WLANs (both WLAN connectivity and network connectivity for wireless clients)

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) examination:

An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.

Testing Information

  • Exam Administration

    Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) credential where checked:

    • In-person exam
    • Remote proctored on-line exam
    • Third-party test vendor

For more information on the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) testing process, visit the agency website.

RECERTIFICATION

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) credential has the following recertification information:

  • The CWNA certification is valid for three years. To recertify, CWNA certification holders must pass one of the professional level certifications exams (CWSP,CWDP, CWAP) before the CWNA expires. By doing so, the CWNA will be renewed for another three years.  CWNA certification holders may also retake the current version of the CWNA exam.

    Additional information about recertification can be found on the CWNP website.
  • Note: Marine Corps COOL will only pay recertification fees for the current billing cycle. Voucher requests for recertification fees must be submitted with proof of the current status of the certification (for example, a screen shot of your credentialing agency dashboard or a copy of a current fee receipt).

Additional considerations for the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) include:

  • While the Certified Wireless Specialist (CWS) and Certified Wireless Technician (CWT) certifications are not a required prerequisite to the CWNA certification, it is highly recommended.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

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ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Computer Network Support Specialists

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Network and Computer Systems Administrators

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Updated: July 31, 2020
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