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 Administrator (CWNA) is the base certification for Enterprise Wi-Fi within the CWNP family of certifications. Candidates should have an understanding of the fundamentals of wireless technology, know how WLAN work and how it's managed day-to-day, and have the ability to install, configure and troubleshoot and maintain wireless networks within small business or Enterprise deployments. There are no prerequisites to sit for the CWNA exam.

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

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 

Eligibility Requirements 

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

Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

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

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-106

  • Radio Frequency (RF) Technologies (21%)
    • RF Fundamentals
      • Define and explain the basic concepts of RF behavior
    • RF Mathematics
      • Understand and apply the basic components of RF mathematics and measurement
    • RF Signal and Antenna Concepts
      • Identify RF signal characteristics, the applications of basic RF antenna concepts, and the implementation of solutions that require RF antennas
      • Explain the applications of physical RF antenna and antenna system types and identify their basic attributes, purpose, and function
      • Describe the proper locations and methods for installing RF antennas
    • RF Antenna Accessories
      • Identify the use of the following WLAN accessories.
  • IEEE 802.11 Regulations and Standards (17%)
    • Spread Spectrum Technologies
      • Identify some of the uses for wireless networking technologies
      • Comprehend the differences between, and explain the different types of spread spectrum technologies and how they relate to the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard’s (as amended and including 802.11ac) PHY clauses
      • Identify the basic characteristics underlying concepts of how spread spectrum technology works, including modulation and coding
      • Identify and apply the concepts that make up the functionality of spread spectrum technology
    • IEEE 802.11-2012 Standard (as amended and including 802.11aa, 802.11ac, 802.11ad and 802.11ae))
      • Identify, explain, and apply the basic frame types and frame exchange sequences covered by the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard
      • Identify and apply regulatory domain requirements
      • Understand the OSI model layers affected by the 802.11-2012 standard and amendments
      • Use of ISM, UNII, and licensed bands in Wi-Fi networks
      • Supported data rates for each IEEE 802.11-2012 (as amended to include 802.11ac) PHY
      • Understand the IEEE standard creation and ratification process and identify IEEE standard naming conventions
    • Industry Organizations and Their Roles
      • Define the roles of the following organizations in providing direction, cohesion, and accountability within the WLAN industry
  • IEEE 802.11 Protocols and Devices (17%)
    • IEEE 802.11 Protocol Architecture
      • Summarize the processes involved in authentication and association
      • Define, describe, and apply the following concepts associated with WLAN service sets: Stations, BSSs, Basic Service Area (BSA), Starting and joining a BSS, BSSID, SSID, Ad Hoc mode and IBSS, Infrastructure mode and ESS, Distribution System (DS), Distribution System Media (DSM), and Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming
      • Explain and apply the following power management features of WLANs: Active Mode, Power Save Mode, Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery (U-APSD), WMM Power-Save (WMM-PS), Power Save Multi-Poll (PSMP), Spatial Multiplexing Power Save (SMPS), TIM/DTIM/ATIM, and VHT TXOP
    • IEEE 802.11 MAC & PHY Layer Technologies
      • Describe and apply the following concepts surrounding WLAN frames: IEEE 802.11 Frame Forat vs. IEEE 802.3 Frame Format, Define terminology related to the MAC & PHY, Jumbo frame support (Layer 2), and MTU discovery and functionality (Layer 3)
      • Identify methods described in the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard for locating, joining, and maintaining connectivity with an IEEE 802.11 WLAN
      • Define, describe, and apply IEEE 802.11 coordination functions and channel access methods and features available for optimizing data flow across the RF medium
    • WLAN Infrastructure and Client Devices
      • Identify the purpose of the following WLAN infrastructure devices and describe how to install, configure, secure, and manage them: Autonomous access points, Controller-based access points, Mesh access points/routers, Enterprise WLAN controllers, Distributed WLAN architectures, Remote office WLAN controllers and/or APs, PoE injectors (single and multi-port) and PoE-enabled Ethernet switches, WLAN bridges, and Home WLAN router (teleworker)
      • Describe the purpose of the following WLAN client adapters and explain how to install, configure, secure, and manage them: PC cards (ExpressCard, CardBus, and PCMCIA), USB2/3, PCI, Mini-PCI, Mini-PCIe, and Half Mini PCIe cards, and Workgroup bridges
  • IEEE 802.11 Network Implementation (25%)
    • IEEE 802.11 Network Design, Implementation, and Management
      • Identify technology roles for which WLAN technology is appropriate and describe implementation of WLAN technology in those roles
    • IEEE 802.11 Network Troubleshooting
      • Identify and explain how to solve the following WLAN implementation challenges using features available in enterprise class WLAN equipment: System throughput, Co-channel and adjacent-channel interference, RF noise and noise floor, Narrowband and wideband RF interference, Multipath (in SISO and MIMO environments), and Hidden nodes, near/far, weather and possible solutions
    • Power over Ethernet (PoE)
      • IEEE 802.3-2012, Clause 33
      • Powering 802.11 devices
    • WLAN Architectures – Configuration, Installation and Management
      • Define, describe, and implement autonomous APs with network connectivity and common features including control, management and data planes
      • Define, describe, and implement WLAN controllers that use centralized and/or distributed forwarding with network connectivity and common features including control, management and data planes
      • Define, describe, and implement distributed and controller-less WLAN architectures with network connectivity and common features including control, management and data planes
      • Define, describe, and implement a WNMS that manages APs and WLAN controllers with network connectivity and common features including control, management and data planes
      • Define, describe, and implement a multiple channel architecture (MCA) network model
      • Define, describe, and implement a single channel architecture (SCA) network model
      • Define and describe alternative WLAN architectures including control, management and data planes
    • WLAN Deployment Types
      • Understand WLAN design and deployment considerations for commonly supported WLAN applications and devices
      • Describe, explain, and illustrate the appropriate applications for the following wireless security solutions from a monitoring, containment and reporting perspective: Wireless Intrusion Protection System (WIPS) and Protocol and spectrum analyzers
    • WLAN Access and Deployment Technologies
  • IEEE 802.11 Network Security (8%)
    • IEEE 802.11 Network Security Architecture
      • Identify and describe the strengths, weaknesses, appropriate uses, and implementation of the following IEEE 802.11 security-related items: Weak Security Mechanisms, Effective Security Mechanisms, and Additional Mechanisms
    • IEEE 802.11 Network Security Analysis, Performance Analysis, and Troubleshooting
  • IEEE 802.11 RF Site Surveying (12%)
    • IEEE 802.11 Network Site Survey Fundamentals
      • Explain the importance of and the processes involved in information collection for manual and predictive RF site surveys.
      • Explain the technical aspects involved in performing manual and predictive RF site surveys.
      • Describe site survey reporting and follow-up procedures for manual and predictive RF site surveys.
    • IEEE 802.11 Network Site Survey Systems and Devices
      • Identify the equipment, applications, and system features involved in performing predictive site surveys
      • Identify the equipment, applications, and methodologies involved in performing manual site surveys
      • Identify the equipment, applications, and methodologies involved in self-managing RF technologies (automated RF resource management)

Exam Preparation Resources

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

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 (3) years. To recertify, pass one of the professional level certifications exams (CWSP,CWDP, CWAP) BEFORE the CWNA expires.  By doing so, the CWNA will be renwed for another three (3) years.  Or just retake the current version of the CWNA exam.  Additional information about recertification can be found on the CWNP website.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

COOL Bucks

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

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

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

Promotion Points

This certification has been approved for promotion points.

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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.

Proponent Funded

Indicates the credential may have funding through the MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base.

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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 'Complete Voucher and Apply' at the top of any page.

CG Bucks

Coming Soon - Coast Guard policy regarding service member eligibility requirements to participate in the Voluntary Credentialing Program is under review with a projected release date of first quarter FY20.

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 and Above

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 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

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.

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ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

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ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

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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: mimum 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

Army e-learning

State-of-the art Computer Based Training available for free to the Army Workforce. Click for more information.

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NKO e-learning

Credential preparation courses are provided at no cost through Navy e-Learning. Click for external link to the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) web site, then select the “Navy e-Learning” link within the “Learning” tab to proceed to Navy e-Learning.

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
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Updated: October 16, 2019
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