Top 11 Wireless Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a wireless consultant in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in specific areas of the field. These credentials can help differentiate them from other candidates and show employers that they have taken the initiative to educate themselves on the latest technologies and best practices. Additionally, certifications can provide access to special resources, educational opportunities, and career advancement options. A certification can also be used to validate a consultant’s expertise and experience, helping to establish credibility with potential clients. Ultimately, having a certification can help open doors to new job opportunities and give consultants an edge in a competitive job market.

This article reviews the most relevant certifications for Wireless Consultants and outlines their potential to enhance a consultant's career.

What are Wireless Consultant Certifications?

Wireless Consultant Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and experience in the area of wireless communications. This certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that a consultant has the necessary skills for successful implementation and management of wireless networks. With this certification, consultants are able to demonstrate their expertise in areas such as wireless network design, installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and security.

For businesses, having a consultant with Wireless Consultant Certification can be beneficial in several ways. First, it ensures that the consultant has a comprehensive understanding of the technology involved in setting up and managing a wireless network. This can lead to improved efficiency during the installation process and fewer issues down the line due to improper setup or configuration. Second, having a certified consultant on staff increases customer confidence in the quality of service they will receive from your business. Finally, having this certification may qualify you for discounts on products or services related to wireless networking from certain vendors or suppliers.

Pro Tip: When considering a wireless consultant certification, be sure to research the requirements and qualifications for the particular certification. Look into the certifying body's reputation and make sure that it is well-respected in the industry. Additionally, consider how long the certification is valid and what continuing education requirements may apply.

Related: What does a Wireless Consultant do?

Top 11 Wireless Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Wireless Consultants today.

1. Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE)

Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) is a certification for professionals who specialize in wireless network design, implementation, and troubleshooting. It is the highest level of certification available in the wireless networking industry and is recognized as an industry standard.

In order to become a CWNE, you must pass four exams: CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator), CWSP (Certified Wireless Security Professional), CWAP (Certified Wireless Analysis Professional), and CWDP (Certified Wireless Design Professional). Each exam requires its own study materials, which can be purchased from various vendors or from the CWNP website.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all four exams depending on your prior experience and knowledge. The cost of each exam varies by vendor but typically ranges from $150 - $500 USD per exam. Once you have passed all four exams, you will be awarded the Certified Wireless Network Expert designation.

2. Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS)

Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of wireless networks. The CWTS certification is administered by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Wi-Fi technology and ensuring its interoperability.

The CWTS certification requires passing an online exam which consists of multiple choice questions related to wireless technologies, including 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, security protocols, network design and implementation. The exam typically takes between 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

In order to take the CWTS exam, you must first register with the Wi-Fi Alliance and pay the associated fee ($250 USD). After registering for the exam, you will receive a voucher code which can be used to schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

The cost of taking the CWTS exam is $250 USD. This fee covers both registration and the actual examination costs.

3. Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP)

Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) is an industry-recognized certification program that verifies a professional’s knowledge and skills in wireless network security. It is designed to ensure that professionals have the necessary skills to secure today’s wireless networks.

The CWSP exam covers topics such as wireless LAN architecture, authentication and encryption, rogue access points, and other security threats. The exam also covers the use of tools such as AirMagnet Survey Pro, WildPackets OmniPeek, and AirSnort.

It typically takes two or three months to study for the CWSP exam. You can find study materials online, including practice tests and study guides. There are also instructor-led courses available from various vendors. The cost of these courses varies depending on the vendor.

Once you have studied for the exam, you can register for it through Prometric or VUE testing centers. The cost of the exam is $250 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your CWSP certification from CWNP (Certified Wireless Network Professional).

4. Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP)

Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in analyzing and troubleshooting wireless networks. It is designed to provide the technical expertise needed to effectively analyze, diagnose, and troubleshoot 802.11 wireless networks.

The CWAP certification requires passing two exams: PW0-270 (CWAP Certified Wireless Analysis Professional Exam) and PW0-071 (CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator Exam). The PW0-270 exam covers topics such as radio frequency analysis, antenna design, network planning, troubleshooting techniques, and security protocols. The PW0-071 exam covers topics such as basic RF principles, 802.11 standards, wireless LAN architecture and design, wireless LAN security, and troubleshooting techniques.

It typically takes about 6 months of study time to prepare for the CWAP certification exams. To get started on the path to becoming a CWAP certified professional it is important to have a good understanding of basic networking concepts as well as a strong background in RF engineering principles. Additionally, it is recommended that you have hands-on experience with WLAN technology before attempting the exams.

The cost for taking both exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

5. Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP)

The Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of wireless networks. The CWDP certification is offered by the Wireless LAN Professionals (WLAN-P), an organization dedicated to providing education and resources for wireless network professionals.

In order to obtain the CWDP certification, candidates must pass two exams: the CWDP-101 exam and the CWDP-102 exam. The 101 exam covers topics such as radio frequency fundamentals, antenna theory, site surveys, security, and network design. The 102 exam focuses on advanced topics such as mesh networks, interference mitigation techniques, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the exams depending on prior experience with wireless networking concepts. Candidates should be familiar with basic networking concepts such as IP addressing and routing protocols before attempting either exam.

The cost of obtaining the CWDP certification depends on which provider you choose to take the exams through. For example, Pearson VUE offers both exams for $250 each while Prometric offers them for $225 each.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP) certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of wireless networking concepts and help advance your career in this field.

6. Cisco Certified Network Associate – Wireless (CCNA-Wireless)

Cisco Certified Network Associate – Wireless (CCNA-Wireless) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot basic wireless networks. The certification focuses on the use of Cisco Wireless products and technologies. It is an entry-level certification that validates one’s ability to deploy basic Cisco Wireless solutions in small and medium-sized enterprise networks.

The CCNA-Wireless exam takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 60 questions. It costs $300 USD to take the exam. To get certified, you must pass the CCNA-Wireless exam, which covers topics such as wireless LAN fundamentals, security, mobility, management and troubleshooting. You can prepare for the exam by taking online courses or attending instructor-led training sessions at authorized training centers.

7. Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX)

The Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX) is a certification offered by Aruba Networks, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. It is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, deploy, and manage wireless networks based on Aruba's mobility solutions. The ACMX certification validates an individual's expertise in enterprise-level Wi-Fi networking and mobility solutions.

To obtain the ACMX certification, candidates must pass a single exam that covers topics such as network design and architecture, security, troubleshooting, RF management, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and requires a minimum score of 80% to pass. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $150 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, Aruba provides online training courses that cover all topics related to the ACMX certification. These courses are available for purchase through the Aruba website and range in cost from $250 - $550 USD depending on the course type. Additionally, self-study materials such as practice exams and study guides can be purchased separately or bundled with training courses for additional savings.

Overall, obtaining an ACMX certification typically takes several weeks or months depending on an individual’s level of preparation prior to taking the exam.

8. CompTIA Mobility+ Certification

CompTIA Mobility+ is a certification that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of mobile device management, troubleshooting, security, and network infrastructure. It is designed to help IT professionals become more proficient in managing mobile devices, networks, and applications.

The CompTIA Mobility+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes up to 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as mobile device management, troubleshooting, security, network infrastructure, and application development. To pass the exam, candidates must score 700 or higher out of 900 possible points.

To get the CompTIA Mobility+ certification, individuals must first register for the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center and pay the associated fee. The cost of the exam is $329 USD (as of 2021). After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CompTIA Mobility+ certification.

Once certified, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in mobile device management by obtaining additional certifications or taking advanced courses in related topics such as wireless networking or application development. Additionally, employers may recognize CompTIA Mobility+ certified professionals with higher salaries or promotions due to their increased knowledge in this field.

9. CWNP – Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)

CWNP – Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wireless networks. The CWNA certification is the first step in becoming an expert in wireless networking. It is offered by the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) organization and is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and authoritative certifications available for wireless network administrators.

The CWNA certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in networking or related fields. It takes approximately three months to complete the coursework and pass the exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as 802.11 standards, RF fundamentals, network design, security, site surveys, troubleshooting and more.

To get certified as a CWNA, you must first register for the exam through the CWNP website. You will then need to purchase study materials from either CWNP or an authorized training provider. Once you have completed your study materials and are ready to take the exam, you will need to schedule an appointment with Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers near you. After passing your exam, you will receive your official certificate from CWNP within 4-6 weeks via mail or email.

The cost for taking the CWNA exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $250-$400 USD per attempt.

10. CWNP – Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to design, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot wireless networks. CWNP certifications are vendor-neutral and cover all aspects of wireless networking from basic concepts to advanced topics such as security and mobility. The CWNP program is administered by the Certified Wireless Networking Professional Institute (CWNPi).

To obtain a CWNP certification, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as radio frequency theory, 802.11 standards, network security, network management and troubleshooting. The exams are available at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Depending on the level of certification you are seeking, it may take anywhere from one day to several weeks or months to complete the required exams.

The cost of obtaining a CWNP certification varies depending on the level of certification you are seeking. Prices range from $150 for the entry-level Certified Wireless Technician (CWT) exam up to $900 for the highest level Certified Wireless Security Expert (CWSE) exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking an exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or purchasing study materials or other resources related to your preparation for the exam.

11. CWNP – Certified Wi-Fi Security Engineer (CWSE).

CWNP – Certified Wi-Fi Security Engineer (CWSE) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot secure wireless networks. The CWSE certification is offered by the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) organization and requires a comprehensive understanding of wireless security technology, including authentication protocols, encryption algorithms, access control methods, and more.

The CWSE certification exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as 802.11 standards, wireless network architectures, wireless network security protocols and technologies, wireless network security best practices and more. To obtain the CWSE certification candidates must pass an online exam that takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the CWSE exam varies depending on where you take it. The exam can be taken at a testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Prometric for $299 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available from CWNP for purchase that will help prepare you for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Wireless Consultant Certificate?

No, you do not need a wireless consultant certificate in order to get a job as a wireless consultant. However, having one may help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job.

Becoming certified is beneficial because it shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable about the latest trends and technologies in the field. It also gives employers assurance that you can handle complex tasks, such as troubleshooting network issues or providing technical support to customers. Additionally, certification makes it easier to keep up with new developments and stay ahead of industry changes.

Having a wireless consultant certificate also provides an additional layer of credibility when marketing yourself to clients or employers. This is especially important if you are working freelance or consulting on your own project. The certification demonstrates that you are qualified and trustworthy enough to be hired for the job.

Overall, while having a wireless consultant certificate is not essential for getting a job in this field, it can give you an edge over other candidates and provide added credibility when marketing yourself professionally.

Related: Wireless Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Wireless Consultant Certifications

1. What is a Wireless Consultant Certification?

Answer: A Wireless Consultant Certification is a professional certification program designed to educate and certify wireless technology professionals. The certification focuses on the technical aspects of wireless networking, including design, implementation, and troubleshooting.

2. Who should consider obtaining a Wireless Consultant Certification?

Answer: Professionals in the IT industry who are interested in working with wireless networks and technologies should consider obtaining a Wireless Consultant Certification. This includes network administrators, engineers, technicians, and other related roles.

3. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: There are several different types of certifications available for wireless consultants, such as Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP).

4. How much does it cost to obtain a certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a certification varies depending on the type of certification you choose. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $500-$1000 USD.

5. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification you choose as well as your prior experience with wireless networks and technologies. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months if you dedicate yourself to studying for the exam(s).