Top 11 Wireless Engineer Certifications

Certifications for a wireless engineer are important in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's level of expertise in the field. By obtaining certifications, a wireless engineer can show employers that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively work with wireless technologies. Certifications provide proof of an individual's experience and qualifications, which makes them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications can help engineers stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the industry. Finally, certifications can also provide access to networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Wireless Engineers and discuss how they can help to advance their career.

What are Wireless Engineer Certifications?

Wireless engineer certification is a form of professional certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in wireless engineering. This type of certification shows employers that the individual has the necessary skills and expertise to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot wireless networks. It also demonstrates that the individual understands industry standards, best practices, and security protocols related to wireless technology.

Having a wireless engineer certification can be beneficial in several ways. First, it can help an individual stand out from other job applicants who may not have the same level of expertise in wireless engineering. Employers often prefer to hire candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to the field by completing a rigorous certification program. Additionally, having a wireless engineer certification can open up new career opportunities as many companies are now requiring this type of credential for certain positions. Finally, having this type of certification can give individuals more confidence when working on wireless projects as they will know they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to complete them successfully.

Pro Tip: When considering wireless engineer certification, look for programs that include hands-on training and access to real-world situations. This will allow you to gain the practical experience needed to be successful in the field. Additionally, make sure the program offers a comprehensive overview of all aspects of wireless engineering, including topics such as radio frequency design, antenna theory, and network security.

Related: What does a Wireless Engineer do?

Top 11 Wireless Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) is a certification program that provides IT professionals with the skills and knowledge to design, deploy, secure, manage and troubleshoot wireless networks. It is offered by CWNP, an independent organization dedicated to providing wireless technology training and certifications.

The CWNP certification program consists of five levels: Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP), Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP), Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP) and Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE). Each level requires passing one or more exams in order to be certified.

It typically takes about three months to complete the entire CWNP certification program. However, this time frame can vary depending on the individual's experience level and study habits.

In order to get the CWNP certification, individuals must register for each exam at the CWNP website. The cost of each exam varies depending on the level of certification being sought; however, most exams range from $125-$250 USD per exam.

2. Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS)

Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS) is a professional certification program offered by the Wi-Fi Alliance, an international non-profit organization that promotes Wi-Fi technology. The CWTS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies and solutions.

The CWTS certification requires passing a two-hour exam consisting of multiple choice questions. The exam covers topics such as WLAN architectures, security, performance optimization, troubleshooting and more. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of industry best practices and standards related to WLANs.

It typically takes about one month to prepare for the CWTS exam, depending on the individual’s prior experience with WLANs. There are several online resources available to help candidates prepare for the exam, including practice tests and study guides.

The cost of taking the CWTS exam varies depending on the country and region where it is taken. In most cases, it costs around $150 USD for the exam fee plus any applicable taxes or fees.

3. Cisco Certified Network Professional Wireless (CCNP Wireless)

Cisco Certified Network Professional Wireless (CCNP Wireless) is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s ability to design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot wireless networks. It is intended for IT professionals who want to specialize in wireless networking and have at least three years of experience working with Cisco products.

To get the CCNP Wireless certification, you must pass two exams: one on wireless technology fundamentals and another on designing, configuring, and troubleshooting wireless networks. The first exam covers topics such as radio frequency (RF) propagation principles, RF site surveys and analysis, 802.11 standards, antenna types and characteristics, wireless LAN security protocols, and mobility services. The second exam focuses on designing secure enterprise WLANs using the Cisco Unified Wireless Network Architecture.

The cost of the CCNP Wireless certification varies depending on the country you are in and the type of exam you take. In the US, it typically costs around $400 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees. It usually takes about six months to prepare for both exams if you are already familiar with Cisco's network technologies.

4. Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX)

The Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX) is a certification program offered by Aruba Networks, which is a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing, deploying, and managing wireless networks using Aruba's products and solutions. The ACMX certification validates an individual's ability to design, deploy, and troubleshoot enterprise-level wireless networks using Aruba's products and solutions.

To get the ACMX certification, you must pass two exams: the ACMX exam and the ACMA exam. The ACMX exam covers topics such as network architecture, mobility architectures, security protocols, network management tools, and more. The ACMA exam covers topics such as wireless LAN design principles, radio frequency (RF) fundamentals, 802.11 standards and technologies, wireless network management tools, troubleshooting techniques, and more.

It typically takes about six months of study to prepare for the ACMX certification exams. To get started on your path to becoming an ACMX certified professional you will need to purchase the appropriate study materials from Aruba Networks or from a third-party vendor. You can also find online training courses that cover the topics covered in the exams.

The cost of the two exams is $200 each for a total of $400 USD. Additionally there are some additional fees associated with taking the exams such as registration fees or proctoring fees depending on where you take them.

5. CWNE – Certified Wireless Network Expert

CWNE (Certified Wireless Network Expert) is a certification program offered by the CWNP (Certified Wireless Network Professional) organization. It is the highest level of certification available in the wireless networking industry and is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an advanced level of expertise in the design, deployment, and troubleshooting of wireless networks.

The CWNE certification requires a minimum of three years of experience working with wireless networks and passing four exams: CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator), CWSP (Certified Wireless Security Professional), CWAP (Certified Wireless Analysis Professional), and CWDP (Certified Wireless Design Professional). The exams are administered online through Pearson VUE.

It typically takes about one year to complete all four exams for the CWNE certification. The cost for each exam varies but usually ranges from $150-$250 USD per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams such as registration fees or proctor fees.

Once you have passed all four exams, you will receive your official CWNE certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks after completing your final exam.

6. CWSP – Certified Wireless Security Professional

CWSP (Certified Wireless Security Professional) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals understand the security risks associated with wireless networks and how to protect them. The CWSP certification is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

The CWSP certification requires candidates to have at least two years of experience in network security, wireless network design and implementation, or wireless security. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as wireless networking, encryption methods, authentication protocols, and more.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to prepare for the CWSP exam. The best way to get ready for the exam is to take a course or use study materials from ISC2. There are also several online resources available that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CWSP exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $450 USD for the exam fee alone. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as travel and lodging expenses if you take it at a testing center outside of your area.

7. CWAP – Certified Wireless Analysis Professional

CWAP (Certified Wireless Analysis Professional) is a certification program offered by the Wi-Fi Alliance that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in analyzing, troubleshooting, and optimizing wireless networks. This certification requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to analyze and troubleshoot 802.11 networks using various tools and techniques.

To get CWAP certified, individuals must first pass an exam that covers topics such as RF fundamentals, 802.11 protocols and standards, network analysis tools, wireless security, performance optimization, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the CWAP exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in; however, it typically costs around $500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as proctoring fees or travel expenses if you are taking the exam at a testing center outside of your home country.

Once you have passed the CWAP exam, you will receive a certificate of completion from the Wi-Fi Alliance that is valid for three years. To maintain your certification status after this period expires, you will need to retake the exam every three years or take part in continuing education activities related to wireless networking technology.

8. CompTIA Network+ certification

CompTIA Network+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is an industry-standard certification for entry-level network administrators, engineers, and technicians.

The CompTIA Network+ certification requires passing a single exam (N10-007) which covers topics such as network architecture, security, troubleshooting, and more. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

In order to obtain the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must first register for the exam through CompTIA’s website. You can then choose a testing center near you to take the exam. The cost of taking the exam is $329 USD (or local currency equivalent).

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CompTIA Network+ certification within 4-6 weeks. This certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you will need to renew your certification by taking continuing education courses or retaking the N10-007 exam.

9. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate/Professional (JNCIA/JNCIP-WLAN)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate/Professional (JNCIA/JNCIP-WLAN) is a certification program offered by Juniper Networks, Inc. The JNCIA and JNCIP-WLAN certifications demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and skills in configuring, managing and troubleshooting wireless LANs using Juniper Networks products.

To become certified, individuals must pass the appropriate exam(s). The JNCIA exam covers basic networking concepts, Junos OS fundamentals, routing fundamentals, switching fundamentals and WLAN fundamentals. The JNCIP-WLAN exam covers advanced topics such as WLAN security and mobility.

The exams are administered by Pearson VUE Testing Centers located around the world. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

The cost of the exams varies depending on location but typically range from $150-$200 USD per exam.

10. Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking Fundamentals is an entry-level certification that validates a candidate’s understanding of basic networking concepts. It is designed to help individuals gain the skills needed to pursue a career in IT or further their education. The certification focuses on the fundamentals of networking, such as network topologies, protocols, and services.

The MTA Networking Fundamentals exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions. The exam covers topics such as network components and architecture, network protocols and services, network security, and troubleshooting.

To obtain the MTA Networking Fundamentals certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points. You can register for the exam through Microsoft’s website or through a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $99-$125 USD.

11. Riverbed Certified Solutions Associate - Wi-Fi Solutions

Riverbed Certified Solutions Associate - Wi-Fi Solutions is a certification program designed to recognize technical professionals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to design, deploy, configure, and troubleshoot wireless networks. This certification is intended for network engineers and IT professionals who are responsible for managing wireless networks in an enterprise environment.

It takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete the exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is based on Riverbed’s Wi-Fi solutions. To get this certification, one must first register for the exam through an approved testing center or online proctoring service.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the testing center or online proctoring service used but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

Do You Really Need a Wireless Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a wireless engineer certificate in order to become a successful wireless engineer. It is true that having a certificate may help you get noticed by potential employers, but it is not essential for success in this field.

The most important thing for a successful career as a wireless engineer is experience and knowledge. To be successful in this field, you must have an understanding of the technology used in wireless networks and how to configure and troubleshoot them. You can gain this knowledge and experience through on-the-job training or through self-study. The more hands-on experience you have with wireless networks, the better equipped you will be to succeed as a wireless engineer.

A certificate may give employers the assurance that you are knowledgeable about the technology and familiar with its use, but there are other ways to prove your skillset without one. Building an impressive portfolio of projects or getting certifications from organizations such as Cisco or CompTIA can be just as effective at demonstrating your skills and abilities in this field.

In conclusion, while having a wireless engineer certificate may help boost your resume, it is not essential for success in this field. With the right combination of knowledge, experience, and certifications, you can become an excellent wireless engineer without having one.

Related: Wireless Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Wireless Engineer Certifications

1. What is a wireless engineer certification?

Answer: A wireless engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in designing, deploying, configuring and managing wireless networks.

2. How do I become certified as a wireless engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a wireless engineer, you must pass the appropriate certification exam from an accredited organization such as Cisco or CompTIA. You may also need to complete additional training courses or have relevant work experience.

3. What are the benefits of being certified as a wireless engineer?

Answer: Being certified as a wireless engineer can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers. It can also open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

4. What types of certifications are available for wireless engineers?

Answer: There are several different types of certifications available for wireless engineers, depending on your experience level and area of expertise. These include CCNA Wireless, CWNP Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP), CWNE Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) and more.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a wireless engineer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a wireless engineer depends on the type of certification you choose and how much study time you're able to dedicate to preparing for the exam. Generally speaking, most people can expect to spend anywhere from three months to one year studying for their certification exams.