9 WiFi certifications to give your IT career a boost

When we review the certifications that could help us advance in our career, and also to acquire more knowledge in IT, many times we do not take into account that there are for WiFi technologywith which not only improve the resume, but also increase the level of knowledge about wireless technology.

There are various types and taught by various companies and organizations. Among the most notable are the cVendor-independent certifications, provided by the Certified Wireless Network Professionals (CWNP) program. They are perfect for those looking for a WiFi certification that is not directly related to a manufacturer or brand. Their strong point, furthermore, is that they go deeper into the standards than others. WiFi (802.11) and radio frequency technology, without touching specific information and details that are specific to a brand or company.

Certifiers that are not tied to any provider are also useful for security professionals who want to carry out ethical hacking operations, as well as penetration tests, also on wireless networks.

But There are also specific certifications from certain providers and companies that sell WiFi platforms and equipment. Below is a sample of the main ones, both from the CWNP and from companies and other organizations.

Certified Wireless Specialist (CWS)

The Certified Wireless Specialist (CWS) certification covers the basics of WiFI technology for those in non-technical jobs. But also for those who work in companies and businesses related to WiFi, or as an introduction to WiFi for IT experts from other areas.

This certification is used to validate knowledge of basic WiFi terminology and to gain a basic understanding of the hardware and software used in local wireless networks in the company. Addresses radio frequency characteristics and behaviors, 802.11 standards, and WiFi functions and security.

Its content is designed for self-study, and includes text materials and video classes. The exam is just an online test with 60 multiple choice questions with only one correct possibility, which must be answered in a maximum of 90 minutes. To get it you have to purchase the study guide and/or a distance learning video course. The exam costs $149.99.

Certified Wireless Technician (CWT)

Also from the CWNP, this certification provides the entry-level foundation, regardless of vendor, for those working in IT who want to prove they can do basic wireless access point installations and configurations. It is a more advanced certification than the previous one, and although it only covers the design aspects of Wireless LANs, it covers a good part of the 802.11 protocol and WiFI functions and protocols.

It is intended for an entry-level WiFi technician who installs or configures small networks. Its content is designed for self-learning, with texts and video classes. The examination mechanism, and its price, is the same as for the previous verification.

Certified Wireless Network Administrators (CWNA)

Another certification from the CWNP, and more in-depth than the CWT. However, there are no prerequisites to obtain it, beyond a recommendation of having a basic knowledge of networks and one year of work experience with wireless LAN technologies. It deals with the design and configuration of WLANs and is currently the base certificate that must be obtained before continuing with other certifications more designed for experts, such as advanced security, design and analysis.

The exam follows the same format as those of the two certifications, but its price is slightly higher: $225. Being a little more complicated than the previous ones, it has live classes in addition to text materials and video tutorials.

GIAC Assessing and Auditing Wireless Networks (GAWN)

This is another vendor-independent certification, granted by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). The exam to obtain it costs $849, and is intended for IT and security professionals who want to do ethical hacking based on wireless networks or penetration tests on them. Also for other types of professionals in the sector who want to understand in detail the vulnerabilities of these networks.

His syllabus covers cracking encryption, interception of transmissions and carrying out various attacks on WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, DECT, RFID and Zigbee devices. It offers in-person training, online courses and on-demand classes. There are no prerequisites to try to obtain it, but it is advisable to have related work experience, and at least some university training courses. Your exam consists of 75 questions that must be solved in a maximum of two hours, and is done remotely through the ProctorU or Pearson VUE platforms.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Wireless

This certification, offered by Cisco, is responsible for testing knowledge about wireless technology, as well as the skills related to it that one possesses. Especially in environments with Cisco equipment. It does not officially ask for prerequisites, but it is recommended to have between 5 and 7 years of experience in the design, deployment, operation and optimization of company WiFi networks.

To get it you have to pass two exams. The first, of 120 questions, covers the main company technologies and is the same for this certification and three others from the company. The second, which can be accessed after having passed the first, is an 8-hour in-person laboratory exam. It covers enterprise wireless networks throughout their entire life cycle, from design and deployment to operation and optimization. Exams can be taken in person and online, through Pearson VUE.

The first of the tests to do so is the ENCOR 350-401 costs $400, while the second, CCIE Enterprise Wireless v1.0, is priced at $1,600. To prepare them, you can attend classes in person or online, follow the online classes on demand or attend the practical laboratories.