Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) Salary, Cost and More?
For those who work in the wireless technology industry and are looking to increase their certification and increase their career prospects, the CWAP certification is ideal.
Before you can progress to the CWAP, there are several qualifications that you have to have before.
The Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) qualification is the entry level wireless certification. It is part of the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) program.
The CWNP also offers three other professional level certifications:
- Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP),
- Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP)
- Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP).
A candidateis only able to gain the CWNE certification expert after passing the CWNA, CWSP, CWAP, and CWDP certifications. Although they no longer has to pass an exam for the expert level Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) certification.
Not only must they pass the CWNA, CWSP, CWAP, and CWDP, the learner must also provide: 3 professional endorsements, two other current valid networking certifications, three years of enterprise Wi-Fi experience, and provide proof of 3 enterprise Wi-Fi projects the candidate has been a participant or led the team.
Who Should Take the CWAP
The CWAP is for those with extensive knowledge and background in wireless networking. They have achieved various experiences and other certifications to demonstrate their knowledge.
CWAP is a professional level career certification for networkers who are CWNA certified and have a deep understanding 802.11 network applications and RF technologies. The CWAP curriculum prepares WLAN professionals to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize any wireless LAN. You will need a current CWNA qualification to take the CWAP exam. The CWAP certification is valid for three years - after which is must be retaken. The CWAP exam PW0-270 is available at all Pearson VUE Testing Centers worldwide.
A CWAP can be a massive boost to your career and earning potential. Suppose you have mastered many the requirements and find the MAC layer frames, and protocol and spectrum analyses are exciting. In that case, CWAP is most likely something you will be interested in.
Job Description of Certified Wireless Network Administrator
The general job description os the network administrator is as follows (however, it should be noted that these can be more extensive the higher up the career ladder):
- Installation and configuration of computer networks and systems
- Identifying and providing a solution for problems that arise with computer networks and systems
- Working with clients to specify system requirements and design solutions
- Managing budgets
- The building of new systems
- Maintenance of existing software and hardware and upgrading any that have become obsolete
- Monitoring computer networks and systems to identify how performance can be improved
- Working with other IT support personnel
- Providing network admin and support
Where Will A Certified Wireless Analysis Professional Work?
Almost every industry is not heavily reliant on computers. This means that almost all sectors will require an IT support team to varying degrees of abilities.
- Software developers
- The government
- Schools
- Universities
- Hospitals
- The finance industry
- Manufacturers
- Retailers
- Utility companies
- Publishers
FieldEngineer has a wide range of exciting jobs in multiple fields and a range of information about job roles similar to this.
What Is Included in the Certified Wireless Analysis Professional Qualification?
The CWAP candidate has already proven extensive knowledge through all of their other qualifications.
However, there are several things that the CWAP will cover. The main content of the CWAP is:
- 802.11 Physical (PHY) Layer Frame Formats and Technologies
- 802.11 MAC Layer Frame Formats and Technologies
- 802.11 Operation and Frame Exchanges
- Spectrum Analysis and Troubleshooting
- Protocol Analysis and Troubleshooting
In order to pass the CWAP examination, you will need a score of 70% or above. Instructors are required to score at least 80% or above. The CWAp certification is valid for three years, and you will need to renew it every three years.
Are There Any Certificates Similar to the CWAP?
The CWDP certification is a professional level wireless LAN certification for the CWNP Program. To earn a CWDP certification, you must hold a current and valid CWNA credential. You must take the CWDP exam at a Pearson Vue Testing Center and pass 70% or higher.
When preparing for the CWDP exam, you should start with the exam objectives, covering the full list of skills tested on the exam. The CWDP certification is valid for three (3) years.
How Much Does The CWAP Cost?
The CWAP exam cost is $275 (USD); it is available from Pearson Vue Testing Center. The exam will take 90 minutes, and there are 60 multiple-choice, multiple answer questions.
How Much Can You Earn as a CWAP?
SimplyHired reports that the average CWAP position can earn $72,881 per year.
The CWAP qualification makes sense for IT professionals who wish to increase their earning potential and seek more IT sector opportunities.