Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) Salary, Cost and More?
A Certified Wireless Network Administration is a foundation level certification for the CWNP program. The Certified Wireless Network Professional program offers three professional level certifications above CWNA.
They are as Follows:
Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP),
Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP)
and Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP)
A candidate can only work their way up to expert level by first achieving the CWNA, CWSP, CWAP, and CWDP certifications.
Job Description of Certified Wireless Network Administrator
Certified wireless network administrators oversee all aspects of an organization's wireless LAN (local area network). These administrators design a functioning wireless network suited to their employer's needs and then implement that design. They also ensure the network's continued functioning. Certification is standard in the industry.
Wireless network administrators' job duties focus on developing and maintaining system efficiency. Much of the day will involve troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair. An administrator will keep all wireless networks operating and check all components of the network. Including both hardware and software, to ensure they are functioning together as designed.
Technical assistance is often required for employees who experience technological difficulties.
Often network administrators take charge of security functions as well, making sure their network is secure from harmful external influences, like hackers and viruses.
Even when the wireless system is functioning correctly, wireless network administrators must monitor system performance.
Additionally, staying aware of new technological developments and trends will help administrators consider ways they might improve their organization's network in the future.
Certified Wireless Network Administrator Certification Earning Capability?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that network and computer system administrators annual wage was $87,070 in May 2018 (www.bls.gov). The higher end of the scale salary was $130,720 or more per year, while the lower end of the scale was $50,990 or less.
What is a Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)?
Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) certification is the foundation certification for Enterprise Wi-Fi.
Certified Wireless Network Administrator Career Path
Organizations that employ wireless network administrators include government agencies, telecommunications firms, retailers, wholesalers, healthcare providers, manufacturing companies, and educational institutions.
You can explore an exciting range of CNWA career opportunities on FieldEngineer - Engineering Jobs that suit you.
Certified Wireless Network Administrator Certification
The CWS certification is an foundation level WLAN certification from CWNP organization - who are vendor-neutral. This is the same organization that provides CWNA and many other advanced certifications. To gain the CWS certification, you must pass an online exam with a score of 70% or higher.
Those who wish to teach CWS classes must achieve a score of 80% or above. It is important that you take the time to research the modeul content and make that the focuse of your learning. This will increase the likelihood of you passing. The CWS is a three-year certification. It can be renewed by passing the most up to date version of the CWS exam again.
The examination will cover the following topics:
- Radio Technologies
- Antenna Concepts
- Wireless LAN hardware and software
- Network Design Installation and Management
- Wireless Standards and Organization
- 802.11 Network Architecture
- Wireless LAN Security
- Troubleshooting
- How to perform site surveys
The course is designed for IT specialists who want to validate their skills and increase future career opportunities.
CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate
Cisco offers some of the most widely recognized certifications in the IT industry. Cisco offers a wireless specialization for each Cisco networking credential at the Associate (CCNA), Professional (CCNP Enterprise), and Expert (CCIE Wireless) levels.
Cisco has a new CCNA exam. There are no prerequisites for this new exam. However, ideally, candidates should have an understanding of IP addressing, network fundamentals, and possess at least a year of direct experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions.
CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator
The Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) credential has set the standard for 10+ years. Yet, it still represents an ideal general-purpose IT certification for those who install, configure, and maintain wireless networks in the workplace.
CWNA Certification Cost
The CWNA certification cost is between $99 - $175, depending on the certification route you choose. The exam is available online and will last 90 minutes. There are 60 multiple choice and single answer questions.
Certified Wireless Network Administrator Salary
According to Payscale, a CWNA is likely to earn between $58,000 and $132,000.
The CWNA is probably the most practical and useful wireless networking credential for administrators, thanks to its non-specific vendor approach to wireless technologies. Gaining the CWNA quailification will open up more IT job options, and allow for career progression.
