Roadmap to Success: CCNA Wireless
Roadmap to Success is a series of posts designed to help learners better understand certification pathways, career opportunities associated with those certifications, and next steps beyond certification.
Today's workforce is increasingly mobile, with wireless, mobile and remote devices becoming the norm in most work environments. There is a growing need for IT professionals who understand the increased demand that is consequently placed on networks and the teams that support those networks. The Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) certification is designed to ensure learners have the skills and knowledge to optimally configure, monitor, and support wireless technology.
Cisco Certified Networking Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) The Cisco Certified Networking Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) certification is designed to validate a learner's knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) and 802.11 technology essentials along with installing, configuring, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting.
The CCNA Wireless certification is made up of two exams:
*Please note that learners who have earned the CCNA Routing and Switching certification are eligible to take just one exam (Cisco CCNA Wireless 200-355 WIFUND) to earn the CCNA Wireless certification.
The CCNA Wireless certification is considered an entry-level certification. However, to be successful, it is recommended that learners have 1-2 years of experience working with Cisco products and a familiarity with virtualization, including VMware.
Exam Details The CCNA Wireless certification is made up of two exams, detailed below.
CCENT/ICND1 100-105 Time allotted for exam: 90 minutes Number of questions: 45-55 questions Passing score: Cisco does not publish the passing score for its exams Question types: Multiple choice/single answer; Multiple choice/multiple answer; Drag and drop; Fill-in-the-blank; Simulation; Testlet; Simlet Exam registration: Pearson VUE Exam cost: $150 (USD)* *Learn more about exam fees from Pearson VUE Exam topics: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) (free resource)
200-355 WIFUND Time allotted for exam: 90 minutes Number of questions: 60-70 questions Passing score: Cisco does not publish the passing score for its exams Question types: Multiple choice/single answer; Multiple choice/multiple answer; Drag and drop; Fill-in-the-blank; Simulation; Testlet; Simlet Exam registration: Pearson VUE Exam cost: $250 (USD)* *Learn more about exam fees from Pearson VUE Exam topics: Implementing Cisco Wireless Network Fundamentals (200-355) (free resources)
Recertification Cisco's Associate-level certifications, including CCNA Wireless, are valid for three years from the date of certification. Learners can recertify by passing any Cisco 642-XXX or 300-XXX exam, any CCIE written exam, CCDE written or practical exam, or the CCAr interview and the CCAr board review.
The Next Step Many learners who earn their CCNA Wireless certification choose to continue to advance their careers in wireless specializations within the Cisco universe. Therefore, many will choose to pursue the CCNP Wireless certification, made up of a total four exams.
642-732 CUWSS (Conducting Cisco Unified Wireless Site Survey)
642-742 IUWVN (Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Voice Networks)
642-747 IUWMS (Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Mobility Services)
642-737 IAUWS (Implementing Advanced Cisco Unified Wireless Security)
Some learners may choose to diversify their resumes with other wireless-related certifications. Learners often choose:
CWTS Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (made up of just one exam: CWTS PW0-071)
CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator (made up of just one exam: CWNA-106)
JNCIS-WLAN Juniper Networks Certified Specialist Wireless LAN (made up of just one exam: JN0-380)
Career Considerations Simplyhired.com/ provides a helpful salary guide to help learners determine appropriate pay scales for job opportunities associated with the CCNA Wireless certification. Depending on professional experience, an employee who holds a CCNA Wireless certification can earn, on average, $67,000. Payscale.com/ reports a range of salaries for employees holding the CCNA Wireless certification between $46,860 and $124,800. Roles that are common for those holding a CCNA Wireless certification include network engineer, senior network engineer, network analyst, network technician, and more.
Cisco Certifications Cisco certifications are layered, with each layer building upon the knowledge and skills developed at previous layers structurally designed as a pyramid. The layers are Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect. Associate-level certifications include Cloud, Collaboration, Data Center, Industrial, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Wireless.
Once a learner has earned an Associate-level certification, they are eligible to pursue Cisco Certified Network Professional-level certifications. Cisco offers a variety of Professional-level certifications, including Design Professional (CCDP), Cloud, Collaboration, Data Center, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Wireless.
Finally, learners can choose to pursue expert-level certifications, which include Design Expert (CCDE), Collaboration, Data Center, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Wireless.
Cisco provides an excellent certification overview that succinctly outlines each certification, its prerequisites, and related careers.
Concluding Thoughts
As the world of wireless continues to expand and change the workplace, the need for IT professionals who can effectively manage wireless networks is constantly growing. The CCNA Wireless certification demonstrates your ability to put a wireless, mobile team to work!
Watch. Learn. Conquer CCNA Wireless!
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