Is this cert worthwhile?

/usr

I've been considering it as a next one, just to have it covered. I really love the technology, plus I assume that it will be the next step as businesses expand their networks.

Plus, it can't hurt to pair this with security certs.

Webmaster

I think it is worthwhile. The cert is becoming more recognized every day and apart from the cert/exam it is just very interesting material. The official study guide is very well written and covers 99% of the exam topics. Combine that one with their online practice exams and the exam will be a pleasant experience (no tricky questions or bad wording).

For security, you might want to do the CWSP as well, although it may be wise to wait for the next version of that one.

Mrock4

I plan on going for this cert down the road (once I'm more experienced in general networking), and I think there's definently a future with this cert. I hope so, at least. Good luck, if you choose to go for it.

/usr

When is the next version due?

Webmaster

I don't know actually, I heard or read that the CWSP exam is likely going to be updated next year. I'll have to check were I got that info. Regardless, it kinda has to be updated cause security is one of the main reasons wireless technology is going so fast. And I think it will go on and on for a long time because of the main vulnerability of wireless networks: the lack of protection of the 'physical' medium. That's a good things for folks like us of course, and if you complete the entire route CWNA->CWNP->CWAP->CWNE you won't need to recertify after CWNE... 'only' keep up to date with the technology.

/usr

Sounds like the series really would compliment a career in information security quite well.

I expect wireless to be the thing we'll be troubleshooting and setting up in a few years. As opposed to running cable and such. Add that to the fact that it does take a bit more to secure, in that you have both aspects to focus on.

What are your thoughts on how useful these certs would be, considering my primary goal is a security career? It isn't as if I can go for a CISSP right now anyway...

Webmaster

What are your thoughts on how useful these certs would be, considering my primary goal is a security career? It isn't as if I can go for a CISSP right now anyway...

The knowledge you can gain from these certs are invaluable for both a networking and security career. It's hot and it's getting only hotter (and as you concluded in your other topic, there is still a wide open market.) Personally I'm not worried about the value of the certifications, CWNA is gaining recognition fast which makes explaining a potential employer what CWSP means easy.

Especially the CWSP (and hence the CWNA) would go well with your security ambitions. The other two also of course, but I think they'd be more suitable for a network designer/engineer. As a CWNE you'd be a specialist in wireless networking which is probably a bit much as a security professional (unless you want to specialize in security for wireless networks only).

But it is hard to give an unbiased opinion cause I just 'like' the CWNP certs. The topics are interesting, the study material is excellent, and the exams are of Cisco quality (technical details, not tricks and funny wording). IMO the CWNA exam should be made mandatory for every IT professional

It isn't as if I can go for a CISSP right now anyway...

But getting a year experience in the domains of the SSCP exam could be considered a short-term goal.

Is there a particular security related job you have in mind for the future? Wireless certs, and networking certs in general will have more value for one job role than the other.

/usr

I saw all of the certs, but would really be interested in the CWNA and CWSP. I too think the material is just interesting, which is why I asked about the relevence of it all. I don't want to let "what I find interesting" completely control what certs I go for, hence ending up with a slew of certifications which don't complement each other too well.
Unfortunately, I can't get direct security related experience at my current job, although if I look at the SSCP requirements, I may be able to focus enough and get in a years worth of experience doing basic things.

I would ultimately like to end up pen testing networks, but that may change depending on how easy it is in the future to find a job in that area. I would honestly be happy just being in charge of the security aspect of a company as well. I'm only 22, so I'm really just focusing on an area at the moment, as opposed to one specific job.

Ten9t6

/usr wrote:

I've been considering it as a next one, just to have it covered. I really love the technology, plus I assume that it will be the next step as businesses expand their networks.

Plus, it can't hurt to pair this with security certs.

I would say it is worth it...Wireless is getting bigger everyday. This is also the stepping stone to the CWSP...I just looked at a salary survey for 2004 and that cert was right under the CCIE for $$$$. Plus it is so interesting.....