Contemplating CWTS.. and CWNA later on.

I was wondering how tough the CWNP exams stack up compared to Cisco/Microsoft exams.. (Where as Cisco has Sims/Simlets/Drag & drog/ no going back to previous questions, and Microsoft exams are much more laid back)
I've been working with Wi-Fi technologies for a few years now, initially with a bunch of older Proxim Autonomous AP's, which I am currently migrating to CUWN, with AP1252's and WLC 2100's. (migration is almost complete thank god!)
I've passed the CCNA: Wireless some time ago, but that exam seemed focused on Cisco technology compared to the Wi-Fi technology itself (Antennas, RF, A/H planes, and so forth.)
So I'm currently shifting around for some study guides...
I've been working with Wi-Fi technologies for a few years now, initially with a bunch of older Proxim Autonomous AP's, which I am currently migrating to CUWN, with AP1252's and WLC 2100's. (migration is almost complete thank god!)
I've passed the CCNA: Wireless some time ago, but that exam seemed focused on Cisco technology compared to the Wi-Fi technology itself (Antennas, RF, A/H planes, and so forth.)
So I'm currently shifting around for some study guides...
My Networking blog
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS
Comments
Looking at your certs, you could probably just skip the CWTS and start on the CWNA
I have been looking through the objections and it does seem fairly basic, I've looked at the CBT Nugget video for the CWTS and it really isn't anything new or advanced. I'll check the CWNA material.
Thanks for your input!
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS
I just passed the CWTS yesterday. It's ok. I would say it's way easier than a cisco exam but still harder than a comptia exam. That said I thought the exam was kind of fun. I would take the CWTS first just to build a foundation before starting on the CWNA but that's just me.
edit: Oh and you can't go back on test questions and you do have a few questions with exhibits like cisco but they're nowhere near as hard.
Working on: LPIC 1, Next: CWNA, CCNA
BSIT Capella University (ongoing)
Overall I think the technical understanding of the CWNA is much deeper but there are no configuration questions so you do not have that to deal with. I find the CCNA technical details much simpler when studying myself. The CWNA is an analytical test where you have to know the material and apply the knowledge. So I would put it on par with the CCNA in difficulty and breadth.
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
B.S. Computer Science - Summa Cum Laude
A.A.S. Electronic Systems Technology
My employer actually pays for my certification tests. (Only reason I'm getting these certs lol)
I think I'll go for the CTWS just because I can (and to experience the CWNP test style), then follow-up with the CWNA. After all if CTWS is basics of Wi-Fi it shouldn't be much of a problem at all for me.
Which books did you use for the CWTS the official guide, Learnkey, or something else?
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS
I also used the exams questions available from their website
Sybex official study guide and CWNA/CWSP All-in-One Study Guide.
The Official SG is great for teaching the material and the test but if you have some technical questions it does not answer the AIO SG is helpful. Remember that the 802.11-2007 document is free to view from the IEEE website just be warned it is 1200 pages of TECHNICAL documentation.
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
B.S. Computer Science - Summa Cum Laude
A.A.S. Electronic Systems Technology
Also got the CBT Nuggets and the course from PrepLogic... Now I just gotta buckle down.
Lately I have been leaning towards video course (since I have been using PrepLogic) but I still miss the good old fashioned books.
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS
CWNP
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
B.S. Computer Science - Summa Cum Laude
A.A.S. Electronic Systems Technology
Wow that's a sweet deal, I'll have to try and get my employer to pay for that! Hopefully they won't be upset they just purchased the CWTS book but it's still a great deal. I assume by Practice test I assume they mean more practice test then what come with the CD's in the books?
I'll be shooting for the CWTS in mid-December, should be a good deadline for me.
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS
You can tell two different groups wrote the book and the questions on the CD because even the language is different. I have heard good things of the practice tests that are from CWNP website which are the ones you receive if you buy the books from them.
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
B.S. Computer Science - Summa Cum Laude
A.A.S. Electronic Systems Technology
I just got my books. I ordered them not too long ago. I think I am going to load balance CWTS into my current studies even though I know I am not taking the CWTS exam. I have heard the CWTS book is a good read as in intro to the CWNA book.
How does the test on CWNP's site line up with the actual test similar question style? I'm pretty anxious to take this exam ASAP.. (Just can't decide whether I want to leave work early or come in late
Between the holidays and other stuff going I've been delaying any testing.
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
B.S. Computer Science - Summa Cum Laude
A.A.S. Electronic Systems Technology
Passed 90% I'm surprised I didn't score higher... but I found a few questions to be worded very poorly.. I left various comments on multiple questions....
Funny we posted at the same time. (I just got back from the testing center when I posted this)
Latest blog post: Let's review EIGRP Named Mode
Currently Studying: CCNP: Wireless - IUWMS