CWTS timeframe

Kory

I am considering doing the CWTS cert before moving on with my cisco track to CCNP, basically to give myself a little break. I am curious, for those who have done the CCNA, how much of the wireless material covered in CCNA overlaps with CWTS?

From all appearances, when I consider the curriculum of the CWTS, it seems a lot like the equivalent of ICND1 in terms of depth and scope, can anyone else confirm?

I'd just like to gauge how much time I should consider spending one this. Ideally I would go right on to CCNP, but given the projects coming up at my job, it would be beneficial to have at least a solid foundation of wireless tech in the coming months.

steve13ad

(Depending on your skill set) It's a very easy certification. If you are comfortable buying a new wireless router for the house and you should be fine.

Mostly terminology, I can't remember it having any troubleshooting related material.

JDMurray

If you've already studied 802.11 for the CCNA, and you'll be using 802.11 in your work, the CWTS is too basic and you should go for the CWNA cert instead. The CWTS is basically a Wireless+ cert testing on the fundamentals of 802.11, while the CWNA (and CWSP) have the knowledge you will use on the job.

Here's a blog article that I wrote about studying for an taking the CWTS exam: http://www.techexams.net/blogs/jdmurray/14-cwts-certified-wireless-technology-specialist-official-study-guide.html

Kory

so the CWTS is not a prerequisite? I can skip straight to CWNA?

steve13ad

The CWTS is not a prerequisite for the CWNA. But the CWNA is a requirement for all of the other Professional level Certifications.

JDMurray

You should read through the information on the CWNP certifications on the CWNP Web site.

MrXpert

I have started studying for the CWTS because I want to work from the ground up. There's alot of physics involved in this and for me I always find that part difficult. So far I am impressed with the sybex book i am using which is unusual because all other Sybex stuff i've read have been fairly mediocre.I also have CBT nuggets vids and Mike Shannon is unusually good here too and sounds more interesting than in other stuff he has done.
It does appear to be quite an easy exam as I am getting through the material fairly quickly but must say it is very interesting and has made me appreciate the science part more.

JDMurray

MrXpert wrote: »

It does appear to be quite an easy exam as I am getting through the material fairly quickly but must say it is very interesting and has made me appreciate the science part more.

If you find the 802.11 material in the CWTS and CWNA exams very interesting, I highly recommend looking into getting your amateur (ham) radio license. The exam material covers electronics, RF theory and hardware, laws and regulations, and the human protocols for amateur RF communications. Even if you don't intend to become an amateur radio operator, you'll probably find the material a lot of fun to learn. And the licensing is very inexpensive (at least it is here in the USA).