New CWNP wireless exam Wireless# (Wireless Sharp)

JDMurray

I just received this email announcement from the CWNP:

We are excited to announce our new entry-level certification - Wireless# ("wireless sharp").

Wireless# was created in response to strong market demand for
professionals who are required to be proficient in a variety of basic
wireless technologies.

The new exam covers the skills required by computer technicians,
network support technicians, and technical support specialists. The
Wireless# exam covers the following wireless technologies as they apply
to computer data network connectivity:

- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- WiMax
- ZigBee
- Infrared

The Wireless# exam objectives are available at
www.cwnp.com/exams/pw0050_objectives.html

Information about the certification can be found at
www.cwnp.com/certifications/wsharp/index.html

The Wireless# beta exam will be available later in October (2005)
at a discounted price of $85 (USD).


Sincerely,
Kevin Sandlin,
CEO and Co-Founder
CWNP Program

jescab

SWEET

evanderburg

I got an email last month saying that a new certification would be released this month. I was hoping that they would finally make the CWNE test available but today I saw the announcement for Wireless#.

Webmaster

Interesting. I think this will be a popular one and will fill a gap. The CWNA goes a bit far on some topics to be a suitable introduction for those new to networking in general and the Network+ cert doesn't go far enough.

I guess that will put a definit end to any plans for a Wireless+ certification...

Is there a (hidden) meaning to the # other than being a double +

JD, what's your position on CWNA's adding this cert to the list? Is it like listing MCP and MCSE or MCSA and MCSE?

D-boy

I have been looking at CWNA cert for a while now, as something to obtain after I finnish my MCSA 2000 (Slow going at the moment, due to lack of funds) .
I love working with wireless technology and even though I know some of the basics, I still feel I don't know enough or very little...

I did setup a wireless network for a client with a laptop, desktop and 2 wireless print servers... Which I think i setup pretty well, by the way do you know how I can check to see how secure a wireless network is?

Anyway, I'm seriously thinking about doing this cert "wireless#" as i feel I need to start off with the basics before hitting CWNA certifcation to get a foundation on wireless technology...

I should just focus on my MCSA, but Wireless is so interesting... maybe I could study for both at the same time.....

JDMurray

There isn't much yet said about Wireless# in the forum at http://www.cwne.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=17, but here's my $0.02US:

This cert reminds me of the up-coming Convergence+ cert from CompTIA, which is an aggregation of different media communications technologies (e.g., telephone, computer, TV, cable and Internet networks). Wireless# an aggregation of all currently popular wireless (i.e., non-wired, non-fiber) communications technologies. This make Wireless# different from the CWNA/CWSP/CWAP certs, which are only Wi-Fi (802.11). Wireless# is therefore not just an "MCP" for the CWNP, but it is an entry-level cert. I expect that its diversity will make it rather difficult to pass. If you already can't describe the detailed workings of WiMAX, IR, Bluetooth, et al., then you most likely will not pass the Wireless# exam without doing some serious homework first.

As for its value, most new certs are not an immediate success. It will take a while for even wireless companies to learn what this cert is and why it's potentially valuable. Unless you already work in the wireless industry, I don't think Wireless# will immediately add any value to your resume.

There will be no formal Wireless# Study Guide text published by CWNP, but study texts for Wireless# may be forthcoming form other publishers. Anyone want to write a 50-70 page Wireless# eBook with me?

strauchr

Still, I wonder if its worth doing if you already have CWNA? It seems to be marketed at a lower level then CWNA. Although WiMax wasn't covered on my exam most other technologies were.

evanderburg

I would agree with you. It fills a different niche. You would not get a MCDST if you have an MCSE but you might get it if you did not. Wireless# is probably not for those with CWNA, SP, ect.

JDMurray

strauchr wrote:

Still, I wonder if its worth doing if you already have CWNA? It seems to be marketed at a lower level then CWNA. Although WiMax wasn't covered on my exam most other technologies were.

Every cert is worth doing, if only for of the learning experience. If you study for a cert because you genuinely want to learn more about the subjects that the exam covers, then the cert is (at least) a valuable educational experience for you.

yooeinstein

jdmurray wrote:

Every cert is worth doing, if only for of the learning experience. If you study for a cert because you genuinely want to learn more about the subjects that the exam covers, then the cert is (at least) a valuable educational experience for you.

Sorry to say ,but I was a Telecommunications Specialist in the US Coast Guard and find some of the exam qualifactions to be a bit to much leaning toward industrial requirements to use Wireless equipment.

Now I do give CWNA/CWSP a lean in the right direction.....

But really having an understanding of were wireless technology came from and were it is moving toward "I personelly feel a lack of group organization should have leaned on that subject and made engineering one of the focuses toward becoming certified."

I'm not complaining that this is not a technical well thought out Certifaction just lacked an understanding of higher capabilities. In what is satratt or satelitte communications and were telecommunications aims to take the product of wireless communications to. Other than a focus on how to secure wireless information.......

I guess the last little complaint I have with Certs is the fact that really none of the Certs you earn without hands on expereince can prepare you for a job in the Telecommunications field, IT/Programming or engineering fields...........

My next most important goal will to become HAMM operator qualified seeing is they require you to understand how to build an antenna from strach and proper use of amplifiers and modulators......

I wish you all a good day....

JDMurray

CWNP announcement about a free Wireless# practice test and exam beta test:

The first 60-question practice test pool for the new Wireless# certification
is now available, and we are giving away unlimited access to it for free.

As a valued member of the CWNP community, you can get your
Wireless# practice test activation key by visiting here:

http://www.cwnp.com/mlist/subscribe2.php?r=frm2

After you receive your practice test activation key, login to your
CWNP.com account to start using the practice test.

https://www.cwnp.com/user_account/login.php

We Need Your Help

---

You are our best resource for improving the quality of the Wireless#
certification. Give us your feedback to help make the exam better.

Please send us your comments on the:

- practice test questions
- exam objectives
- beta exam questions

Both the practice test and the exam have a ‘Comments’ button that
when pressed allow you to enter in your comments.

Remember, during the beta exam period the Wireless# exam (PW1-050)
is only $85.00, and is available at all Pearson VUE and Prometric testing
centers worldwide. Save money and take the exam today!


Sincerely,
Kevin Sandlin
CEO, CWNP Program

JDMurray

The Wireless# beta exam test vouchers will be on sale for $85US through January 31, 2006 at http://www.cwnp.com.