Best Wireless Networking Certifications of 2023

Best wireless networking certifications

According to Salary.com data, wireless engineers earn about $98,99 to $125,000 annually. However, bonuses, commissions, location, seniority and many more factors can affect earnings and boost pay much higher. The right certifications can increase your value and salary. 

Here are our picks for the top wireless networking certifications. 

1. CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is one of many Cisco certifications. It’s considered to be one of the most reliable certifications for professionals navigating the ever-changing IT industry. The exam is comprehensive and covers the following topics: 

• Network fundamentals
• Network access
• IP connectivity
• IP services
• Security fundamentals
• Automation and programmability

Cisco doesn’t insist on stringent prerequisites for this certification. However, there are age requirements: No one younger than 13 can take the exam, and those aged 13 to 17 must have parental consent to proceed. Additionally, Cisco recommends that applicants have at least one year of experience using and implementing Cisco products and solutions, a basic knowledge of IP addressing, and an understanding of network fundamentals. 

Passing the CCNA certification exam will provide opportunities for wireless professionals in the following job roles:

• Entry-level network engineer
• Help desk technician
• Network administrator
• Network support technician

After you pass the certification test, your status is valid for three years. After three years, you must apply for recertification via one of two options: passing a qualifying exam or earning 30 continuing education credits.

CCNA fact sheet

2. CCNP Enterprise: Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise

If you’re seeking a job maintaining and troubleshooting global enterprise networks, the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise (CCNP Enterprise) certification is a significant credential upgrade. The CCNP Enterprise certification will test your mastery in the following areas:

• Architecture 
• Virtualization 
• Infrastructure 
• Network assurance 
• Security 
• Automation 

The CCNP Enterprise certification is more complex than the CCNA. You’ll need to complete the following examinations.

1. Core exam: First, you’ll take a core exam and its recommended training. The 350-401 ENCOR exam will objectively assess your knowledge of enterprise network technologies, a vital step to cementing your CCNP Enterprise certification.
2. Concentration exam: After you complete the core exam and training, you’ll be prompted to take another concentration exam along with completing its recommended training. You can select a concentration exam based on your preferences.

When you pass the two required exams, your certification will be valid for three years. You’ll have expanded opportunities for the following job roles:

• Network administrator
• Systems engineer
• Network support technician
• Mid-level network engineer

CCNP Enterprise fact sheet

3. CompTIA: Network+

The CompTIA Network+ is a wireless networking and cybersecurity certification that assesses a wireless professional’s technical skills in establishing, troubleshooting and maintaining networks for any business on any platform. Additionally, the Network+ certification serves as a prerequisite for other CompTIA certifications, including those listed below:

• Security+
• Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+, formerly CSA+)
• Linux+
• PenTest+

The CompTIA Network+ exam examines a candidate’s IT professional capacity and skills in designing and implementing functional networks, configuring and maintaining essential network devices, and implementing network security standards and protocols. Here are some of the topics covered: 

• New hardware technologies
• Cloud computing
• Technical service models
• Virtualization
• Security concepts

When you pass this certification exam, your certification will be valid for three years. You’ll benefit from expanded opportunities in the following job roles:

• Network administrator
• Network field technician
• Junior network administrator
• IT consultant
• Network field engineer
• Computer technician
• Help desk technician

CompTIA: Network+ fact sheet

4. CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator

The CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) certification was developed by the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) organization. It’s a long-standing certification for IT professionals, particularly those who want to specialize in installing and maintaining wireless networks. The exam covers the following topics: 

• Radio frequency (RF) technologies
• Antenna concepts
• Wireless LAN hardware and software
• Network design, installation, and management
• Wireless standards and organizations
• 11 network architecture
• Wireless LAN security
• Troubleshooting
• Performing site surveys

The CWNA certification is considered a foundational wireless LAN certification under the CWNP program. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70 percent to be deemed certified. 

When you pass this certification exam, your certification will be valid for three years, after which you can apply for recertification. While your credential is still valid, you’ll need to take and pass a professional-level exam — CWSP, CWDP, or CWAP — to renew your certification. You can also recertify by retaking the CWNA exam.

CWNA fact sheet

5. CWSP: Certified Wireless Security Professional

The Certified Wireless Security Professional certification is a step toward achieving a Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) certification. It’s a professional-level wireless LAN and cybersecurity certification for which you must first achieve CWNA certification.

The exam covers the following topics: 

• WLAN discovery techniques
• Intrusion and attack techniques
• 11 protocol analysis
• Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) implementation
• Layer 2 and 3 VPNs used over 802.11 networks
• Enterprise/SMB/SOHO/public-network security design models

To pass the CWSP exam, professionals must score at least 70 percent, and instructors must score at least 80 percent. When you pass this certification exam, your certification will be valid for three years, after which you can apply for recertification. Recertification is possible only if you hold a valid CWNA credential and pass the current CWSP exam. If you meet these requirements, the certification will be renewed for another three years.

CWSP fact sheet

Other worthwhile wireless certifications

While the five featured certification exams are among the most well-regarded in the industry, other certifications can benefit IT professionals seeking to augment their skills and credentials. Here are two more to consider. 

• CWDP: The Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP) certification is suitable for professionals with enterprise network design skills and a clear understanding of the WLAN architecture and protocol.
• CWAP: If you’re an IT professional interested in wireless LAN troubleshooting and analysis, the Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) certification is right up your alley. Aside from the certification, the CWAP examination will also fast-track your chances of becoming CWNE certified, which is great for IT professionals who plan on catering to a broader market or industry.

How IT professionals can enhance their careers with certifications

Achieving respected, rigorous wireless networking certifications can help IT professionals expand their credentials and land more profitable job opportunities. Additionally, they’ll demonstrate their willingness to learn to hiring managers. 

While certifications take time and money, the rewards of career growth and higher compensation more than justify the investment. 

Ed Tittel and Mary Kyle contribute to the reporting and writing in this article.