Wireless Organizations and Certification
Cisco Wireless Certifications

Cisco Systems offers a wide range of career certifications, including two in the area of WLANs. The two WLAN certifications are the Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist (CWLSS) and the Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist (CWLDS). The Cisco Career Certification pyramid is shown in Figure . At the very top of this pyramid is the premier certification in networking, which is the Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE). Cisco certifications are among the most highly respected certifications in the industry and are recognized worldwide. Many of the certifications are achievable through the Cisco Networking Academy. The Cisco Networking Academy is a Cisco sponsored program offered in high schools, colleges, and technical schools. The Cisco Networking Academy now operates in 145 countries and all 50 U.S. states. This program demonstrates a commitment to providing quality IT professionals to the industry worldwide.

Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialization (CWLSS)
Many organizations are adopting WLAN technology to gain the competitive advantages of an increasingly mobile and productive workforce. As a result, the need for qualified professionals who can design, install, support, and operate a wireless solution is growing. The Cisco WLSS certification indicates significant knowledge of relevant factors involved in deploying Cisco WLAN solutions. The prerequisite for the CWLSS is the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) certification.

Cisco WLAN Support Specialists should understand the following:

  • Radio technologies associated with WLAN 802.11 standards
  • WLAN and bridge topologies and applications
  • How to configure WLAN products, including access points, bridges, client devices, and accessories
  • Aironet software and management feature
  • How to configure various security methods for WLAN environments
  • Basic antenna theory
  • How to perform a site survey covering WLAN topology and design
  • Vertical market deployment and challenges, including equipment utility and cable awareness.

To earn the CWLSS certification, the Wireless LAN for Field Engineers exam (9E0-581 WLANFE) must be passed. The recommended training includes the Aironet Wireless LAN Fundamentals (AWLF) class or the Aironet Wireless LAN Fundamentals & Cisco Aironet Wireless Site Survey (AWFSS).

CWLSS certifications are valid for two years. To recertify, candidates must take and pass the current version of the appropriate CWLSS exam.

Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialization (CWLDS)
The Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist (CWLDS) certification indicates significant knowledge of relevant factors involved in deploying Cisco WLAN solutions. Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialists must understand all of the same things as Cisco Wireless LAN Service Specialists, with an emphasis on designing the WLAN. The prerequisite for the CWLDS is the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) certification.

To earn the CWLDS certification, the Wireless LAN for System Engineers exam (9E0-576 WLANSE) must be passed. The recommended training again includes the Aironet Wireless LAN Fundamentals (AWLF) class or the Aironet Wireless LAN Fundamentals & Cisco Aironet Wireless Site Survey (AWFSS).

CWLDS certifications are also valid for two years. To recertify, candidates must take and pass the current version of the appropriate CWLDS exam.

Each of the Wireless LAN exams fulfills one of several requirements for either the Field Engineer or System Engineer role. Full details about the exams and the different Wireless LAN certifications are available on the Cisco website.


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