Rowell Certifications December 21, 2022December 19, 2022

2 Minutes

Six Decembers ago, I had just left a coffee shop, driving to lunch with my wife. I kept refreshing my email, waiting for that CWNE confirmation email. I let out a gasp, frightening my wife. I had become CWNE #210.

Fast forward to December 2022, with only 4 days left, I needed to pass one exam and pay for my renewal to be in compliance. By December 17th, my CWNE was renewed through 2025.

The Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) certification from CWNP displays one’s knowledge and expertise in wireless technologies. There’s a requirement to pass five other exams, three written essays, and two references to be eligible for CWNE.

Here are my 5 reasons why you should also obtain your CWNE certification.

Wi-Fi Expertise Shortage

There are less than 500 CWNEs worldwide. Compare that to the 55,000+ CCIEs and 156,000+ CISSPs in IT. It’s apparent that there’s a shortage of Wi-Fi experts.

After consulting for 5 years and working with different organizations, none have had a dedicated Wi-Fi specialist on the team. This resulted in making Wi-Fi the most challenging to deal with.

Huge Differentiating Factor

Whether it is designing for a large carpeted office, a complex warehouse facility, industrial setting, or something else, there’s a lot one must know about Wi-Fi.

There’s design, configuration, and surveys – which many network engineers seem to get wrong. Some even call Wi-Fi “Black Magic.”

It doesn’t end with that either. Wi-Fi must be validated and the results analyzed. But if it isn’t working then one must troubleshoot the invisible.

Having a CWNE sets yourself apart from the rest of the network engineers. Sure, you know switching and routing just like them, but you have an upper hand with Wi-Fi.

18 Billion Wi-Fi Connected Devices

When was the last time you took out an Ethernet cable and plugged it into your laptop? People are mobile-first. Untethered.

Your office probably has more access points than desk Ethernet ports.

Wi-Fi is an essential service that should not be taken lightly. Your perfectly architected wired network is as good as uncooked rice if the Wi-Fi isn’t performing well.

We’re all connected wirelessly. All the reason to get your CWNE.

Vendor Neutral

The certifications from CWNP, including the CWNE, are vendor neutral. How many certifications do you have work across different vendors?

Having the knowledge from your CWNE allows you to work on Cisco, Aruba, Mist, Meraki, Extreme, UniFi, and so on. The knowledge is transferrable across all Wi-Fi networks.

The knobs are located in different locations.

It’s Just The Beginning

Your Wi-Fi knowledge doesn’t end with CWNE. In fact, you’ll feel that you need to learn more. Test more. Lab more. Do more.

The difference is you’ve got a solid Wi-Fi foundation. You’ll have a better understanding of new technologies as they’re released.

You’ll realize how much of our problems aren’t even Wi-Fi related! Or how often the issue lies with the devices!

Know your Wi-Fi

Put that CWNE on your certification goals. And it’s perfectly fine to get other certifications. I highly recommend you have a CCNA to have a networking background. It will compliment your CWNE.

The CWNE was my rocket ship to where I am today. It can do the same for you, opening up many doors and opportunities.

I’ve mentioned this in the past but we need more knowledgeable Wi-Fi engineers. Let 2023 be that year you make headway to become a CWNE.