Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) Practice Exam

The CWNA comprehends the standards and operations of 802.11 wireless networks, encompassing responsibilities such as deploying, managing, monitoring, and performing basic troubleshooting. Additionally, the CWNA can articulate the functionalities and operations of current WLAN technologies. 

The skills and knowledge assessed in this examination are derived from a Job Task Analysis (JTA) conducted by wireless networking experts (CWNEs) and industry professionals. The outcomes of this analysis were utilized to assess the weighting of subject areas, ensuring that it accurately reflects their relative importance. Successfully passing the CWNA exam not only earns you the CWNA certification but also grants credit towards the CWSP, CWDP, CWAP, and CWNE certifications.

Who should take the exam?

While the CWNA exam does not have prerequisites, it is advisable to have the following knowledge and experience beforehand:

• Fundamental understanding of networking (including routers, switches, cabling, etc.)
• Basic grasp of TCP/IP
• Minimum of one year of professional experience with wireless LAN technologies

Exam Details 

• Exam Code: CWNA-109
• Exam Name: CWNA® - Certified Wireless Network Administrator
• Exam Languages: English
• Exam Questions: 60 Questions
• Time: 90 minutes

Exam Course Outline 

The Exam covers the given topics  - 

Topic 1: Learn about Radio Frequency (RF) Technologies – 15%

1.1. Define and explain the basic characteristics and behavior of RF

1.2. Apply the basic concepts of RF mathematics and measurement

1.3. Identify RF signal characteristics as they relate to antennas

1.4. Explain and apply the functionality of RF antennas, antenna systems, and accessories available

Topic 2: Understand WLAN Regulations and Standards – 20%

2.1 Explain the roles of WLAN and networking industry organizations

2.2 Explain and apply the various Physical Layer (PHY) solutions of the IEEE 802.11-2020 standard and amendments including supported channel widths, spatial streams, and data rates

2.3 Understanding spread spectrum technologies, Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS)

2.4 Identify and apply 802.11 WLAN functional concepts

2.5 Describe the OSI and TCP/IP model layers affected by the 802.11-2020 standard and amendments

2.6 Identify and comply with regulatory domain requirements and constraints

2.7 Explain basic use case scenarios for 802.11 wireless networks

Topic 3: Learn WLAN Protocols and Devices – 20%

3.1 Describe the components and functions that make up an 802.11 wireless service set

3.2 Define terminology related to the 802.11 MAC and PHY

3.3 Identify and explain the MAC frame format

3.4 Identify and explain the purpose of the three main 802.11 frame types

3.5 Explain the process used to locate and connect to a WLAN

3.6 Explain 802.11 channel access methods

3.7 Explain 802.11 MAC operations

3.8 Describe features of, select, and install WLAN devices, control, and management systems

Topic 4: Understand WLAN Network Architecture and Design Concepts– 15%

4.1 Describe and implement Power over Ethernet (PoE)

4.2 Define and describe differences, advantages and constraints of the different wireless LAN architectures

4.3 Describe basic design considerations for common deployment scenarios in wireless such as coverage requirements, roaming considerations and throughput.

4.4 Demonstrate awareness of common proprietary features in wireless networks.

4.5 Determine and configure required network services supporting the wireless network

Topic 5: Overview of WLAN Network Security – 10%

5.1 Identify weak security options that should not be used in enterprise WLANs

5.2 Identify and configure effective security mechanisms for enterprise WLANs

5.3 Understand basic concepts of WPA3 and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) and enhancements over WPA2

5.4 Describe common security options and tools used in wireless networks

Topic 6: RF Validation and WLAN remediation– 10%

6.1 Verify and document that design requirements are met including coverage, throughput, roaming, and connectivity with a post-implementation validation survey.

6.2 Locate and identify sources of RF interference

6.3 Perform application testing to validate WLAN performance

6.4 Understand and use the basic features of validation tools

6.5 Describe and apply common troubleshooting tools used in WLANs

6.6 Identify and troubleshoot common wireless issues