The journey to becoming a CWNE has been a long but fulfilling one as the process began many years ago with my first IT position in charge of a large wireless network. While the dates on the certifications necessary to apply for the CWNE are recent, the knowledge and skill sets began their development with my first CWNA book purchase back in 2011. At that time, the knowledge gained from studying principals discussed in the CWNA book proved invaluable to my abilities and growth as an IT professional. Over the years the desire to become an official “certified” member of the community began to grow, and after attending the WLPC conference in February 2017 I knew it was time.
While time doesn’t always allow for it, one of the things I try to ensure is that I am returning the favor of those who helped mentor me along the way. As part of this, I try to make each opportunity working with others, a teaching opportunity so others can grow professionally as well. I believe that this, along with the certification exams, is a key part of the CWNP program, and demonstrating what a CWNE truly is. The path below sets out my professional career, milestones, and where I am today.
2010
January 2010 – Started new job as Senior Network Architect for large University in Alabama
2012
July 2012 – Changed employer to position as Global Field Support Engineer for WLAN Manufacturer based in Sunnyvale, California
2015
January 2015 – Changed employer to position as Senior System Engineer for established VAR in Atlanta, Georgia
August 2015 – Obtained Brocade Certified Network Professional (BCNP)
2016
April 20, 2016 – Obtained Aruba Mobility Certification (ACMP)
June 2016 – Moved into Wireless SME position supporting all customer accounts in pre & post sales technical role
2017
January 2017 – Set personal goal of obtaining CWNE (studies started in 2015)
February 2017 – Attended WLPC CWNA Bootcamp to refresh material prior to taking exam
March 6, 2017 – Obtained Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)
March 10, 2017 – Obtained Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP)
April 1, 2017 – Obtained Aruba Clearpass Certification (ACCP)
April 28, 2017 – Obtained Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP)
May 5, 2017 – Obtained Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP)
October 25, 2017 – Awarded Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) #253
CWNE #253 – Certified Wireless Network Expert
The following essays are provided as sample essays, for reference only, to evaluate if you choose to submit your own application for CWNE status.
Essay #1 – Analysis – Troubleshooting Intermittent WLAN Issues
Essay #2 – Design – Designing High Density, Multipurpose Venue Wireless Networks
Essay #3 – Security – Providing WLAN Security with RBAC & Policy
The it Rebel 