CWSP (ABWM)
CWSP-208 - Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) is CWNP's professional-level, vendor-neutral certification for securing enterprise Wi-Fi networks. It sits above the foundational CWNA and is aimed at network administrators, security engineers, consultants, and analysts who assess WLAN vulnerabilities, design authentication and encryption architectures, run security audits, and deploy Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems. Because CWNP certifies in a vendor-neutral way, the skills tested apply across any vendor's equipment.
The current exam is CWSP-208, released in December 2025, and it replaces CWSP-207, which retired on December 31, 2025. It is delivered as 60 multiple-choice questions in English over 90 minutes through CWNP remote proctored exams, and candidates must score 70% or higher (instructors, 80% or higher) to pass.
The tested scope spans WLAN discovery and intrusion/attack techniques, 802.11 protocol analysis, WIPS implementation, 802.11 authentication and key management including 802.1X/EAP types, robust security network design and fast BSS transition, Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs and secure applications, enterprise/SMB/SOHO/public-network security design and solution implementation, and wireless security policy, WNMS, managed endpoint security, and compliance monitoring.
Preparation should start with the official exam objectives, which list every skill tested, then proceed through self-study materials or an authorized learning center class. A current and valid CWNA credential is a prerequisite, the certification is valid for three years, and passing CWSP also renews CWNA for another three years and earns credit toward CWNE.
What you'll study
About CWSP preparation
What is the format of the CWSP exam?
CWSP-208 is 60 multiple-choice questions delivered in English through CWNP remote proctored exams. You have 90 minutes to complete it, which works out to roughly 90 seconds per question. Plan to flag and return to calculation-heavy or scenario items rather than stalling on any single question.
Do I need CWNA before taking CWSP?
Yes. To earn the CWSP certification you must hold a current and valid CWNA credential. CWSP is a professional-level step that assumes CWNA-level knowledge of RF and 802.11 fundamentals, so taking CWNA first is the intended study order and is also required for recertification later.
What score do I need to pass?
You must pass with 70% or higher. Instructors must pass with 80% or higher. Because the exam has 60 questions, a 70% threshold leaves limited margin, so aim to be comfortable across every domain rather than strong in only a few.
How long is the certification valid and how do I recertify?
CWSP is valid for three years. To recertify, you must have a current CWNA credential and pass the current CWSP exam. Passing the CWSP exam also renews your CWNA certificate for another three years, so a single successful attempt maintains both credentials.
Which exam version is current?
CWSP-208 was released in December 2025 and is the current version. CWSP-207 retired, with December 31, 2025 as the last day to take it. CWSP-209 is scheduled to release on December 31, 2028 and will replace CWSP-208 on that date.
What topics does CWSP-208 cover?
The scope includes WLAN discovery and intrusion/attack techniques, 802.11 protocol analysis, WIPS implementation, 802.11 authentication and key management including 802.1X/EAP types, robust security networks and fast BSS transition, Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs and secure applications, enterprise/SMB/SOHO/public-network security design and implementation, and security policy, WNMS, endpoint security, and compliance monitoring.
How should I prepare for the exam?
Begin with the CWSP-208 exam objectives, which list every skill tested. Then work through self-study resources or a live class delivered by an authorized learning center with CWNT instructors. Build hands-on familiarity with protocol analyzers, WIPS consoles, and 802.1X/EAP configurations, because scenario questions reward practical exposure over memorized definitions.
How much does the exam cost?
The exam voucher costs $349.99 (USD). Budget separately for study materials or a training class if you choose instructor-led preparation, and confirm current pricing with CWNP before purchasing since fees can be revised between exam versions.
Does CWSP count toward CWNE?
Yes. Those who pass the CWSP exam earn credit toward a CWNE certification. CWSP is one of the specializations on the path to CWNE, alongside CWDP and CWAP, so treat it as a building block for the expert-level capstone rather than a terminal certification.
What causes candidates to fail, and can I retake it?
Common failure modes are shallow coverage of 802.1X/EAP types and weak protocol-analysis skills, since these appear across multiple domains. The certification page does not state retake terms, so confirm the current policy with CWNP before scheduling. A current CWNA credential is required regardless of how many attempts you make.