CWAP
CWAP (Wi-Fi Analysis) - Certified Wireless Analysis Professional
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The Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) is a vendor-neutral, professional-level certification for IT professionals who analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize enterprise Wi-Fi networks. It validates mastery of operation and frame exchanges, protocol and spectrum analysis, and MAC layer frame formats. The current exam is CWAP-405, released in April 2025; the next scheduled update, CWAP-406, releases in April 2028. The exam is available at CWNP Remote Proctored Exams or Prometric Testing Centers, costs $349.99 (USD), lasts 90 minutes, contains 60 multiple choice and multiple answer questions, and is delivered in English. A passing score is 70% or higher; instructors must score 80% or higher. Candidates must hold a current and valid CWNA credential to earn CWAP, and the certification is valid for three years. Passing the CWAP exam also renews the CWNA certificate for another three years. The exam covers five main subject areas: 802.11 Physical (PHY) Layer Frame Formats and Technologies; 802.11 MAC Layer Frame Formats and Technologies; 802.11 Operation and Frame Exchanges; Spectrum Analysis and Troubleshooting; and Protocol Analysis and Troubleshooting. To prepare, start with the official exam objectives, which list all tested skills. CWNP offers self-study materials, e-learning, practice tests, study guides, and instructor-led training through Authorized Learning Centers. Passing CWAP earns credit toward the CWNE certification.
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About CWAP preparation
What is the format of the CWAP exam?
The CWAP-405 exam consists of 60 multiple choice and multiple answer questions. You have 90 minutes to complete it. It is available in English at CWNP Remote Proctored Exams or Prometric Testing Centers (in-person). The passing score is 70% or higher; instructors must pass with 80% or higher.
How much does the CWAP exam cost?
The CWAP exam costs $349.99 (USD). This fee is listed on the official CWNP exam summary. Prices are set by CWNP and may be subject to change; check the CWNP website for the most current pricing before you register.
Do I need a prerequisite to earn the CWAP?
Yes. To earn a CWAP certification, you must hold a current and valid CWNA credential. You can take the CWAP exam without it, but the CWAP credential will not be awarded until the CWNA requirement is met. Passing CWAP also renews your CWNA for another three years.
How long is the CWAP certification valid, and how do I renew it?
The CWAP certification is valid for three years. To recertify, you must have a current CWNA credential and pass the current CWAP exam. By passing the CWAP exam, your CWNA certificate will be renewed for another three years.
What topics does the CWAP exam cover?
The exam covers five main subject areas: 802.11 Physical (PHY) Layer Frame Formats and Technologies; 802.11 MAC Layer Frame Formats and Technologies; 802.11 Operation and Frame Exchanges; Spectrum Analysis and Troubleshooting; and Protocol Analysis and Troubleshooting. The official exam objectives list the full set of skills tested.
How should I prepare for the CWAP exam?
Start with the official CWAP-405 exam objectives, which cover the full list of skills tested. CWNP offers self-study materials, e-learning, practice tests, study guides, and instructor-led training through Authorized Learning Centers. Hands-on practice with protocol and spectrum analysis tools is valuable, but the objectives should guide your study plan.
What happens if I fail the CWAP exam? Can I retake it?
The official CWNP page does not state a retake policy. You would need to register and pay the exam fee again to retake it. Contact CWNP directly for the most current retake rules before scheduling a second attempt.
Is the CWAP exam difficult?
CWAP is a professional-level certification, and the passing score is 70% or higher. It requires mastery of frame exchanges, protocol analysis, and spectrum analysis. The CWNA prerequisite ensures foundational knowledge. Candidates with hands-on analysis experience and thorough preparation using the exam objectives are best positioned to pass.
When is the next version of the CWAP exam coming?
The current version is CWAP-405, released in April 2025. The next scheduled update is CWAP-406, releasing in April 2028. Until then, CWAP-405 is the exam you will take.
Does CWAP count toward CWNE?
Yes. Those who pass the CWAP exam earn credit toward a CWNE certification. CWNE is the expert-level capstone certification in the CWNP program. CWAP is one of the professional-level certifications that build toward that goal.