CWNA
CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) - CWNA-110
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) is the foundational enterprise Wi-Fi certification in the CWNP program and the entry point to CWNP's vendor-neutral certification path. It validates that a candidate understands the fundamentals of wireless technology, how WLANs work, how they are managed day to day, and whether the candidate can install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain wireless networks in small business or enterprise deployments. It is aimed at network administrators, and CWNP notes the growing demand for certified network administrators as wireless adoption increases. The current exam is CWNA-110, released in September 2026, with the previous CWNA-109 available only through December 31, 2026; the next scheduled update, CWNA-111, arrives in September 2029. The exam is delivered through CWNP Remote Proctored Exams and consists of 60 multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions in 90 minutes, in English, at a cost of $274.99 (USD). A score of 70% or higher passes (80% or higher for instructors), and the certification is valid for three years. The nine main areas covered are RF technologies, antenna concepts, WLAN hardware and software, network design/installation/management, wireless standards and organizations, 802.11 network architecture, WLAN security, troubleshooting, and site surveys. CWNP recommends starting preparation with the official exam objectives, which list every skill tested; self-study materials, e-learning, practice tests, and authorized learning center classes are available. CWSS and CWTS are not prerequisites but are highly recommended as a foundation.
What you'll study
About CWNA preparation
What is the exam format and how long do I have?
CWNA-110 is a 60-question exam of multiple-choice and multiple-answer items delivered through CWNP Remote Proctored Exams. You have 90 minutes, and the exam is offered in English. Multiple-answer questions require selecting every correct option, so read each stem carefully rather than assuming a single answer.
What score do I need to pass?
CWNP states that you must pass with 70% or higher to earn the CWNA certification, and instructors must pass with 80% or higher. Because multi-answer items are typically all-or-nothing, aim comfortably above the threshold in practice tests before booking.
What does the exam cost and where do I take it?
The CWNA-110 exam costs $274.99 (USD) and is available as a CWNP Remote Proctored Exam, so you can sit it without traveling to a test center. Check CWNP's site for current purchasing options, bundles, and voucher pricing before you book.
How long is the certification valid and how do I renew?
The CWNA certification is valid for three years. To recertify, pass one of the professional-level certification exams (CWSP, CWDP, or CWAP) before your CWNA expires, which renews it for another three years, or simply retake the current version of the CWNA exam.
Which exam version will I be taking?
CWNA-110, released in September 2026, is the current version. CWNA-109 was released in September 2023 and can be taken only through December 31, 2026. If you are scheduling late in 2026, confirm which version you are booking because study material must match the objectives.
Do I need CWSS or CWTS first?
No. CWNP states that the Certified Wireless Specialist (CWSS) and Certified Wireless Technician (CWTS) certifications are not required prerequisites for the CWNA. They are, however, highly recommended because they provide a solid learning foundation before you pursue the CWNA.
What topics should I study, and in what order?
The nine areas are RF technologies, antenna concepts, WLAN hardware and software, network design/installation/management, wireless standards and organizations, 802.11 network architecture, WLAN security, troubleshooting, and site surveys. Start with the official CWNA-110 exam objectives, which cover the full list of skills tested, then work through RF fundamentals and 802.11 architecture before design, security, and troubleshooting topics.
How should I prepare?
CWNP recommends starting with the exam objectives and then choosing self-study or an authorized learning center class taught by CWNT instructors. Preparation options include study guides, e-learning, practice tests, and a self-study kit. Practice tests are the best way to find weak domains before exam day.
How hard is the exam, and what trips candidates up?
It is a foundational-level exam, but it is broad: nine domains in 60 questions in 90 minutes leaves roughly a minute and a half per item, so slow readers run out of time. The most common mistakes are studying only one domain, ignoring antenna and RF math, and skipping site survey and troubleshooting material because it seems like design-level content.
What if I fail - can I retake it?
CWNP's published CWNA page does not state a retake policy, waiting period, or retake fee. Rather than rely on secondhand claims, confirm the current retake terms with CWNP directly at [email protected] before you schedule a second attempt.