Worth it or not?

My RA position at my University is actually in the wireless department getting our wireless location appliance servers off the ground.

My question, which Im sure I already have a sound answer to, is if a wireless certification is beneficial to have?

I would think being well rounded is a good thing. Im also sure that everyone will need to know something about wireless especially when 802.11n gets fully certified.

My hesitation toward this is how much is it really worth to achieve it now? I can go ahead and order the book (published this month) and complete the cert next semester (I only have a 9 hour load next semester) which shouldnt be a challenge. But do you guys think it will give you that much of an edge over other candidates?

I guess I just need reinforcement/confidence about it. Its a new cert which requires a valid CCNA to get anyway, and is positioned in between a CCNA and CCXP, but where do you think it will "rank" credibility-wise?

10/23/2008 1:58:38 PM

experience always trumps certs.

If you go to a class that actually helps you learn the stuff, its worth it.
If you just get some study book to pass the test its a waste of time.

10/23/2008 3:36:58 PM

I think most people would see it as equal to a CCNA, but with wireless capabilities.

Quote :

"Im also sure that everyone will need to know something about wireless especially when 802.11n gets fully certified. "

Certified by who?

802.11 Draft-N and 802.11N will be interoperable (if it has the Wi-Fi logo on the box)

10/23/2008 3:39:47 PM

I think he meant ratified, although you're correct, the final ratification is political and not technical. The technical specs aren't going to be changing at this point.

10/23/2008 4:07:14 PM

So is it worth it?

Im leaning yes, but me thinks wireless is still in its infancy

10/24/2008 1:35:22 AM

probably not worth the cost unless you're paying the $50 employee rate to take it.

10/24/2008 7:22:04 AM

That was my plan ... if the ASE program works out.

My CCNA expires next June I think... need to pass an exam soon!

10/24/2008 10:07:10 PM

Quote :

"experience always trumps certs. "

10/25/2008 12:33:30 AM

interesting. I took the AWLANFE and passed. its the Cisco Advanced Wireless Specialist cert. i'm also going with CWNA/CWSP track too.

i think wireless is really picking up . . . the Cisco-Wireless and AWLANFE are both Cisco product specific. CWNP track is neutral.

the WLC is pretty cool. especially when managing multiple APs and uploading the maps, etc. it detects failures and adjust power settings for coverage holes, you can push upgrades to APs from the WLC, etc.

wireless is a good thing to add to your skill.

10/26/2008 1:33:02 PM

god I would love to get out of this dead-end contract job and actually use what I learned in school before I forget it and die of boredom.


/unrelated rant.

10/28/2008 8:30:54 PM

^ Thats how I felt in my last job in the TAC.



Only place I was scrutinized, and I quote, "There you go using those big words again".

I mean seriously... way to make a guy feel great. Tell him to dumb everything down for the people he works with...

Although I did love a lot of the guys I worked with. Wouldnt trade them in for anyone.

[Edited on October 28, 2008 at 8:51 PM. Reason : .]

10/28/2008 8:50:14 PM