How to Become a Cisco Advanced Wireless LAN Field Specialist

In addition to Cisco's Entry, Associate, Professional and Expert Certificates, Cisco offers Specialist Certifications to verify knowledge and expertise in a more focused specialty. Specialist Certifications are available in the following categories: Advanced Routing & Switching, Data Center, Foundation for Channels Partners, Unified Communications, Security, and Wireless LAN.

According to Cisco, "The Cisco Wireless LAN focused certifications indicates significant knowledge of relevant factors involved in designing, deploying and maintaining end-to-end Cisco Wireless LAN solutions throughout or between buildings, without the limitations of wires or cables. The Cisco Advanced Wireless LAN Field Specialist will demonstrate the ability to successfully install, configure and support solutions using the advanced feature set of Cisco wireless products and based on a validated understanding of radio frequency and antenna theory, 802.11a/b/g standards and support of controllers and APs."

PREREQUISITES:

The prerequisite for the Cisco Advanced Wireless LAN Field Specialist Certification is a valid CCNA Certification.

RECOMMENDED TRAINING:

Cisco recommends two training courses to help prepare you for this certification; Cisco Wireless LAN Fundamentals (CWLF) and Cisco Wireless LAN Advanced Topics (CWLAT).

TAKE REQUIRED EXAM:

Cisco requires one exam to attain this certification; 642-587 AWLANFE - Cisco Advanced Wireless LAN for Field Engineers Exam (75 minute exam, with 55-65 questions). This exam tests the candidate's knowledge of WLAN basics such as RF, antenna theory, and 802.11a, b, and g standards. The exam also tests the candidate's ability to describe, install, configure, and support the Cisco Unified Wireless Network products. Once you are prepared to take your exam, you can register for it at Register for your exams.

RECERTIFICATION:

Cisco Specialist Certifications are valid for two years. To recertify, you will need to take and pass the current version of the required exam(s) or pass a current CCIE written exam.