Wireless Certifications Quick to Appear

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You might think that wireless technology is so cutting edge that there aren't any professional certifications covering it yet, but you'd be wrong.

By Anne Martinez

You might think that wireless technology is so cutting edge that there aren't any professional certifications covering it yet, and if the certification marketplace was still in the state it was a few years ago, you'd be right. But these days certification is recognized as a valuable offering, and even companies that don't consider it a priority among their products are recognizing its value and importance. This means that when there's a hot technology, a related certification will follow closely on its heels. In the case of wireless technology, there are already several certifications doing just that.

The first wireless designations to appear were launched by The National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers (NARTE). They focus on hardware and candidates can choose from two levels: Technician or Engineer, depending on your degree of experience. A NARTE Certified Technician - Wireless Installer, with an Information Technology (IT) endorsement, will have at least six years of education and work experience an electronics field, of which at least three must be related to wireless systems. Education can substitute for some of the work experience requirement. You'll also need a year of experience specifically in wireless IT installation. The IT endorsement includes WLANs, WAN Point to Point systems, Home RF and Bluetooth devices. And, of course, there's an exam you have to pass. The NARTE Certified Engineer- Wireless Installer is similar but requires additional experience and more advanced exam. In both cases the body of knowledge is not tied to any particular vendor product.

Resource:
Wireless Certifications on GoCertify.com Brainbench Certified - Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) NARTE Certified Technician - Wireless Installer NARTE Certified Engineer - Wireless Installer Nokia Security Administrator WAP Application Developer (Ericcson)

Not surprisingly, many wireless certification choices are tied to specific wireless product vendors. Ericsson, for example, is just completing the beta process for its WAP Application Developer certification, and has plans in the works for additional credentials covering GPRS, UMTS, and CDMA. Nokia offers a Certified Nokia Security Administrator designation, and is planning to substantially expand it’s certification offerings over the coming year.

Brainbench, which seems to have a certification for just about everything these days, has a WAP certification too. Their free online exam covers configuration, the wireless protocol stack, WMLScript, and additional topics.

Given that wireless is so new, a certification may be just the ticket to get you into a job that involves the technology. Certifications can also be used as a blueprint for learning about wireless – choose a certification, and see what the objectives state you need to know to be considered an expert. Then start learning. Some of these certification vendors have even created the courses to help you on your way to wireless expertise. What are you waiting for?

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