My CWNE was officially awarded on April 13, 2022. This was the culmination of an intensive 18 month self-study program. During the course of my studies I learned a few things, and I'd like to share them.
Preferred Test Order:
CWISA - I would consider taking this first as I would consider the information ground-level.
CWNA - This exam is tougher than I had anticipated, largely due to the amount of learning you have to go through. Clocking in at over 900 pages, there's a lot to know to be fully prepared.
CWAP - In my opinion this is the absolute toughest exam for the CWNE. You have to know packets deep. You have to understand exchanges. You have to understand 802.1x, the list goes on.
CWSP - Next to the CWAP, this is the test I recall being the hardest. You'll delve deeper into your knowledge of key exchanges, packet captures and 802.1x which you learned about in the CWAP curriculum.
CWDP - This was my overall favorite exam to take. In my opinion, this makes a nice capstone to the exams, and may fit well with the work you are performing to write your papers and prepare your publications.
My recommendations:
For those looking to achieve the CWNE, I highly recommend three things:
Study hard for and take the the CWAP after the CWNA. You'll have a huge head start on the CWSP if you do it this way.
Avoid the "easy" method of choosing to use CE to renew. My CWDP expired in the process and I had to retake the exam before I could renew. This was a minor setback, but it cost me time and money.
Lastly, If you're serious and committed to the process, start writing your essays and your publication early in the process, not at the end.
The CWNE application process takes a while, but it's well worth it. Good luck on your journey!
Comments