Frequently Asked Questions
What is WOW Web professional certification?What organizations support WOW's CPW certifications?
Why should I become WOW certified?
How do I get WOW CPW certified?
Does WOW offer training?
How much are the exams?
Where do I take the exams?
How do I get the education and training I need to become certified?
How do I register for the exams?
What do I need to do once at the testing center?
When do I receive my certificate?
Answers:
What is WOW Web professional certification?
Certification adheres to professional standards developed by the non-profit
professional association in collaboration with business and industry and
education and employers that hire Web professionals.
WOW's Web professional certification is based on vendor neutral skills and competencies needed to compete in today's competitive economy. These skills are obtained several ways: a) through comprehensive courses available at high schools, colleges, universities and training companies in traditional classrooms or online. b) By self study.
What organizations support WOW’s CPW certifications?
The CPW Web professional certification program is recognized and endorsed
by the following organizations:
- • The U.S. Department of Education
• The League for Innovation
• Adobe Systems, Inc.
• Cisco
• The Community College Foundation
• Government Technology Conference
• Public Broadcasting System
• SkillsUSA
• Hundreds of high schools, colleges and training companies worldwide.
Why should I become WOW certified?
- • Studies show that employees who seek certification on average receive
higher compensation.
• Pathways developed for certifications provide you with a better understanding of the skills required by employers. Understanding the skills and topics you need to know can save you time and money in the training.
How do I get WOW CPW certified?
There are several steps to become CPW certified.
Step 1: Determine which WOW CPW Certification pathway is right for you
Step 2: Prepare for the Certification exams
Step 3: Take and pass the Certification exams
• Step 1: Determine which certification pathway
is right for you. Choose the Certification pathway below that matches your
job needs.
The first level of certifications is the Certified Apprentice certification
for secondary and post-secondary students, or career-changing professionals:
Apprentice Exams
The first level of certifications is the Certified Apprentice. This exam measures a fundamental skill level for those individuals studying and working to become Web professionals. Apprentice level exams are the same exams offered for the associate level. If you pass the exam at 50% you rank as an apprentice. 70% or higher automatically gives you an associate level certification.
The following exams are available at the apprentice level:
- WOW Certified Web Designer Apprentice (CWDSA-apprentice): Web Designer Apprentices are familiar with the visual arts and are learning to create images and designs that capture and keep visitors' interest. They present aesthetically enticing designs that meet the requirements and preferences of their audience.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Apprentice Webmaster (CAW-apprentice): WOW Certified Webmaster apprentices understand the basic breadth of topics that fall under Webmastering. Apprentice Webmasters know about the majority of subjects within the Associate Webmaster criteria, but with less depth into the individual topics.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Web Developer Apprentice (CWDVA-apprentice): Web Developer Apprentices are familiar with the fundamentals of creating web site structure and interactivity. They are learning to use database tools and custom applications to prepare sites for dynamic presentation of content to the visitor.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Web Administrator Apprentice (CWAA-apprentice): Web Administrator Apprentices are aware of the fundamental concepts for the hardware and software infrastructure supporting Internet communications. The CWAA-apprentice possesses a basic understanding of servers, routers, security, network management, and systems maintenance.
View Exam Objectives >>
Associate Level Exams
Associate certifications reflect that the individual has a proficient level of understanding with regards to the exam topics.
- WOW Certified Web Designer Associate (CWDSA): Web Designer Associates are proficient in the visual arts and creating the images and designs that capture and keep visitors' interest. They present aesthetically enticing designs that meet the requirements and preferences of their audience.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Associate Webmaster (CAW): WOW Certified Web Associates are proficient at blending the art of HTML-coding with the visual arts to create pages that are content-rich and visually pleasing. They are proficient at page layout, image creation and manipulation, interactivity, content creation, project and business management.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Web Developer Associate (CWDVA): Web Developer Associates are proficient at creating web site structure and interactivity. They use database tools and custom applications to prepare the site for dynamic presentation of content to the visitor.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Web Administrator Associate (CWAA): Web Administrator Associates are responsible for the hardware and software infrastructure supporting Internet communications. These technology professionals possess a strong understanding of servers, routers, security, network management, and systems maintenance.
View Exam Objectives >>
Professional Level WOW Exams
The topmost level of WOW certification are the specialized certifications for those highly experienced Web professionals. These individual exams cover a wide variety of expertise and are meant for those who have already demonstrated generalist proficiency at the CPW level in all areas of the Web.
- WOW Certified Professional Webmaster (CPW): Webmasters are practitioners of web communication. They are responsible for all aspects of an organization's web presence, including web content development, technical operations, and business management. They may have specific areas of expertise, but are most valuable as generalists who can manage all aspects of web operations.
Note! The Certified Professional Webmaster exam (CPW) is achieved either by passing the four Associate-level certifications or by passing the CPW exam directly. These certifications are meant for experienced industry professional who have been working in this field.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Professional Web Designer (CPWDS): Professional Web Designers are masters of the visual arts and creating look and feel that drives a successful website, that capture and keep visitors' interest and usable designs that meet or exceed the requirements and preferences of their audience.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Professional Web Developer (CPWDV): Professional Web Developers are masters at optimizing web site structure and interactivity. They use database tools and custom applications to enable the site to deliver the highest quality experience to the user.
View Exam Objectives >>
- WOW Certified Professional Web Administrator (CPWA): Professional Web Administrators are masters at acquiring and configuring the hardware and software infrastructure behind successful sites. These technology professionals possess expertise in servers, routers, security, network management, and systems maintenance.
View Exam Objectives >>
• Step 2: Prepare for the certification exams.
Take the CPW instructor-led or CPW distance learning courses and you will get everything you need for certification. For details and locations visit the WOW education site http://joinwow.org/education
WOW currently offers “short courses” non credit program that typically last one to four weeks. WOW partners with high schools, colleges, universities and training companies and you can find the resources by visiting: http://joinwow.org/education. WOW also conducts seminars, workshops and conferences. For more information on locations and cost visit: http://www.webprofessional.org/community/events/
WOW’s exams retail for $125.00. Discounted exams are also available for $95.00
CPW exams are available through 5,000 public libraries throughout the U.S. WOW exams are delivered in an independent test administration in a professional and proctored testing environment
How do I get the education and training I need to become certified?
Complete the courses through attending classes or self-study.
How do I register for the exams?
Visit the WOW exam registration page at http://www.webprofessional.org/certification/center.html
•Step 3: Take and pass the certification exams.
What do I need to do once at the testing center?
Present two forms of identification; at least one must include a photograph. Please note: study materials, calculators, cell phones, pagers, or other items need to be left at home or in the car.
When do I receive my certificate?
Four to eight weeks after passing the exam