Wireshark Certified Analyst (WCA-101) Online Training

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UPDATED: November 25, 2025

Intermediate

Master the core skills of packet analysis that set you apart as a Wireshark Certified Analyst. This Wireshark tutorial shows you how to use the world’s most popular packet capture tool to inspect traffic in motion, identify key protocol headers, and pinpoint issues with dynamic filters. Study with unlimited virtual labs built by IT pros, and build the hands-on experience you need to pass the WCA-101 exam. Earn your Wireshark Certified Analyst credential as you capture real traffic and troubleshoot Ethernet, IP, TCP, and application-layer problems.

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What you'll learn with Wireshark training

Capture and analyze real network traffic using Wireshark
Apply capture and display filters to isolate relevant packets
Identify and interpret Ethernet, IP, TCP, and UDP headers
Troubleshoot network issues using Wireshark protocol analysis tools
Manage and export Wireshark capture files and objects
Use command-line tools for automated packet capture and analysis

Wireshark training FAQs

What is Wireshark used for?

Wireshark is the world’s most popular network protocol analyzer. It's a tool for capturing and displaying the packets of information traveling across your network so you can see exactly what’s happening behind the scenes. Packet capture lets network administrators troubleshoot slow connections, maintain security, and analyze app and device behavior.

Who should take this Wireshark certification course?

Packet capture is such a useful network administration skill that virtually anyone who works with networks can benefit from Wireshark training. Network admins, IT support, cybersecurity analysts, or students learning the basics of networking should consider learning packet capture with Wireshark. Even if all you end up doing is casual network traffic analysis, this Wireshark tutorial is worth it: it’ll dramatically improve your understanding of network traffic and behavior.

What certification does this network packet capture training prepare me for?

This course prepares you for the official Wireshark Certified Analyst. The exam is WCA-101: it costs $349 to attempt, and it’s a thorough test of real-world skills and knowledge in capturing, filtering, and analyzing packets. Earning it proves to employers that you can diagnose network performance and security issues with Wireshark’s core features and tools.

Does it pay well to learn how to use Wireshark?

Yes. Wireshark skills are valuable in many different IT positions and fields, including support and help desk, networking, and cybersecurity. Professionals who can diagnose network issues or analyze security events with packet captures bring technical insight to network performance and security. Whether or not that will immediately lead to a promotion or a raise depends on your unique situation, but it’s a tangible skill that makes you a much more valuable employee.

What jobs can I get by knowing network traffic analysis?

Knowing how to use Wireshark and how to do network traffic analysis is an important part of roles like network engineer, SOC analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or penetration tester. Although there’s more to learn on the way to landing those jobs, they all rely on your ability to inspect and interpret network packets to identify issues, ensure reliability, and detect threats.

Who is Wireshark training for?

This course is great for network administrators, IT support specialists, cybersecurity analysts, and ethical hackers who want hands-on packet analysis skills. It’s also great for students and entry-level techs who want to better understand how networks really work.

What our learners say

This is the gold standard of video training. You always hear in grade school or college that the best teachers are the ones who are passionate in their field. The CBT Nuggets team are extremely passionate and get you motivated for the material.
Michael J. | IS&T Major Incident Manager
When learning a new technology, people sometimes build a wall that complicates the learning process because of the unknown. I like tearing down that wall — and having people fall in love with that technology.
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Study guide

Download the free Wireshark study guide to complete this course in about 35 hours.

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