Systems and methods for ordering candidates for wireless network association are provided. In certain embodiments, a wireless device, includes a processor that controls data received and data to be transmitted by the wireless device; and a memory, wherein the memory stores a short list that stores network device responses, wherein a network device response is associated with a network device in an environment of the wireless device. In certain implementations, instructions direct the processor to perform a short list search, wherein the wireless device attempts to connect to networks associated with network devices identified in the short list; and when the wireless device fails to connect with the networks associated with the network devices identified in the short list, perform an exhaustive search, wherein the wireless device attempts to connect to additional networks associated with additional network devices based on an ordered arrangement of network identifiers.