Aruba HPE6-A85 is an entry-level certification that focuses on basic configuration and troubleshooting of wired and wireless access networks for enterprise campuses.

1. Introduction to the HPE6-A85 certification

Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate (HPE6-A85) is a globally authoritative entry-level certification in the field of enterprise campus networks launched by HPE Aruba Networking, and is part of the core foundational sequence of the Aruba Networking Certification Program.

The HPE6-A85 certification focuses on verifying the basic configuration, daily operation and maintenance, and basic troubleshooting capabilities of practitioners in the Aruba campus access network. It aims to cultivate professional technical talents who can assist in the implementation and maintenance of enterprise level campus access network infrastructure. It is the first step in entering the Aruba campus network field and transforming from a "network technology enthusiast" to a "campus network engineer."

Against the backdrop of accelerating digital transformation of enterprises, lowering the threshold for network technology, and increasing demand for basic network talents, Aruba Park's network access serves as the "foundation of enterprise digital office," requiring a large number of technical personnel with basic configuration and operation and maintenance capabilities to support daily operations.

The core positioning of HPE6-A85 certification is to cultivate "Aruba Campus Access Network Basic Implementation and Operation Specialists," not requiring technical personnel to master complex architecture design, but to understand the core foundation of the campus network, proficiently complete the basic configuration, terminal access management, daily monitoring, and common troubleshooting of Aruba CX switches and Wi Fi 6/6E APs; assist senior engineers in completing network deployment and optimization work in the park; becoming the fundamental technical support for the modernization of enterprise park networks.

2. The Competitive Edge of HPE6-A85 Certification

HPE6-A85 certification is an officially recognized qualification for park access network infrastructure by HPE Aruba, and is the first step towards entering the Aruba ecosystem. The certification proves the basic configuration and operation capabilities of the Aruba campus network, laying a solid foundation for subsequent learning of Aruba advanced certification. It is the core symbol that distinguishes "network technology enthusiasts" from "network technology personnel with basic practical abilities."

With the increasing demand for basic network talents in enterprises, entry-level technical personnel holding HPE6-A85 certification have an average starting salary 15%-25% higher than those without certification. Holders of certificates have obvious advantages in campus recruitment and junior position recruitment, and are more likely to be favored by enterprises, opening up a career development path in the network field of the park.

The Aruba Instant On series products and basic CX switches have a high market share in the small and medium-sized enterprise market. HPE6-A85 certification is a necessary basic qualification for undertaking projects such as network deployment, basic operation and maintenance, and simple troubleshooting in small and medium-sized enterprise parks. In educational institutions, retail stores, small manufacturing enterprises, and other scenarios where there is a strong demand for basic network services, certificate holders can independently complete basic network implementation work, accumulate project experience, and prepare for undertaking more complex projects in the future.

The certification covers the basic network technology and product knowledge of Aruba Park, which proves the ability to learn basic knowledge. Holders can join the Aruba Airheads Community to access Aruba's latest technical documentation, entry-level training resources, and product roadmaps; prioritize participation in Aruba's offline technical introductory training and basic network practical workshops, connect with Aruba's basic network project resources and technical experts within the ecosystem, and continuously improve professional abilities.

After passing HPE6-A85, holders can advance to Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional (HPE7-A01) and further to Aruba Certified Campus Access Architect (HPE7-A03), with a clear career development path. The basic network thinking, configuration ability, and troubleshooting methods cultivated by this certification can help holders establish a solid foundation in network technology and adapt to the long-term demand of enterprises for basic network talents.

3. Core Components of the HPE6-A85 Certification

HPE6-A85 certification is an overview of the entry-level exam for the Aruba certification system. This certification aims to lay a solid foundation for your campus network and is an ideal starting point for your career as a professional network engineer in Aruba. Unlike higher-level architect certifications, this exam focuses on basic implementation and daily operations.

The exam starts with the basics and technical concepts of the park network, establishing an overall understanding of network layering models, TCP/IP basics, and wireless standards for you. The core skills practice section consists of wired access network basic configuration and wireless access network basic configuration, requiring you to be proficient in completing basic configurations such as VLAN and link aggregation for Aruba CX switches, as well as independently deploying and managing wireless SSIDs and optimizing basic RF performance.

The basic identity authentication and security module guides you to configure basic security policies such as 802.1X and visitor authentication, and understands how to integrate with enterprise identity sources.

The foundation of network management and monitoring, as well as the methodology for troubleshooting, focuses on practical operation and maintenance. It tests your ability to use the Aruba Central cloud platform for centralized monitoring and management, and follow standard procedures to solve common problems such as IP address allocation and wireless access failures.

The foundation of network performance optimization introduces key concepts such as QoS for you. Finally, Aruba's product and technology ecosystem module helps you understand the product line and advanced certification path, providing direction for further studies.

4. What are the requirements to be an Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

HPE6-A85 certification does not require mandatory pre-certification, making it suitable for new professionals who wish to enter the enterprise level campus network field.

We suggest that you understand the basic principles of computer networks; Familiar with the basics of TCP/IP protocol stack; Have basic command line operation skills; Complete Aruba's official introductory training course or accumulate practical experience in basic configuration through Aruba's official practice laboratory. 

(2) Training and examinations:

The HPE6-A85 certification requires approximately 50-60 questions, including multiple-choice questions, scenario analysis questions, and basic configuration questions. The exam lasts for 60 minutes. Full score of 1000 points, reaching 700 points or above to pass.

The exam fee is approximately $150 globally, with slight differences in tax fees in different regions. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The HPE6-A85 certificate is valid for 3 years, and the renewal requirement is that you must pass the HPE6-A85 recertification exam or automatically renew the HPE7-A01 certification before the expiration of the validity period. After renewal, the validity period of the certificate will be recalculated for 3 years.

5. Comparable Certifications to HPE6-A85 Certification

• Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACA-S)
• Aruba Certified Wireless Associate (ACA-W)
• Aruba Certified Edge Associate (ACA-Edge)