Aruba HPE7-A02 is a certification focusing on enterprise-level campus network security architecture design, threat defense, IoT secure access, and compliance management.

1. Introduction to the HPE7-A02 certification

The Aruba Certified Network Security Professional HPE7-A02 is a globally recognized professional certification in the field of enterprise campus network security, offered by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Aruba. It belongs to the core security technology sequence of the Aruba Certification Program.

The HPE7-A02 certification focuses on validating practitioners' abilities in designing and deploying Aruba campus network security architectures, threat defense, compliance management, identity security, and troubleshooting. It aims to cultivate professional technical talents capable of independently leading the implementation and full lifecycle management of enterprise-grade campus network security solutions.

Against the backdrop of accelerated digital transformation, normalized cyber threats, and widespread adoption of hybrid work models, Aruba's campus network security serves as the "core of digital boundary protection" for enterprises, fulfilling key responsibilities including "trusted identity verification, secure traffic filtering, precise threat defense, and compliance risk management."

The core objective of the HPE7-A02 certification is to cultivate "Aruba Campus Network Security Deployment and Defense Experts." These professionals are capable of designing and deploying a "defense-in-depth" campus network security system to address complex security issues such as identity spoofing, malicious attacks, unauthorized access, and data breaches. Additionally, they possess the ability to integrate Aruba security products with third-party security systems, serving as the technical backbone for enterprise campus network security protection, risk warning, and emergency response.

2. The Competitive Edge of HPE7-A02 Certification

HPE7-A02 is an officially recognized core technology qualification for campus network security by Aruba, and is highly recognized in Aruba's ecological security projects. This certification is the core symbol that distinguishes between "basic network operation and maintenance" and "Aruba security specialist." 

With the surge in demand for "deep defense, precise protection, and compliance control" of campus network security by enterprises, the demand for Aruba security certified talents continues to grow. HPE7-A02 certificate holders earn an average monthly salary 35%-50% higher than uncertified network security personnel. The holder has obvious advantages in role allocation, career promotion, and salary negotiation in core security projects, and becomes a core technical backbone in the field of network security in enterprise parks.

Aruba is a leading global provider of campus network security solutions, and HPE7-A02 certification is a necessary qualification for undertaking high-end projects such as enterprise level campus network security transformation, identity authentication system upgrade, IoT security access deployment, compliance security audit, etc. In industries with extremely high requirements for network security stability, threat defense capabilities, and compliance, certificate holders can prioritize participating in the planning and implementation of core security projects, accumulate high-value industry security experience and project cases, and further consolidate their professional competitiveness.

The certification covers the core technologies, product configurations, and industry best practices of Aruba Park's network security, demonstrating the ability to lead the implementation of enterprise level Aruba security solutions. Holders can join the Aruba Community to access Aruba's latest security technology documentation and product roadmap, prioritize participation in Aruba's offline technology summit and cybersecurity practical workshops, and connect with high-end security project resources and technical experts within the Aruba ecosystem.

After passing HPE7-A02, holders can advance to Aruba Certified Network Security Expert or switch to security architecture design positions, with a clear career development path. The network security thinking, threat defense capabilities, and compliance management experience cultivated by this certification can help holders break through the professional limitations of basic technology fields and adapt to the long-term demand for composite security talents in enterprise digital transformation.

3. Core Components of the Aruba Certified Network Security Professional Certification

The Aruba Security Certification Exam aims to comprehensively validate your professional ability to design, deploy, and manage modern enterprise park security architectures based on the Aruba technology stack.

The exam strictly follows the official outline, starting with Aruba's network security infrastructure and deployment. The core is to understand the deep defense system composed of its identity, access, transmission, and application layers, as well as the collaboration of core products such as ClearPass, CX/OS security engine, and Central.

Identity authentication and access control, as well as network threat defense and traffic security, are the two core pillars that require you to not only be proficient in using ClearPass to achieve dynamic authentication and permission allocation based on role and terminal compliance, but also to master the real-time identification and blocking of various network layer and application layer attacks through IPS/IDS and traffic filtering strategies.

The following IoT device security access and control, as well as cloud collaborative security and centralized management, focus on two modern security challenges: how to securely manage massive IoT devices and utilize the Aruba Central cloud platform to achieve centralized control and threat visualization of cross regional strategies.

The security compliance and audit module guides you in translating PCI DSS, security 2.0, and other requirements into specific configurations and generating compliance evidence chains. Security troubleshooting and emergency response hone your practical ability to handle complex security incidents.

Finally, enterprise level network security best practices guide you to go beyond technical configurations and design a comprehensive security system that meets industry scenarios, integrates technology and management standards.

4. What are the requirements to be an Aruba Certified Network Security Professional?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

HPE7-A02 certification does not require mandatory pre-certification, but we recommend that you have obtained ACA or HPE7-A01 certification and have solid knowledge of Aruba campus network and basic security. Have 1-2 years of experience in deploying, operating, or integrating network security in industrial parks, and have participated in at least one enterprise level network security project

In addition, you also need to be proficient in TCP/IP protocol, network security basics, and wireless security principles; Familiar with CLI command line configuration and the use of network security management tools; Understand the core requirements of mainstream compliance standards.

Aruba recommends that you complete the official designated training courses or accumulate practical safety experience through Aruba's official practice laboratory.

(2) Training and examinations:

The HPE7-A02 certification requires approximately 65-75 questions, including multiple choice questions, scenario analysis questions, and configuration practice questions.

The exam lasts for 90 minutes. Full score of 1000 points, passing with 750 points or above.

The exam fee is approximately $200 globally, with slight differences in tax fees in different regions. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The HPE7-A02 certification is valid for 3 years. The renewal requirement is that you need to pass the Aruba HPE7-A02 recertification exam or automatically renew your Aruba security expert certification at a higher level 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 HPE7-A02 Certification

• Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional (ACCP)
• Cisco CCNA CyberOps
• Juniper JNCIP-SEC (JN0-636)
• Fortinet NSE 4 - FortiGate (NSE4_FGT)