Aruba HPE7-A03 is a certification focused on enterprise-level campus access network architecture design, identity authentication and security, and network monitoring.

1. Introduction to the HPE7-A03 certification

Aruba Certified Campus Access Architect (HPE7-A03) is an enterprise level campus network architect professional certification launched by HPE Aruba Networking, belonging to the Aruba certification system's architect level sequence. It focuses on verifying the advanced capabilities of practitioners in designing, deploying, optimizing, and operating enterprise level Aruba campus wired and wireless access network solutions.

Against the backdrop of accelerated digital transformation, widespread adoption of Wi Fi 6/6E/Wi Fi 7, and the explosion of IoT devices, enterprise campus networks have become the core infrastructure for business innovation.

The core positioning of HPE7-A03 certification is to cultivate "full stack architecture design experts for Aruba campus access networks" who not only master basic network technologies, but also have a deep understanding of enterprise level campus network architecture principles, proficiently design and deploy wired and wireless fusion solutions based on Aruba technology; resolve the complex network issues in the park.

Simultaneously possessing Aruba Central cloud management platform, ClearPass strategy management, network automation, and AI driven operation and maintenance capabilities, becoming the core technology decision maker for the modernization of enterprise park networks.

In the "Smart Campus Network Upgrade" project of large universities, the certificate holder will be responsible for designing a three-layer network architecture of "core aggregation access," using Aruba CX series switches to build a highly redundant wired network; Deploy Aruba AP-5xx series Wi Fi 6E wireless access points to achieve seamless campus coverage and high-density concurrent access; Implement unified identity authentication and dynamic authorization through ClearPass Policy Manager, achieve network automation configuration and performance optimization, and support tens of thousands of teachers and students to learn and conduct research online at the same time.

2. The Competitive Edge of HPE7-A03 Certification

As an officially recognized certification for park access network architects by Aruba, it has a high level of authority in the HPE Aruba ecosystem and is the core symbol that distinguishes between "network engineers" and "network architects." 

With the surge in demand for modernization of park networks among enterprises, the average salary of certified professionals is 40%-60% higher than that of non-certified peers, and the annual salary for senior park network architect positions is generally between 300000 and 500000 yuan. The certificate holder has obvious advantages in project role allocation, career promotion, and salary negotiation, and becomes the core technical backbone of enterprise park network construction.

HPE Aruba is the global market leader in enterprise campus networks, and this certification is a necessary qualification for undertaking high-end campus network projects. 

The HPE7-A03 certification proves the ability to lead the implementation of enterprise level Aruba campus network projects. Holders of the certificate can join the HPE Aruba developer community to access the latest technical documentation, product roadmaps, and solution templates; prioritize participation in HPE Aruba offline technology summits and practical workshops, connect with high-end project resources and technical experts, and continuously improve professional capabilities.

After obtaining this certification, one can advance to Aruba Certified Enterprise Architect (ACE) or switch to directions such as Network Security Architect or Cloud Network Architect, with a clear career development path.

3. Core Components of the HPE7-A03 Certification

The HPE7-A03 Aruba Campus Network Architecture Certification exam aims to comprehensively evaluate your ability as an enterprise level network architect to plan, design, implement, and optimize a modern, secure, and intelligent campus access network from scratch. It goes beyond the configuration of a single device and focuses on six core capabilities that cover the entire lifecycle of network construction.

The exam content strictly follows the official outline, starting from the campus access network architecture and technical foundation, to establish a technical perspective for you to understand the Aruba ESP platform and its positioning in modern concepts such as zero trust and SDN.

Requirement analysis, business conversion, and park access network architecture design constitute the core planning capabilities, requiring you to be able to translate business demands into a complete technical solution including high availability topology, IP/VLAN planning, wireless coverage, and QoS policies.

In depth investigation will be conducted on the use of ClearPass to implement role-based dynamic access control, optimize Wi Fi 6/6E performance, and securely manage IoT devices.

The deployment, implementation, configuration management, monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimization focus on practical operations and maintenance, examining the ability to centrally deploy and monitor through the Central platform, and use professional tools for troubleshooting and optimization.

Finally, best practices and compliance management guide you to systematize your technical capabilities and output standardized solutions that comply with industry standards and compliance requirements.

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

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

The prerequisite for HPE7-A03 certification is that you must first pass the Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional (HPE7-A01) certification and have the ability to implement campus network infrastructure.

We recommend that you have 3-5 years of experience in park network design and implementation, and have participated in at least one large-scale enterprise level park network project; Familiar with TCP/IP protocol stack, routing and switching technology, and wireless communication principles; Understand the basics of network security.

IBM recommends that you complete the official designated training course or accumulate practical experience in campus network architecture design through Aruba's official practice laboratory. 

(2) Training and examinations:

The HPE7-A03 certification requires approximately 60-70 questions, including multiple-choice questions, scenario analysis questions, and architecture design questions. The exam lasts for 90 minutes. Full score of 1000 points, reaching 700 points or above to pass.

The exam fee is a globally unified price of approximately $250, with slight differences in tax fees in different regions. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The HPE7-A03 certificate is valid for 3 years; the renewal requirement is that you need to pass the HPE7-A03 recertification exam or automatically renew the higher level Aruba 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 HPE7-A03 Certification

• HPE7-A01 (ACPA-CA)
• HPE7-A04 (Aruba Certified Data Center Architect)
• CASX (Aruba Certified Expert - Campus Access Switching)
• Aruba Certified Design Professional (ACDP)