Managing today’s enterprise networks can feel like assembling a complex puzzle with missing pieces. It especially feels that way when juggling VLANs, wireless provisioning, and security policies across multiple sites. For many IT professionals, it’s not a lack of effort but a lack of structured, vendor-specific knowledge that holds them back.
The need for skilled network professionals is growing fast. The enterprise WLAN market jumped 12.4% in Q2 2024, hitting $2.3 billion in revenue, a sign that organizations are investing in modern campus connectivity.
The Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate (ACA) certification is your gateway to mastering Aruba’s wired, wireless, and security solutions. Designed for professionals with at least one year of networking experience, this training helps you build confidence and sharpen your skills. In this guide, we’ll explore the certification in detail, what it covers, why it matters, how to enroll, and how it can shape your career.
Why Take the Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate Certification?
In May 2024, Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Aruba Networking division addressed multiple critical vulnerabilities in their ArubaOS network operating system.
These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could allow unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
The ACCA certification equips you with the essential skills to configure, manage, and secure Aruba’s wired and wireless networks effectively. By obtaining this certification, you position yourself to mitigate such vulnerabilities proactively, ensuring robust and secure network environments.
Here are the benefits of the ACA Certification:
1. Enhanced security expertise: Develop a deep understanding of Aruba’s security features, enabling you to protect networks against unauthorized access and potential breaches.
2. Improved network efficiency: Learn to optimize network performance, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data flow across wired and wireless infrastructures.
3. Personal growth: Achieving certification boosts your confidence in handling complex network environments and demonstrates your commitment to professional development.
4. Career advancement: Stand out in the job market with a recognized credential that validates your skills in managing Aruba network solutions, opening doors to advanced career opportunities.
Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate Certification Overview
Below is a breakdown of the certification’s key logistical and technical details
| Feature | Details |
| Course Duration | 5 days. |
| Delivery Format | Instructor-led classroom or virtual training. |
| Course Level | Associate. |
| Target Audience | Network administrators, junior network engineers, and IT support staff. |
| Prerequisites | Should have at least 1 year of networking experience and a vendor-agnostic understanding of basic network protocols. |
| Training Credits | Can be paid for using HPE Education Learning Credits |
Unique features of the training:
- Roughly 65% hands-on lab work, providing strong practical exposure.
- Scenario-based exercises for real-world troubleshooting practice.
Target Audience
This certification is designed for IT professionals who are early in their networking careers and want to gain foundational, vendor-specific knowledge of Aruba technologies. It is especially suitable for:
- Network administrators
- Junior network engineers
- IT support staff and
- Professionals with general networking knowledge looking to specialize in Aruba campus solutions.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this certification. However, it is recommended that candidates have:
- At least 1 year of networking experience
- A vendor-neutral understanding of basic network protocols and concepts
Candidates can consider taking the Aruba Campus Access Fundamentals and Implementing Aruba Campus Access courses to gain a better understanding of the subject.
Exam Fee
The HPE Exam price for developed countries is $260 USD, and for emerging countries like India, it is $ 145 USD.
Enrolling in the Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate Certification Training
This five-day training program is delivered by Aruba Authorized Training Providers such as Datacipher, with both virtual and in-person options to suit your learning style. Here’s how to get started:
#1. Visit the HPE Certification & Learning Portal and create an account to get your HPE Learner ID.
#2. Search for HPE6-A85: Aruba Network Campus Access Associate Exam and register. This ensures your progress is tracked within the HPE Learning Management System.
#3. Select Datacipher as your training partner for instructor-led classroom or virtual training sessions tailored to your schedule and location.
#4. Visit Datacipher’s website or contact their team to enroll. Confirm your registration and complete payment, or use HPE Education Learning Credits if available.
As an Aruba Authorized Training Provider, Datacipher Education Services brings years of experience in delivering high-impact IT training across APAC and beyond. Known for its Aruba-certified instructors, flexible delivery formats, and lab-intensive learning approach,
To enroll in the ACA course, select Datacipher as your ATP or sign up directly on our website, Datacipher.net.
Source: Datacipher
Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate Certification Training: What You Will Learn?
The ACA certification training, delivered by Datacipher Education Services, is structured to equip early-career network professionals with the essential skills to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Aruba campus access solutions. This associate-level course aligns with the HPE6-A85 exam, preparing learners for real-world networking environments with a strong foundation in wired and wireless access technologies.
The training comprises the following key modules and focus areas:
- Infrastructure & Redundancy
- Planning, Implementing, and Troubleshooting
- Campus AP and Remote AP Provisioning
- Advanced Services and Security Solutions
- Network Management and Monitoring
By the end of this certification, you will be able to:
#1. Deploy secure Aruba campus access networks: Learn to implement wired and wireless networks using Aruba switches, APs, and mobility controllers, ensuring seamless connectivity across enterprise environments.
#2. Configure and manage Campus and Remote APs: Understand provisioning processes, remote access configurations, and best practices for employee and guest connectivity in multi-site networks.
#3. Apply foundational security and monitoring principles: Gain the ability to manage user access, implement role-based policies, and monitor network health using Aruba’s network management tools.
#4. Build real-world troubleshooting confidence: Participate in hands-on, scenario-based lab exercises covering essential deployment and diagnostic workflows, making you exam-ready and job-ready.
This five-day training, with 65% focused on labs, is ideal for IT professionals seeking to start their Aruba certification journey. Delivered by Aruba-certified instructors at Datacipher, the course combines practical insight with foundational theory to help learners thrive in modern enterprise networking environments.
Next Steps
Upon completing the Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate (ACA) certification, you can advance your expertise by pursuing the Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional (ACP) certification.
How to Prepare for the Aruba Certified Campus Access Associate Certification Exam?
Preparing for the HPE6-A85 exam requires both hands-on experience and a solid understanding of Aruba’s wired and wireless networking technologies. Here’s how to get exam-ready:
Understand the Exam Format
- Exam ID: HPE6-A85
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: 60
- Passing Score: 67%
- Languages: English, Japanese, Latin American Spanish
Recommended Preparation Strategy
Complete the official training: Attend the Campus Access Fundamentals (Rev. 22.41) course. This 5-day training is the recommended learning path and covers all key objectives.
Study the official Aruba study guide: Use the Aruba Certified Associate- Campus Access Study Guide to reinforce your understanding of exam topics.
Understand real-world scenarios: The exam tests knowledge gained through hands-on experience, not just theory. Practice configurations, deployments, and troubleshooting.
Review exam domains: Focus your study time based on these key exam areas:
Become a Campus Access Expert with Datacipher Education Services
As a leading Aruba Authorized Training Partner, Datacipher Education Services stands out for its deep technical expertise and commitment to learner success. With a track record of excellence in network education, Datacipher has trained thousands of professionals across APAC and beyond.
Why choose Datacipher?
Certified, industry-experienced instructors: Learn directly from Aruba-certified experts who bring real-world implementation and troubleshooting experience to every session.
Hands-on, lab-driven approach: Benefit from immersive, scenario-based labs that account for 65% of the course, bridging the gap between theory and practical skills.
Flexible learning formats: Choose from virtual, one-on-one, or in-person training options to match your schedule and learning preferences.
Don’t just get certified. Get job-ready. Enroll with Datacipher and build Aruba skills that make you stand out in the exam and the real world.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. Is the ACA certification good for beginners in networking?
Yes. The ACA is designed for early-career professionals with at least a year of networking experience. It’s a practical starting point for building Aruba skills and moving toward more advanced roles.
#2. How long should I prepare before taking the ACA exam?
The 5-day training covers all key topics. Most candidates spend an extra 1–2 weeks reviewing labs and practice questions before scheduling the test.
#3. What’s the difference between ACA and ACP?
ACA is the associate-level certification focused on foundational wired and wireless campus access skills. ACP (Professional) goes deeper into design, implementation, and advanced troubleshooting.
#4. What tools or platforms will I work with during the ACCA training?
This training uses Aruba’s actual management platforms, such as ArubaOS, Aruba Central, and Aruba AirWave, allowing participants to get real-world, hands-on experience in a lab environment.
#5. How does this certification compare to vendor-neutral networking certifications like CompTIA Network+?
While Network+ covers general networking principles, ACCA focuses specifically on Aruba’s wired and wireless campus solutions. It’s ideal for those looking to specialize or work in Aruba-managed environments.
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