How to Earn the ACX – Campus Access Switching Certification?

The ACX - Campus Access Switching certification validates the highest level of expertise in implementing and optimizing wired and wireless solutions for enterprise-level campus networks. This certification is ideal for senior network engineers or solutions architects who have at least five years of experience managing complex networking environments. With a focus on campus access solutions, including routing, switching, security, and performance optimization, this certification proves mastery of advanced networking architectures.

Why Earn the ACX - Campus Access Switching Certification?

The ACX certification demonstrates expertise in deploying and managing HPE Aruba Networking campus solutions. With the growing demand for scalable and secure enterprise networks, holding this certification validates your ability to design, troubleshoot, and optimize complex wired and wireless infrastructures. You'll also be able to ensure the reliability, security, and performance of campus access solutions.

This certification focuses on several key areas, including:

• Routing and switching: Mastery of Layer 2/3 networking concepts, including broadcast domains, interconnection technologies, and routing topologies.
• Network resiliency: Ensuring fault tolerance through advanced redundancy mechanisms.
• Security: Implementing robust security measures and troubleshooting configurations such as 802.1X with EAP-TLS and ClearPass integration.
• Wireless networking: Designing and troubleshooting RF attributes and wireless configurations for optimal campus connectivity.

Requirements for the ACX - Campus Access Switching Certification

The ACX certification is achieved by passing two key exams:

1. HPE7-A06 Aruba Certified Campus Access Switching Expert Written Exam
2. HPE4-A52 Aruba Certified Campus Access Switching Expert Practical Exam

HPE7-A06 Aruba Certified Campus Access Switching Expert Written Exam

The written exam is designed to test your theoretical knowledge and understanding of campus networking, with an emphasis on wired networking. This proctored exam is 2 hours long and consists of 70 questions. To pass, you need a score of at least 63%.

Key Topics Covered in the HPE7-A06 Exam

1. Network Stack (4%): Analyzing solutions and troubleshooting network issues.
2. Connectivity (9%): Designing configurations based on customer requirements, and identifying problem areas.
3. Network Resiliency and Virtualization (8%): Ensuring network reliability with fault tolerance and redundancy mechanisms.
4. Switching (19%): Implementing and troubleshooting Layer 2/3 broadcast domains and technologies.
5. WLAN (9%): Designing and troubleshooting wireless functions.
6. Routing (16%): Designing and troubleshooting routing topologies such as OSPF and BGP.
7. Security (10%): Implementing network security, including AAA configurations and wired 802.1X authentication.
8. Authentication/Authorization (9%): Troubleshooting AAA configurations and ClearPass integration.
9. Troubleshooting (10%): Performing advanced troubleshooting of campus networks.
10. Performance Optimization (6%): Analyzing and remediating performance issues.

The written exam validates your knowledge of networking design, configuration, and troubleshooting across wired and wireless technologies, ensuring that you can tackle complex network requirements with confidence.

Tips for Success

• Review HPE Aruba's official study guides and resources to understand the key concepts.
• Gain hands-on experience by working with HPE Aruba networking equipment and solutions, such as switches, routers, and wireless access points.
• Practice configuration and troubleshooting scenarios that mirror real-world enterprise network setups.

HPE4-A52 Aruba Certified Campus Access Switching Expert Practical Exam

The practical exam is a hands-on test designed to evaluate your skills in configuring and troubleshooting campus access solutions. It lasts 6 hours and requires a passing score of 65%. You will demonstrate your abilities in real-time under a remote proctor.

Key Objectives of the HPE4-A52 Exam

1. Deploy and Troubleshoot Secure Layer 2 Campus Network (20%): Implementing VSX/VSF, spanning tree, and loop prevention technologies.
2. Design and Troubleshoot Layer 3 Campus Network (14%): Configuring advanced OSPF, BGP, multicast routing, and ECMP.
3. Control and Protect Wired Networks (24%): Implementing security features such as AAA, Network Access Control, and CoPP to protect networks from attacks.
4. Validate a Secure Distributed Fabric (12%): Configuring VXLAN/EVPN and micro-segmentation for security and scalability.
5. Deploy WLAN Networks (12%): Implementing AAA and WLAN security, optimizing RF, and setting up multi-SSID configurations.
6. Plan and Configure QoS (12%): Prioritizing traffic and implementing DSCP and CoS marking to ensure network performance.
7. Management and Device Onboarding (6%): Using HPE Aruba Central for ZTP and device provisioning.

Tips for Success

• Be proficient with Aruba's solutions, including VSX/VSF, VLANs, routing protocols, security configurations, and QoS settings.
• Simulate real-world environments to practice troubleshooting and deploying secure and optimized networks.
• Review Aruba's advanced networking architectures, focusing on distributed fabric and wireless access solutions.
• Use hands-on labs to develop familiarity with troubleshooting scenarios.

Preparing for HPE7-A06 and HPE4-A52 Exams

To successfully earn the ACX certification, you must have a thorough understanding of Aruba networking technologies. Here are a few steps to ensure you're prepared:

1. Official Training: Enroll in Aruba's recommended training programs. These courses cover the fundamental and advanced topics required for the ACX certification.
2. Hands-on Experience: Build your experience by working with HPE Aruba networking products, including switches, access points, and network management solutions.
3. Practice Exams: Test your knowledge with HPE7-A06 and HPE4-A52 practice exams that simulate the actual test environment. This will help you gauge your preparedness and highlight areas for improvement.
4. Study Resources: Utilize Aruba's technical documentation, whitepapers, and community forums to deepen your understanding of complex networking topics.

The ACX - Campus Access Switching certification is a prestigious credential that showcases your expertise in enterprise-level wired and wireless networking solutions. Earning this certification requires dedication, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of Aruba networking technologies. By following the steps outlined in this guide and preparing thoroughly for both the HPE7-A06 written exam and HPE4-A52 practical exam, you can position yourself as a top-level expert in campus access switching solutions. With the increasing complexity of modern networks, this certification will help you stand out in the field and validate your ability to design, implement, and optimize resilient, secure, and high-performing networks.