Your profile as a reliable team member who can effectively execute enterprise-grade Aruba campus switching solutions will increase if you get this title. Furthermore, your career will grow as a Certified Professional if you can use a contemporary strategy to handle the issues that cloud, mobility, and the intelligent edge provide.

So, without wasting any time, let’s begin with our guide to becoming Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP). Starting with the exam brief!

What is Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP) Exam?

The Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP) examination verifies the knowledge and abilities required to deploy and manage enterprise-level Aruba campus switching systems. It evaluates the candidate’s ability to configure and manage medium- to large-scale business networks utilizing ArubaOS-CX switching and routing technologies.

Your ability to switch expertly and utilize Aruba’s products and services is demonstrated by your holding the Aruba Certified Switching Professional certification. If you already hold the associate level switching certification from Aruba, this is the next stage as a professional certification. By validating your understanding of setting up dynamic routing, IP multicast routing, network optimization, and network security utilizing Access Control Lists, it provides you with a variety of significant advantages. Although training is also provided to ensure you are familiar with everything on the test, the certification has the advantage of confirming your expertise and knowledge.

Skills Measured:

This certification validates your knowledge of these:

• Implementing ArubaOS-Switches including securing access, redundancy technologies, link aggregation techniques, and switch virtualization with HPE’s Virtual Switching Framework
• Configuring dynamic routing with Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
• IP multicast routing
• Network optimization incorporating Quality of Service (QoS) priorities
• Protecting the network using Access Control Lists (ACLs) and other security measures

Exam Format:

• Exam ID: HPE6-A73
• Passing score: 71%
• Time duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Exam type: Proctored
• Exam length: 60 questions
• Delivery languages: Japanese, English, Latin American Spanish

Prerequisite for the exam:

• A prerequisite for ACSP is ACSA certification. ACSA certification is at the foundation level, ensuring that you have the core knowledge necessary to advance and validate more advanced abilities. If you already hold another certification, you can choose an upgrade route rather than the associate switching certification.
• Secondly, networking IT experts with advanced-level installation expertise with ArubaOS-CX wired switching solutions are typical candidates for this test. A minimum of 4 to 5 years of general networking knowledge is required of this applicant, as well as 2 years of experience in analyzing network designs and client specifications in order to install and configure Aruba systems.

Before you begin your exam preparation:

• Get an HPE Learner ID and gain access to The Learning Center. Create a user profile with Pearson VUE, our exam provider for proctored/online examinations, if this certification involves one of the HPE0, HPE6, or HPE2 written or online exams. There is no need for a Pearson VUE user profile because practical tests (HPE1 or HPE0-AxxxP) are provided by PSI or Aruba Education Services.

Steps to begin ACSP Exam Preparation

IT engineers can benefit from Aruba Certified Switching Professional certification in a number of ways. Professional certification is the best option if you’re trying to change the course of your career. You may already hold a lower-level Aruba switching certification or you may be thinking of pursuing their certification right away. Whichever path you choose, by demonstrating that you have what it takes to comprehend and apply a modern approach to cloud, mobility, and other difficulties in the networking industry, you might establish your value as a team player at work or even find a new profession. So, let’s begin our step!

– Understanding exam objectives

The Aruba Certified Switching Professional certification examines various objectives that demonstrate your readiness for the exam.

Plan the wired network solution. 15%

• Given a scenario with a design and/or customer requirements, determine an appropriate implementation plan.

Install and configure the wired network solution. 43%

Install and Configure NetEdit

• Given an implementation plan:
  • explain how to physically configure the switches.
  • explaining how to configure Layer 2 technologies.
  • explain how to configure and validate Layer 3 interfaces, services, routing protocols and overlays.

Explain multicast features and configuration concepts.

• Explaining Aruba Switch security features and configuration concepts.
• Explain QoS Aruba Switch features and configuration concepts. 
• Explaining Aruba solutions integration and configuration concepts. 

Troubleshoot the wired network solution. 22%

• Identify a network failure (IP mismatch, VLAN mismatch, hardware configuration or failure, port configuration).
• Action plan to remediate an issue, and determine the implications to the network state. 
• Determine the cause of the performance problem (QoS issue, Configuration issue HW and Software, end node).

Manage, maintain, optimize, and monitor the wired network solution. 20%

• Given a scenario, determine a strategy to implement configuration management (maintenance, auditing, backup, archiving).
• Analyze data that represents the operational state of a network and determine the appropriate action.

– ACSP Exam Training

Implementing Aruba OS CX Switching

It is strongly advised to take this instructor-led course before trying the certification test. You may improve your ability to construct Aruba Switch campus networks by learning a broad range of networking skills from Implementing Aruba OS-CX Switching. Using Aruba’s OS-CX routing and switching technologies, you will expand on the knowledge you gained at the Associate level to configure and maintain contemporary, open standards-based networking solutions. 

Participants in this course gain knowledge of ArubaOS-CX switch technologies, such as dynamic segmentation for port access security, Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) for redundancy, Link Aggregation Protocol (LACP) for link aggregation, and Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) and Aruba’s Virtual Switching work for switch virtualization (VSF). There are around 50% lectures and 50% practical lab tasks in this course.

Self-Directed Lab – Implementing Aruba OS-CX Switching (ACSP)

You will have the chance to put the ideas you learned in Implementing Aruba OS-CX Switching into reality during this practical lab session. This lab focuses on ArubaOS-CX switch technologies, such as dynamic segmentation for port access security, Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) for redundancy, Link Aggregation Protocol (LACP) for link aggregation, and Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) and Aruba’s Virtual Switching work for switch virtualization (VSF).

– Use Practice Tests

By taking practice examinations, you can gauge how long it will take you to answer each question and how well you comprehend each subject. Concentrating on single-domain subjects is a good place to start while studying for a test; practice tests can also be useful in this regard. Start taking full-length practice examinations once you have a thorough understanding of the material to hone your test-taking abilities. To learn more about your strengths and limitations, start by completing a practice ACSP test.

After Exam Completion:

• After you complete all prerequisites, you get an email notice three to five days later. Your standing in The Learning Center then changes to “acquired.”
• Any lower-level certifications you have obtained in the same domain will likewise be recertified if you renewed this certification through a recertification path. As an illustration, renewing ACMX also renews ACMP and ACMA. The same updated expiration date will apply to all renewed certificates from the same renewal channel.
• This certification will be renewed together with any credentials you hold at lower levels if you completed the Edge certification or the Edge recertification program at any level (Associate/Professional/Expert). For instance, the ACEP renews any Associate levels you’ve already attained, including ACMP, ACSP, ACCP, and ACDP. The same revised expiration date will apply to any renewed certificates obtained through the Edge certification or recertification pathway.
• Digital badges are online representations of your HPE credentials based on the Open Badges Standard. Every badge is particular to you. Once you accept and place your badge online. Clicking on the badge sends the viewer to a custom verification page that includes your name, HPE certification(s) held, and skills.

– Preparing for the Interview

After passing the ACSP test and applying the information and abilities you gained, begin working on your own projects. This might be a test of your abilities and a means of making a good impression on the company during the interview. If you have the required education, experience, and training, you can succeed in any interview.

Value of ACSP in the Job Market

With this certification, you may increase your chances and possibilities if you want to further your career as a networking specialist. You may find network engineer positions that are intended for those with Aruba network expertise, as well as show that you have a thorough understanding of networking. Find chances for both permanent employment and freelancing, as well as potential employment with Aruba.

When an organization has a project or perhaps needs a long-term commitment, they want exceptional experts who can demonstrate their abilities and provide them with good value. This qualification will secure your opportunity.

When working full-time, network engineers can make approximately $110,000 or even more. Even as a network engineer, you might make an average salary of $148,000 with Aruba Networks.

Conclusion

To earn the role of Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP), you need to consider the following points:

• Before taking the test, finish the training and go through all the readings and papers.
• Exam questions are built around anticipated knowledge gained from work experience, a predicted degree of industry understanding, or other prerequisites (events, supplemental materials, etc.).
• The course’s successful completion does not guarantee that you will pass the test. You must enhance your planning.
• Read this HPE Exam Preparation Guide, then heed its advice.
• Use practice exams to strengthen your recall.

The post How to become an Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP)? appeared first on Blog.

Earning the ACSA certification can be a great way to enhance your career prospects in the networking industry, and demonstrate your commitment to advancing your skills and knowledge. However, it requires a significant amount of dedication and preparation to pass the exam.

In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the ACSA exam, including the exam requirements, study resources, and tips for success. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the steps required to become an Aruba Certified Switching Associate and be well on your way to achieving this valuable certification. So, let’s begin!

What are the roles and responsibilities of an Aruba Certified Switching Associate?

Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA) is a certification program offered by Aruba Networks, a Hewlett-Packard Enterprise company, that validates the skills and knowledge required to configure and manage Aruba switches. The roles and responsibilities of an ACSA include:

1. Switch configuration and management: An ACSA should be able to configure and manage Aruba switches to ensure they are operating at optimal levels. This includes configuring VLANs, trunks, and access ports, as well as implementing Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP).
2. Network troubleshooting: An ACSA should be able to troubleshoot network issues related to Aruba switches, including identifying and resolving network connectivity issues, VLAN and routing issues, and port security issues.
3. Security: An ACSA should have a strong understanding of switch security and be able to implement measures to protect the network from threats such as unauthorized access, rogue devices, and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
4. Quality of Service (QoS): An ACSA should have a good understanding of QoS and be able to configure and implement QoS policies to ensure that critical applications are given priority on the network.
5. Monitoring and reporting: An ACSA should be able to monitor switch performance and generate reports to help identify potential issues and optimize network performance.
6. Collaboration: An ACSA should be able to work effectively with other IT professionals, including network engineers, system administrators, and security analysts, to ensure the network is operating at optimal levels.

Overall, an ACSA is responsible for ensuring that Aruba switches they manage are secure, reliable, and performing at optimal levels to meet the needs of the organization.

What is the market demand for Aruba Certified Switching Associates?

The ACSA certification is offered by Aruba, a Hewlett-Packard Enterprise company. This certification validates the knowledge and skills required to configure and manage ArubaOS switches. The certification exam covers topics such as VLANs, Link Aggregation, Spanning Tree Protocol, Quality of Service (QoS), and Network Access Control (NAC).

Aruba is a leading provider of network infrastructure solutions, and the demand for network professionals with Aruba certifications, including ACSA, is likely to be driven by the increasing adoption of Aruba products in the market. Additionally, as businesses continue to rely on their networks for daily operations, the need for skilled network professionals who can configure and manage network infrastructure is likely to remain strong.

That being said, the demand for ACSA-certified professionals may vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and current market conditions. It is always a good idea to research current job postings and trends in your area to get a better understanding of the demand for specific certifications.

How to become an Aruba Certified Switching Associate

Your ability to configure and operate contemporary, open standards-based networking solutions for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) and campus networks is validated by this certification. By accomplishing this, you will establish yourself as a reliable team member that supports the development, implementation, and administration of cutting-edge Aruba Mobile First Network solutions. An Aruba technical certification, helps you grow in your profession as an Aruba Certified Switching Associate who is aware of how to implement Aruba Switching Fundamentals for Mobility. The methods listed below can help you become an Aruba Certified Switching Associate.

Familiarize yourself with Aruba switching technology and solutions:

To become an Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA), you need to have a good understanding of Aruba switching technology and solutions. Aruba offers a wide range of switching products and solutions that cater to different network sizes and requirements. For example, ArubaOS-Switch is a powerful and feature-rich operating system that provides advanced features such as Layer 3 routing, QoS, and VLANs. Aruba Instant On is a cloud-managed solution that offers simplicity and ease of use for small business networks. Aruba CX Switches are designed for the most demanding enterprise networks and provide advanced automation and analytics capabilities.

To familiarize yourself with Aruba switching technology and solutions, you can start by reading Aruba’s product documentation, whitepapers, and datasheets. You can also attend Aruba’s webinars and training sessions, which cover a range of topics related to Aruba switching technology. Additionally, you can try out Aruba’s online demos and trial software to get a hands-on feel for Aruba’s switching solutions.

Learn about the different Features and Functionalities of Aruba switches

Aruba switches offer a range of features and functionalities that are essential for managing a network. Some of these features include VLANs, link aggregation, QoS, multicast, and access control. To become an ACSA, you need to have a good understanding of these features and be able to configure and troubleshoot them on Aruba switches.

VLANs are used to logically separate a network into different segments. Aruba switches to support multiple VLANs, and you need to know how to create, configure, and manage them. Link aggregation, also known as port trunking or bonding, allows you to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy. QoS is used to prioritize network traffic and ensure that critical traffic is given higher priority. Multicast allows you to send a single packet to multiple destinations at the same time, and you need to know how to configure multicast on Aruba switches. Access control allows you to control who can access the network and what they can access. Aruba switches offer various access control features such as port-based access control, MAC-based access control, and 802.1X authentication.

To learn about these features and functionalities, you can study Aruba’s product documentation, attend Aruba’s training sessions, and practice configuring and troubleshooting them in a lab environment.

Understand the concepts of Network Security

Network security is essential for protecting the network and its resources against threats. As an ACSA, you need to have a good understanding of network security concepts such as AAA, NAC, and RBAC. AAA stands for authentication, authorization, and accounting, and it is used to control access to the network. NAC is used to ensure that devices connecting to the network comply with the organization’s security policies. RBAC is used to assign specific roles and privileges to users based on their job responsibilities.

Aruba switches offer a range of security features such as port-based security, MAC-based security, and 802.1X authentication. You need to know how to configure and troubleshoot these features to ensure that the network is secure.

To learn about network security concepts, you can study network security textbooks, attend network security training courses, and read security-related articles and blogs. Additionally, you can participate in security-related forums and communities to stay up-to-date with the latest security trends and best practices.

Gain skills with ACSA Exam Training

Aruba OS-CX Switching Fundamentals, Rev. 20.21: Prior to taking the certification test, it is highly recommended that you complete this instructor-led course. You may learn the core skills required to build and administer contemporary, open standards-based networking solutions utilizing Aruba’s OS-CX routing and switching technologies by taking the Aruba OS-CX Switching Fundamentals (CXF) course. This course will teach you how to develop and validate small to medium-enterprise network solutions using a mixture of lectures (about 60%) and practical lab activities (about 40%). Network workers may prepare for the Aruba Certified Switching Associate certification by taking this 5-day course.

The technologies covered in this course include Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Secure Access using Features Like Dynamic Segmentation, Redundancy Technologies Like Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and Switch Virtualization with Aruba’s Virtual Switching Work (VSF). Additionally, you study IP Routing, including Open Shortest Path First static and dynamic IP routing (OSPF).

Self-Directed Lab – Aruba OS-CX Switching Fundamentals (ACSA): You get the chance to put into practice the ideas presented in Aruba OS-CX Switching Fundamentals during this practical lab session. This includes the Aruba OS-CX switch technologies, such as Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), secure access utilizing features like dynamic segmentation, link aggregation techniques like Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and switch virtualization using Aruba’s Virtual Switching effort (VSF). Additionally, you study IP Routing, including Open Shortest Path First static and dynamic IP routing (OSPF).

Prepare for the Interview: After passing the ACSA exam and putting your newfound knowledge and skills to use, start working on your own projects. This might include an assessment of your skills and a strategy for impressing the employer at the interview. You can succeed in any interview if you have the necessary training, knowledge, and experience.

Take the Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA) exam

Once you have gained sufficient knowledge and practical experience with Aruba switching technology, you can take the ACSA exam to become a certified Aruba switching associate. The ACSA exam is a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as Aruba switching technology, VLANs, spanning tree protocol, link aggregation, and more.

You can register for the exam through the Aruba certification portal and take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam fee is typically around $125 USD, but prices may vary depending on your location. By clearing the ACSA exam, you will demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in Aruba switching technology and earn a valuable certification that can help you advance your career.

Practice working with Aruba switches through hands-on experience

Hands-on experience is essential for gaining practical knowledge and skills in Aruba switching technology. You can use Aruba’s online lab environment, called the Aruba Mobility Academy, to practice configuring and troubleshooting Aruba switches. The Aruba Mobility Academy provides a virtual lab environment where you can access Aruba switches and equipment and practice different configurations and troubleshooting scenarios. This lab environment allows you to gain practical experience in a safe and controlled environment without the need to invest in physical hardware.

You can also set up your own lab environment using Aruba switches and equipment. This allows you to practice and experiment with Aruba switches in a real-world environment. You can start with a basic lab setup and gradually add more components and features as you become more familiar with Aruba switches.

Practice is the key to becoming proficient in Aruba switching technology. By practicing different configurations and troubleshooting scenarios, you will gain confidence and develop your skills, which will help you pass the ACSA exam.

Build your Portfolio

Building a portfolio can be a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge as an Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA). Here are some tips to help you build a portfolio for ACSA:

• Start by creating a list of the skills and knowledge areas that are covered in the ACSA certification. This will help you identify the areas where you need to focus your portfolio.
• Set up a lab environment where you can practice configuring Aruba switches and troubleshoot various network scenarios. You can use Virtual Labs, GNS3 or physical switches.
• Create a project that demonstrates your ability to configure and manage Aruba switches. For example, you could create a project that showcases your ability to set up VLANs, configure STP, or set up DHCP.
• Take screenshots or capture videos of your configurations and document your project to showcase your approach and steps taken to configure and troubleshoot.
• You can also write technical articles or blog posts that demonstrate your knowledge of Aruba switching technology. This can showcase your ability to explain technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Participate in online forums and contribute to discussions related to Aruba switching. This will help you gain exposure to different use cases and provide an opportunity to learn from other experts.
• Attend networking events or webinars where you can network with other professionals in the industry and learn about the latest trends in Aruba switching.

By creating a portfolio that showcases your skills and knowledge in Aruba switching, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers and differentiate yourself from other candidates in the job market.

Join the Aruba Community to stay up-to-date

The Aruba community is a valuable resource for staying up-to-date with the latest Aruba switching technology and solutions. The Aruba community is a global network of Aruba professionals who share knowledge and experiences, provide help and support, and discuss the latest trends and best practices related to Aruba switching technology.

To join the Aruba community, you can start by visiting the Aruba community website and creating an account. The Aruba community website provides access to a wide range of resources such as forums, blogs, webinars, and events. You can participate in the community forums to ask questions and share your knowledge and experiences with other Aruba professionals. You can also attend webinars and events to learn about the latest Aruba switching technology and solutions.

Additionally, you can join Aruba’s social media channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements related to Aruba switching technology. By joining the Aruba community, you will gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that will help you stay up-to-date with the latest Aruba switching technology and solutions. The community also provides opportunities to connect with other Aruba professionals and expand your network.

Maintain your Aruba certification by staying current with the latest Aruba switching technology

After becoming an Aruba Certified Switching Associate, it is important to stay current with the latest Aruba switching technology and solutions. Aruba provides regular updates and releases for its switching technology, and it is important to stay informed about these updates to maintain your certification and expertise.

You can stay up-to-date by regularly visiting the Aruba community website and participating in forums, attending webinars and events, and following Aruba’s social media channels. Additionally, Aruba provides continuing education requirements for its certifications, which require you to earn a certain number of points each year by attending training courses, events, and other educational activities.

By maintaining your Aruba certification and staying current with the latest Aruba switching technology, you will continue to demonstrate your expertise and value to your organization and clients.

Expert’s Corner

Becoming an Aruba Certified Switching Associate requires a combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and passing the HPE6-A73 certification exam. To prepare for the exam, you can attend official Aruba training courses, use study materials such as practice tests and exam guides, and gain practical experience with Aruba switching technologies.

The Aruba Certified Switching Associate is a great way to validate your knowledge and skills in the field of network switching. The certification demonstrates your expertise in designing, implementing, and managing Aruba switching solutions, which can open up new career opportunities and increase your earning potential. With the right preparation and dedication, you can become an Aruba Certified Switching Associate and join the community of certified professionals who are shaping the future of networking.

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