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Exam Information
Official specifications published by HP
Exam Format
90 min
60
720
Associate
Registration
$260 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese, Latin American Spanish
Validity
3 years
Pass the latest version of the HPE6-A72 exam; Pass the Aruba Certified Switching Professional (HPE6-A73) exam; Complete an approved Aruba training course
HPE6-A72 Exam Topics and Domains
HPE6-A72 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with NetEdit, AOS-CX VLANs, AOS-CX CLI, AOS-CX Layer 3, and more.
1
Fundamental Networking Designs & Technologies
23%
OSI Model and Network Fundamentals
OSI Model FundamentalsLayer 1 Media CharacteristicsLayer 2 Ethernet
- Identify and describe the OSI model layers and their functions
- Differentiate between various Layer 1 media types and characteristics
- Explain Layer 2 Ethernet operations including broadcast domains and ARP
IP Routing and Layer 3 Protocols
IP Routing FundamentalsOSPF Routing Protocol
- Configure and verify static routing and default routes
- Implement single-area OSPF on AOS-CX switches
- Troubleshoot OSPF neighbor adjacencies and routing issues
Layer 4 Transport Protocols and Services
Transport Layer ProtocolsMulticast Traffic
- Identify and describe Layer 4 transport protocols and their characteristics
- Explain multicast traffic operation and management
Device Management Protocols
File Transfer ProtocolsRemote Access and Monitoring
- Configure file transfer protocols for switch management
- Implement secure remote access using SSH
- Configure SNMPv2 for network monitoring
QoS and Network Security
QoS ConceptsNetwork Security Configuration
- Apply QoS concepts to prioritize network traffic
- Configure basic network security features on AOS-CX switches
Layer 2 Redundancy and Link Aggregation
Spanning Tree ProtocolsVirtual Switching Framework (VSF)Link Aggregation
- Configure and troubleshoot spanning tree protocols (STP, RSTP, MSTP)
- Implement Virtual Switching Framework for switch virtualization
- Configure link aggregation using LACP
VLAN Implementation
VLAN Configuration and Management
- Create and manage VLANs on AOS-CX switches
- Configure access and trunk ports properly
- Implement VLAN segmentation for network security
Server Network Technologies
Network Interface Cards
Identify and describe server network technologies including NICs and CNAs
2
Aruba Products & Solutions
17%
Aruba Wired Solutions Features
Fundamental FeaturesAdministration Choices
- Identify fundamental features of Aruba wired switching solutions
- Compare different Aruba switch platforms and their capabilities
- Select appropriate management tools for different scenarios
Aruba Technology Comparison
Technology Selection
- Compare and contrast Aruba switching technologies
- Select appropriate Aruba solutions based on requirements
Solution Positioning
Infrastructure Requirements
- Position Aruba solutions based on infrastructure requirements
- Design appropriate switching architectures for different environments
Management Toolsets
CLI and Web InterfaceAdvanced Management Tools
- Use CLI and web interface for switch management
- Leverage advanced management tools including NetEdit and APIs
- Implement automation using scripting and APIs
3
System Installation & Configuration
27%
Environmental Surveys and Planning
Site Surveys
- Conduct environmental surveys for switch deployment
- Identify infrastructure requirements and constraints
Basic Switch Configuration
Startup SettingsManagement Access
- Perform initial switch configuration
- Configure secure management access
- Establish remote connectivity to switches
Layer 2 Technologies Configuration
RSTP/MSTP ConfigurationLink Aggregation ConfigurationVLAN ConfigurationLLDP Configuration
- Configure and verify RSTP and MSTP
- Implement link aggregation using LACP
- Configure VLANs and trunk ports
- Enable and use LLDP for neighbor discovery
Basic IP Routing Configuration
Static RoutesOSPF Configuration
- Configure static routing on AOS-CX switches
- Implement single-area OSPF
- Verify IP routing operation
Management and Configuration Files
Configuration Management via NetEditFile Management
- Manage configurations using NetEdit
- Backup and restore switch configurations
- Update switch firmware safely
Solution Verification
Debugging ToolsDisplay Commands
- Use debugging tools to verify configuration
- Leverage display commands for status checking
- Interpret command output for troubleshooting
4
Optimization & Enhancement
13%
Layer 2/3 Infrastructure Optimization
Broadcast Domain ReductionVSF Optimization
- Optimize Layer 2 infrastructure using VLANs
- Enhance VSF deployments for performance and redundancy
- Reduce broadcast domains to improve network efficiency
Network Asset Management
Device Inventory and Management
- Manage network assets effectively
- Track device inventory and lifecycle
L3 Routing Table Convergence Verification
Routing Protocol Convergence
- Verify routing table convergence for OSPF, RIP, and static routes
- Implement and verify ECMP for load balancing
- Troubleshoot routing convergence issues
Network Connectivity Improvements
Redundancy Mechanisms
- Implement redundancy mechanisms for improved availability
- Configure VRRP for gateway redundancy
- Design highly available network architectures
5
Troubleshooting & Repair
12%
Systematic Troubleshooting Approach
Troubleshooting Methodology
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Identify root causes of network issues
- Verify problem resolution
Switched Network Troubleshooting
Layer 2 IssuesVSF Troubleshooting
- Troubleshoot common Layer 2 switching issues
- Diagnose and resolve VSF problems
- Use appropriate tools for switched network diagnostics
Routed Network Troubleshooting
IP Routing Issues
- Troubleshoot IP routing problems
- Diagnose OSPF neighbor and routing issues
- Resolve gateway and next-hop problems
Generic Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostic Commands and Tools
- Use generic troubleshooting tools effectively
- Interpret diagnostic command output
- Leverage logging for problem identification
Wired Network-Specific Diagnostics
Physical Layer Diagnostics
- Diagnose physical layer wired network issues
- Interpret interface error statistics
- Resolve connectivity problems
6
Management, Monitoring & Operations
8%
Network Management Best Practices
Administrative Tasks
- Apply network management best practices
- Implement proper change management procedures
- Maintain accurate network documentation
Moves, Adds, Changes, and Deletions (MACD)
Device ManagementVLAN Assignments
- Perform MACD operations safely and efficiently
- Manage device additions and removals
- Update VLAN assignments as needed
Network Monitoring
Monitoring Tools and Techniques
- Implement network monitoring using SNMP and syslog
- Configure alerts for critical events
- Track performance metrics
How do I earn this certification?
Passing HPE6-A72 earns the Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA) certification. It sits in the Switching track.
Current Level Exams
HPE6-A72 - Aruba Certified Switching AssociateThis exam earns the ACSA certification
Next Level Options
- HPE6-A73 - Aruba Certified Switching ProfessionalValidates expertise in implementing and operating enterprise-level Aruba campus switching solutions using AOS-CX
- HPE7-A09 - Aruba Certified Expert - Switching Written ExamWritten exam for expert-level certification (must also pass HPE4-A53 practical exam)
- HPE4-A53 - Aruba Certified Expert - Switching Practical ExamHands-on practical exam for expert-level certification
Alternative Paths
- HPE6-A78 - Aruba Certified Network Security AssociateValidates skills in configuring and managing Aruba network security solutions • Complementary security skills for network professionals
- HPE6-A85 - Aruba Certified Campus Access AssociateCovers both wireless and wired access technologies for campus networks • Wireless and wired campus integration skills
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for HPE6-A72.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2020-01-01
Updates
- ArubaOS-CX Platform 10.4+ New features align with exam objectives on VSF, dynamic segmentation, and network management • Release date: 2024-06-01
- NetEdit 2.0+ Enhanced management capabilities relevant to configuration management objectives • Release date: 2024-06-01
- VSF (Virtual Switching Framework) Current Core technology for redundancy and stacking covered extensively in exam • Release date: Ongoing
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Network Engineers and Network Administrators.
- Basic understanding of networking concepts
- Familiarity with TCP/IP protocols
- Experience with network switches (helpful but not required)
Important: Exam Retirement Notice
Exam Retirement Notice
This exam version was retired on .