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Exam Information
Official specifications published by HP
Exam Format
90 min
60
67%
Associate
Registration
$260 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese, Latin American Spanish
Validity
3 years
Pass the current version of HPE6-A85 exam before expiration; Achieve a higher-level certification in the same track (e.g., ACP - Campus Access); Complete HPE continuing education credits (if applicable)
HPE6-A85 Exam Topics and Domains
HPE6-A85 is organized into 11 weighted domains. Expect to work with Aruba Central, Aruba APs, Aruba Gateways, Aruba Instant, and more.
1
Network Stack
7%
Describe and differentiate various OSI Model layers and architectural elements
OSI Model LayersNetwork Architectural Elements
- Differentiate between OSI layers and their functions
- Map network protocols to appropriate OSI layers
- Identify architectural elements in campus networks
Describe and differentiate TCP/IP stack
TCP/IP Protocol Suite
- Explain TCP/IP stack layers and their relationship to OSI model
- Differentiate between TCP and UDP
- Identify common protocols and their purposes
2
Connectivity
10%
Identify foundational networking architectures and technologies
Campus Network ArchitecturesNetworking Technologies
- Identify appropriate campus network architecture
- Understand foundational networking technologies
- Differentiate between wired and wireless technologies
Describe network infrastructure deployment
Infrastructure Deployment Models
- Describe network deployment models
- Understand cloud-managed vs on-premises architectures
- Explain device provisioning processes
3
Network Resiliency and Virtualization
8%
Describe mechanisms for resiliency, redundancy, and fault tolerance
High Availability MechanismsNetwork Virtualization
- Explain resiliency mechanisms in campus networks
- Describe redundancy protocols and their operation
- Understand network virtualization concepts
Manage an infrastructure device (AP, gateway, switch)
Device Management Tasks
- Manage infrastructure devices using CLI and GUI
- Perform device maintenance tasks
- Execute basic troubleshooting procedures
4
Switching
19%
Describe the basics of Layer 2/3 technologies
Layer 2 SwitchingLayer 3 Switching
- Explain Layer 2 switching operation
- Configure VLANs and trunking
- Describe Layer 3 switching and inter-VLAN routing
- Understand link aggregation
Review and apply a campus architecture and elements based on a given template
Campus Switch ArchitectureCampus Design Elements
- Apply campus architecture templates
- Design switching infrastructure based on requirements
- Identify appropriate switch models for campus roles
- Implement hierarchical design principles
5
WLAN
18%
Describe fundamental RF attributes and wireless functions
RF FundamentalsWireless StandardsWLAN Architecture
- Explain RF concepts and signal propagation
- Describe wireless standards and their capabilities
- Understand WLAN architectures (controller-based, controllerless, cloud-managed)
- Identify RF issues and interference
Create an AP GUI configuration group
AP Configuration via GUISSID Configuration
- Configure APs using Instant GUI
- Create and manage configuration groups
- Set up SSIDs with appropriate security
- Configure radio profiles and settings
6
Routing
9%
Differentiate between basic routing topologies and functions
Routing FundamentalsRouting Topologies
- Explain basic routing concepts
- Differentiate routing topologies
- Understand static and dynamic routing
Evaluate and deploy basic routing topologies
Routing Deployment
- Deploy basic routing topologies
- Configure static routing
- Implement inter-VLAN routing
7
Security
9%
Define fundamental security standards and concepts
Wireless SecurityWired SecurityNetwork Security Concepts
- Explain wireless and wired security standards
- Describe 802.1X authentication
- Understand encryption methods
- Apply security best practices
Integrate wireless SSID into an existing ClearPass deployment
ClearPass Integration
- Integrate wireless SSIDs with ClearPass
- Configure RADIUS authentication
- Set up authentication profiles
- Troubleshoot ClearPass integration
8
Authentication/Authorization
6%
Describe and differentiate between AAA concepts
AAA FrameworkAuthentication MethodsAuthorization and Roles
- Explain AAA framework components
- Differentiate authentication methods
- Describe authorization and role-based access
- Understand accounting and logging
9
Management and Monitoring
7%
Define and differentiate between common tools used for network monitoring
Monitoring ToolsPerformance Metrics
- Identify network monitoring tools
- Differentiate between monitoring approaches
- Understand key performance metrics
- Configure basic monitoring
Evaluate and interpret UXI test results
UXI (User Experience Insight)
- Explain UXI functionality
- Evaluate UXI test results
- Identify network issues using UXI
- Understand synthetic testing benefits
Use Central to monitor network health
Aruba Central Monitoring
- Use Aruba Central for network monitoring
- Monitor device and client health
- Configure alerts and notifications
- Generate network reports
10
Troubleshooting
4%
Define basic troubleshooting methodologies
Troubleshooting ProcessCommon Troubleshooting ToolsCommon Issues
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Use appropriate troubleshooting tools
- Diagnose common network issues
- Document troubleshooting steps
11
Performance Optimization
3%
Describe QoS
Quality of Service (QoS) FundamentalsQoS Implementation
- Explain QoS concepts and benefits
- Describe traffic classification and marking
- Understand WMM for wireless QoS
- Identify applications requiring QoS
How do I earn this certification?
Passing HPE6-A85 earns the Aruba Certified Associate - Campus Access certification. It sits in the Campus Access track.
Next Level Options
- HPE7-A01 - Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional ExamDirect progression in Campus Access track
- HPE7-A03 - Aruba Certified Campus Access Architect ExamAdvanced design and architecture path
Alternative Paths
- HPE6-A72 - Aruba Certified Switching Associate ExamFocus on switching technologies (wired-only specialization)
- HPE6-A73 - Aruba Certified Switching Professional ExamAdvanced switching certification for infrastructure specialists
- Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional (ACCP) Specialize in network access control and security
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-A85.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-10-01
Updates
- Aruba Central Latest (2024) Enhanced AI-driven insights and monitoring features reflected in exam Management and Monitoring domain (7%) • Release date: 2024-06-15
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Latest standards Updated WLAN domain coverage includes Wi-Fi 6E features, 6 GHz band operation • Release date: 2024-03-10
- UXI (User Experience Insight) Current Increased emphasis on UXI test interpretation (topic 9.2) in Revision 6 • Release date: Ongoing updates
- ClearPass Policy Manager Latest (6.12+) Integration scenarios with wireless SSIDs (topic 7.2) remain core exam content • Release date: 2024
- Aruba CX Switches 10.x AOS-CX Switching domain (19%) covers CX switch configuration and management • Release date: 2024