What topics are on the HPE6-A85 exam?

Network Stack 7%

1.1

Describe and differentiate various OSI Model layers and architectural elements

2 subtopics

1.1.1OSI Model Layers

1.1.2Network Architectural Elements

Learning Objectives

Differentiate between OSI layers and their functions
Map network protocols to appropriate OSI layers
Identify architectural elements in campus networks

1.2

Describe and differentiate TCP/IP stack

1 subtopics

1.2.1TCP/IP Protocol Suite

Learning Objectives

Explain TCP/IP stack layers and their relationship to OSI model
Differentiate between TCP and UDP
Identify common protocols and their purposes

Domain Hands-on Skills

Use ping and traceroute for network testingAnalyze protocol headersIdentify protocols using packet capture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing OSI model with TCP/IP model
Not understanding when to use TCP vs UDP

Connectivity 10%

Network Resiliency and Virtualization 8%

Switching 19%

WLAN 18%

Routing 9%

Security 9%

Authentication/Authorization 6%

Management and Monitoring 7%

Troubleshooting 4%

Performance Optimization 3%

How do I earn the Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Campus Access

Prerequisites

Optional
Optional

Next Steps

Current Level

HPE6-A85HPE Network Campus Access Associate ExamPrimary

Alternative Paths

HPE6-A72Aruba Certified Switching Associate Exam
HPE6-A73Aruba Certified Switching Professional Exam
Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional (ACCP)

Complementary Certifications

Career Progression

Typical Path

Network Technician / Junior Network EngineerACNT or ACA - Campus Access
Network Engineer / Senior Network EngineerACP - Campus Access
Network Architect / Principal EngineerCampus Access Architect

Alternative Specializations

Security (ClearPass)
Switching (ACSA/ACSP)
SD-WAN / Edge
Cloud Management (Central expert)

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Pass the current HPE6-A85 exam before expirationAchieve ACP - Campus Access (automatically renews ACA)Complete HPE continuing education program (if available)

How do I study for the HPE6-A85 Exam?

Practice the Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Study Tips

Focus on switching (19%) and WLAN (18%) - these are the highest weighted topics
Get hands-on experience with Aruba Central - it's tested extensively
Understand the difference between Instant, controller-based, and Central-managed architectures
Practice UXI test interpretation - this is a newer topic area
Know how to integrate SSIDs with ClearPass
Understand basic RF concepts and troubleshooting
Review Aruba product documentation, not just third-party materials
Join the Airheads community for peer support

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Aruba CentralLatest (2024)

Enhanced AI-driven insights and monitoring features reflected in exam Management and Monitoring domain (7%)

Released: 2024-06-15

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)Latest standards

Updated WLAN domain coverage includes Wi-Fi 6E features, 6 GHz band operation

Released: 2024-03-10

UXI (User Experience Insight)Current

Increased emphasis on UXI test interpretation (topic 9.2) in Revision 6

Released: Ongoing updates

ClearPass Policy ManagerLatest (6.12+)

Integration scenarios with wireless SSIDs (topic 7.2) remain core exam content

Released: 2024

Aruba CX Switches10.x AOS-CX

Switching domain (19%) covers CX switch configuration and management

Released: 2024

Industry Trends

Cloud-managed networking becoming the default deployment model for campus networks
Wi-Fi 6E adoption accelerating, especially in education and healthcare verticals
Zero Trust security principles driving increased emphasis on network access control (NAC)
AI-driven network operations and automation gaining traction
Hybrid work models increasing demand for robust campus wireless infrastructure
Integration of networking and security (SASE principles) expanding to campus networks

Who should take this exam?

Experience Level: Entry-level To Junior Network Engineer

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$260 USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	3 years
Recertification	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)

Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details