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Exam Information
Official specifications published by HP
Exam Format
90 min
60
75%
Associate
Registration
$260 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Pass the current version of the HPE6-A86 exam; Pass any higher-level Aruba certification exam; Complete approved training courses
HPE6-A86 Exam Topics and Domains
HPE6-A86 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with AOS-CX, Aruba Central, NetEdit, AOS-CX CLI, and more.
1
Networking Fundamentals
25%
OSI Model and Protocol Stack
OSI Seven Layer ModelTCP/IP Model
- Understand the OSI model and its 7 layers
- Identify protocols at each layer
- Compare TCP and UDP characteristics
Layer 1 & Layer 2 Technologies
Ethernet StandardsSwitching Concepts
- Understand common media types and Ethernet standards
- Explain switching concepts and broadcast domains
- Identify Layer 2 addressing and forwarding
Layer 3 Addressing and Routing
IP Addressing and SubnettingARP and Routing Basics
- Perform IP subnetting calculations
- Understand ARP and its role in communication
- Explain basic routing concepts
Network Management Protocols
Management Protocol Overview
- Identify appropriate management protocols
- Understand security implications of management choices
2
HPE Aruba Networking Product Knowledge
20%
AOS-CX Switch Portfolio
Switch Models and FeaturesHardware Components
- Identify appropriate switch models for given scenarios
- Understand hardware components and options
- Select correct transceivers and cables
AOS-CX Operating System
AOS-CX ArchitectureCLI and Management
- Understand AOS-CX architecture and benefits
- Navigate AOS-CX CLI effectively
- Use configuration management features
Management Tools
Aruba CentralNetEdit
- Understand Aruba Central cloud management
- Use NetEdit for network automation
- Select appropriate management tools
3
Configure HPE Aruba Networking Solutions
25%
Initial Switch Configuration
Basic SetupUser Management
- Perform initial switch configuration
- Configure management access
- Set up user authentication
Layer 2 Technologies Configuration
VLAN ConfigurationSpanning Tree ProtocolLink AggregationLLDP
- Configure and verify VLANs
- Implement spanning tree protocols
- Create link aggregation groups
- Use LLDP for neighbor discovery
Layer 3 Technologies Configuration
IP Interface ConfigurationStatic RoutingDynamic Routing Basics
- Configure IP interfaces and SVIs
- Implement static routing
- Understand dynamic routing basics
Validation and Verification
Show Commands
- Use show commands effectively
- Verify configuration implementation
- Validate network operation
4
Troubleshoot, Operate, and Maintain HPE Aruba Networking Solutions
17%
Troubleshooting Switched and Routed Networks
Layer 1 and 2 TroubleshootingLayer 3 TroubleshootingTroubleshooting Tools
- Identify and resolve Layer 1/2 issues
- Troubleshoot Layer 3 connectivity problems
- Use appropriate troubleshooting tools
System Maintenance
Software ManagementMonitoring and Logging
- Perform software upgrades
- Implement backup and recovery
- Configure monitoring and logging
5
Security and QoS
13%
Network Security Fundamentals
Port SecurityAccess ControlSecurity Features
- Implement port security features
- Configure access control mechanisms
- Enable security features
Quality of Service
QoS BasicsQoS Implementation
- Understand QoS concepts
- Configure basic QoS policies
- Implement traffic prioritization
How do I earn this certification?
Passing HPE6-A86 earns the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate - Switching certification. It sits in the Aruba Switching track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- HPE6-A75 - Aruba Certified Edge Professional Branch and edge networking focus
- HPE6-A78 - Aruba Certified Network Security AssociateSecurity specialization with ClearPass
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for HPE6-A86 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-01-01
- Announcement date: 2023-01-01
Updates
- AOS-CX Operating System 10.14 New features may appear in future exam updates • Release date: 2024-09-01
- Aruba Central 2.5.8 Enhanced cloud management features relevant to exam • Release date: 2024-08-15
- NetEdit 3.0 Automation capabilities expanded • Release date: 2024-07-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Network administrators and Junior network engineers.
- 6+ months experience supporting and maintaining wired networks
- Basic networking knowledge
- Understanding of OSI model
- Familiarity with TCP/IP