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Exam Information
Official specifications published by HP
Exam Format
120 min
75
65%
Professional
Registration
$260 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
3 years
Pass any current HPE Professional or Expert level exam; Earn 80 continuing education credits through HPE learning activities; Pass a higher-level certification (Expert or Master level)
HPE7-A08 Exam Topics and Domains
HPE7-A08 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Aruba Central, Aruba ClearPass, 802.1X, Activate subscription service, and more.
1
Planning and Implementing a Wired Network Solution
18%
HPE Switching Portfolio
Understanding HPE Aruba Networking switch product linesMatching solutions to customer needs
- Describe the features and capabilities of HPE Aruba Networking switches
- Identify appropriate switch models for different use cases
- Match customer requirements to HPE switching solutions
Implementation Planning
Creating implementation plans
- Analyze customer requirements and network designs
- Develop comprehensive implementation plans
- Identify project dependencies and risks
2
Installing and Configuring HPE Aruba Networking Switches
33%
Switch Provisioning and Management
Provisioning switches using Aruba CentralCLI-based configuration
- Provision switches using Aruba Central
- Configure switches via CLI
- Manage device configurations
Layer 2 Technologies
VLANs and trunkingMultiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) and Virtual Switching Framework (VSF)
- Configure and manage VLANs
- Implement MSTP for redundancy
- Configure LACP for link aggregation
- Deploy VSX and VSF for high availability
Layer 3 Technologies and Routing Protocols
OSPF configurationBGP configurationOverlay technologies and VXLAN
- Configure and verify OSPF routing
- Implement BGP for inter-AS routing
- Deploy overlay networks using VXLAN and EVPN
Multicast
IP multicast configuration
- Configure IGMP and IGMP snooping
- Implement PIM for multicast routing
- Troubleshoot multicast issues
Security Features
Dynamic Segmentation and access controlAccess Control Lists (ACLs)
- Configure dynamic segmentation
- Implement 802.1X authentication
- Integrate with ClearPass
- Configure and apply ACLs
Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS configuration
- Configure QoS policies
- Implement traffic classification and marking
- Configure queuing and scheduling
- Verify QoS operation
Aruba Solutions Integration
Integration with Aruba ecosystem
- Integrate switches with Aruba Central
- Configure ClearPass integration
- Integrate with wireless and SD-WAN solutions
3
Troubleshooting Wired Network Solutions
27%
Network Failure Diagnosis
Diagnosing connectivity and configuration issues
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Diagnose Layer 2 and Layer 3 issues
- Identify hardware and software problems
Performance Issue Identification
Performance troubleshooting
- Identify performance bottlenecks
- Analyze QoS issues
- Troubleshoot bandwidth and latency problems
Remediation Planning
Creating and executing remediation plans
- Develop remediation plans
- Assess impact of changes
- Execute remediation with minimal disruption
4
Managing, Maintaining, and Monitoring the Network
22%
Configuration Management
Configuration lifecycle management
- Implement configuration backup strategies
- Perform configuration audits
- Maintain configuration archives
- Track configuration changes
Network Monitoring and Optimization
Operational data analysis
- Monitor network performance
- Analyze operational data
- Implement optimization strategies
- Configure alerting and thresholds
Programmatic Network Management
REST API usage for automation
- Use REST APIs for configuration
- Develop automation scripts
- Deploy configuration templates
- Perform programmatic auditing
How do I earn this certification?
Passing HPE7-A08 earns the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Professional - Switching certification. It sits in the HPE Aruba Networking - Switching track.
Current Level Exams
- HPE7-A05 - HPE Aruba Networking Security ProfessionalSecurity-focused professional certification
- HPE7-A04 - HPE Aruba Networking Data Center ProfessionalData center networking professional certification
Next Level Options
- HPE7-A09 - HPE Aruba Networking Certified Expert - Campus AccessAdvanced campus networking expertise with hands-on practical exam
- TBD - HPE Aruba Networking Master Certification Highest level certification requiring multiple expert tracks
Alternative Paths
- HPE7-A05 - HPE Aruba Networking Security ProfessionalComplementary security skills for network professionals
- HPE7-A04 - HPE Aruba Networking Data Center ProfessionalExtend switching expertise to data center environments
- HPE6-A86 - HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate - Network SecurityAdd security fundamentals to switching knowledge
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 HPE7-A08 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
Who should take this exam?
- HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate - Campus Access (HPE6-A85) or equivalent knowledge
- 2+ years of experience supporting campus, edge, and data center networks
- Hands-on experience with ArubaOS-CX switches
- Understanding of switching fundamentals and routing protocols
- Familiarity with Aruba Central cloud management