Is the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate (HPE6-A86) Worth It?

Quick Definition: The HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate (HPE6-A86) is an entry-level IT certification that tests foundational skills in configuring, managing, and securing Aruba technologies. This certification is designed for network engineers, IT administrators, and security professionals looking to demonstrate their foundational knowledge with the Aruba infrastructure and cloud management tools such as Aruba Central.

Networking is a critical skill in the IT industry, and certifications like the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate (HPE6-A86) are an excellent way to prove your expertise in the field. 

But is this certification truly worth your time and money? Let’s break down what this exam covers, who should take it, and the cost to help you decide if it's worth it for your career. 

What is the HPE Aruba Certification?

The HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate (HPE6-A86) certification offers entry-level training that demonstrates an individual’s ability to configure and manage networking systems using Aruba solutions. The certification covers essential components of Aruba’s infrastructure, including wired and wireless network technologies, security protocols, and network management through Aruba Central.

Aruba, a subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE), is known for delivering cutting-edge solutions in wireless networking and campus switching. This certification is ideal for IT professionals looking to build a solid foundation in Aruba technologies. 

For IT professionals looking to specialize in Aruba networking technologies, this certification is absolutely essential. 

What Does the HPE6-A86 Exam Cover?

The HPE6-A86 exam tests your knowledge and skills in several areas, including:

• Aruba OS CLI and GUI Configurations: Setting up and managing Aruba devices using both the command-line interface (CLI) and graphical user interface (GUI).

• Wired and Wireless Networking Fundamentals: Including VLAN configuration, IP addressing, and wireless security protocols.

• Aruba’s Cloud Management Tools: How to configure and monitor devices through Aruba Central and mobility controllers.

• Network Security: Examining security protocols such as 802.1X and MACsec for secure networking environments.

The exam covers both fundamental and advanced topics, ensuring that you’re well-versed in managing modern Aruba-powered networks.

How Much Does the HPE Aruba Certification Cost?

The cost of the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate exam is typically around $200 USD. While the exam fee is relatively affordable compared to other certifications, you may also need to purchase study materials or enroll in training courses to help you prepare, which can increase the cost. 

To this end, CBT Nuggets offers comprehensive, real-world-focused training designed to truly prepare you for the exam and your job. With engaging video lessons led by expert instructors, interactive quizzes, and hands-on virtual labs, our training doesn’t just help you memorize facts; it enables you to understand how to apply Aruba networking concepts in real environments.

What Experience Do You Need for the HPE Aruba Certification?

This certification is designed for individuals who have some foundational knowledge of networking. While there are no strict prerequisites, having a basic understanding of networking principles, such as the OSI model, IP addressing, and switching fundamentals, will be helpful. 

If you're new to Aruba technologies, you'll want to gain hands-on experience or take a beginner-level course before attempting the HPE6-A86 exam. 

Foundational courses like Networking Basics, CompTIA Network+, and even Cisco CCNA (all available at CBT Nuggets) can help you build the core skills and confidence needed to understand the exam content and succeed in real-world networking environments.

Who Should Take the HPE6-A86 Exam?

The HPE6-A86 certification is ideal for anyone looking to break into Aruba networking or for IT professionals who want to validate their existing skills. Specifically:

• Network Engineers: The HPE6-A86 will benefit professionals responsible for designing, deploying, and managing enterprise networks by allowing them to gain hands-on knowledge of Aruba’s wired and wireless solutions, including Aruba Central.

• Security Professionals: Those focused on securing enterprise networks will find the certification useful for understanding how Aruba integrates network access control, segmentation, and security policies within its infrastructure.

• IT Administrators: IT administrators who manage Aruba devices, either in physical or cloud-managed networks, will find this certification directly applicable to their day-to-day responsibilities. It will help you gain proficiency in managing and troubleshooting Aruba networks and devices.

Is the HPE Aruba Certification Worth It?

Whether or not to pursue the HPE Aruba certification depends on your professional goals. If you're currently working in—or aiming for—a role that involves managing Aruba networking solutions, this certification equips you with the essential skills to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Aruba environments with confidence.

Beyond technical know-how, earning the HPE6-A86 certification can also significantly boost your resume. HPE Aruba networking solutions are recognized as enterprise-grade technology, so this credential demonstrates your ability to work with cutting-edge infrastructure and can set you apart in a competitive IT job market.

Using HPE Aruba Certification to Learn Skills

One of the key benefits of obtaining the HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate certification is the hands-on experience it provides. You'll learn how to:

• Configure Aruba switches and wireless access points

• Secure networks using Aruba’s security protocols

• Manage and monitor networks via Aruba Central

This practical knowledge enhances your career prospects and equips you with the skills to work effectively in a variety of networking roles.

Using HPE Aruba Certification to Validate Skills

If you already have hands-on experience with Aruba products, the HPE6-A86 exam is a powerful way to formally validate your skills. This certification doesn’t just confirm that you’ve worked with Aruba gear—it proves that you understand how to configure switches and access points, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and manage networks using Aruba Central.

Through exam objectives that test both theoretical knowledge and practical application, you're able to demonstrate proficiency in real-world tasks, such as implementing VLANs, setting up wireless SSIDs, and enforcing security policies. These are the kinds of capabilities employers actively look for in IT professionals managing enterprise networks.

Conclusion

The HPE Aruba Networking Certified Associate certification is a valuable credential for anyone looking to specialize in Aruba technologies. Whether you're an aspiring network engineer, a security professional, or an IT administrator, this certification will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in managing and securing Aruba-powered networks. 

By investing in this certification, you're not just enhancing your resume—you're positioning yourself as a capable professional in a growing and highly respected field.

Want to take the next step in your career? Consider taking a CBT Nuggets Aruba training course to get started on your HPE Aruba certification journey.