The networking industry is growing quickly with creativities demanding secure, scalable and high-performance campus access solutions. The HPE7-A10 (Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional) certification is a significant qualification designed for IT professionals who want to authorize their expertise in Aruba’s wired and wireless networking technologies.
This certification is ideal for network engineers, architects and administrators responsible for designing, utilizing and problem solving enterprise-grade campus networks. By earning the HPE7-A10 you show your capability to implement Aruba OS-CX switches, wireless access points, ClearPass Policy Manager and dynamic separation skills that are in high demand across industries.
Section 1: Understanding the HPE7-A10 Exam Structure
1.1 Exam Overview
The HPE7-A10 exam is a 90-minute test containing of 60 questions in some formats, including:
- Multiple-choice (single and multiple answers)
- Drag-and-drop mockups
- CLI-based configuration tasks
Passing Score: 70%
Prerequisites: None (but prior networking experience is recommended)
1.2 Key Domains & Weightage
The exam focuses on four major domains:
| Domain | Weightage | Key Topics |
| Designing Aruba Campus Networks | 25% | VLANs, VRF, redundancy, high availability |
| Implementing Wired & Wireless Solutions | 30% | ArubaOS-CX switches, AOS 8.x wireless controllers |
| Configuring Secure Access with ClearPass | 25% | Role-based policies, device profiling, guest access |
| Troubleshooting & Optimization | 20% | Log analysis, performance tuning, issue resolution |
Section 2: Deep Dive into HPE7-A10 Exam Topics
2.1 Designing Aruba Campus Networks
A well-designed campus network confirms scalability, security and performance. Key ideas include:
VLANs and VRFs for Network Segmentation
- Virtual LANs (VLANs) separate traffic for security and proficiency.
- Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) allows multiple routing tables on a single device.
High Availability & Redundancy
- VSX (Virtual Switching Extension) for switch idleness.
- MLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) to stop single points of failure.
2.2 Implementing Wired & Wireless Solutions
ArubaOS-CX Switches
- CLI vs. WebUI structure
- Automation with Python and REST APIs
Aruba Wireless Networks (AOS 8.x)
- SSID structure and RF optimization
- AirMatch for automatic channel and power adjustments
2.3 Secure Access with ClearPass Policy Manager
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Allocating user roles for network access.
- Dynamic Segmentation to impose policies based on device type.
Device Onboarding & Guest Access
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies
- Certificate-based confirmation
2.4 Troubleshooting & Optimization
Common Network Issues
- Connectivity drops, slow performance, verification failures
- Using Aruba Central for monitoring
Log Analysis & Debugging
- CLI commands for diagnostics (
show tech-support,debug) - Packet captures with Wireshark
Section 3: How to Prepare for the HPE7-A10 Exam?
3.1 Official Study Resources
- Aruba Education Services (Experts designed & self-paced courses)
- HPE7-A10 Exam Study Guide (Covers all exam objectives)
- Practice Tests (Replicate real exam conditions)
3.2 Hands-On Lab Practice
- Set up a virtual lab using:
- Aruba CX switches (simulated via GNS3/EVE-NG)
- ClearPass Policy Manager demo
- Practice real-world scenarios:
- Configuring VLANs
- Setting up RADIUS authentication
- Problem solving wireless connectivity
3.3 Join the Aruba Community
- Aruba Airheads Community (Forums, thoughts, expert advice)
- LinkedIn Groups (Networking professionals share insights)
3.4 Exam-Day Tips
- Time Management: Spend ~1.5 minutes per question.
- Flag Difficult Questions: Review them at the end.
- Simulations First: Complete CLI-based tasks early.
Section 4: Career Benefits of HPE7-A10 Certification
4.1 Job Roles & Salary Expectations
| Job Role | Average Salary (USD) |
| Network Engineer (Aruba) | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Wireless Network Administrator | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| Network Security Specialist | $90,000 – $130,000 |
4.2 Industries Hiring HPE7-A10 Professionals
- Healthcare (Protected patient data access)
- Education (Campus-wide Wi-Fi utilizations)
- Enterprise IT (Scalable wired/wireless networks)
4.3 Long-Term Career Growth
- Pathway to Aruba Certified Expert (ACX) certifications.
- Opportunities in cloud networking (Aruba Central, SD-WAN).
Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long is the HPE7-A10 certification valid?
3 years (Recertification via higher-level exams or regaining HPE7-A10).
Q2. Can I take the exam online?
Yes, via Pearson VUE’s online proctoring.
Q3. Is work experience mandatory?
No, but 2+ years in networking is highly suggested.
Q4. What’s the difference between HPE7-A10 and HPE6-A85?
- HPE7-A10 = Campus access (wired/wireless).
- HPE6-A85 = Data center networking.
Is the HPE7-A10 Certification Worth It?
Absolutely! The HPE7-A10 (Aruba Certified Campus Access Professional) certification is a gold-standard qualification for networking professionals. It authenticates your ability to:
- Design and utilize enterprise-grade campus networks
- Implement secure access with ClearPass
- Troubleshoot complex network issues
By following a structured study plan gaining practical experience and utilizing official resources, you can pass the exam with confidence and unlock lucrative career opportunities.