What is the HPE6-A73 Certification?
The HPE6-A73 certification, also known as the Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP) V1 certification, is a globally recognized certification offered by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). This certification is intended for networking professionals with experience in network-switching technologies who wish to validate their skills and knowledge.
Exam Details
The Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP) exam, with exam code HPE6-A73, is a computer-based exam that costs $145 (USD) to take. The exam lasts 90 minutes, during which the candidate must answer 60 multiple-choice questions. The passing score for the exam is 71%, meaning that a candidate must correctly answer at least 43 out of the 60 questions to pass the exam.
The exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who specialize in Aruba switching solutions, including their ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot ArubaOS-Switches in complex enterprise network environments. Candidates who pass the exam will earn the Aruba Certified Switching Professional certification, which validates their expertise in Aruba switching solutions and their ability to manage complex enterprise networks. This certification can help IT professionals advance their careers and increase their credibility with employers and clients.
Exam Topics
HPE6-A73 exam covers a range of topics related to Aruba switching solutions. Some of the key exam topics include
- Plan the wired network solution 15%
- Install and configure the wired network solution 43%
- Troubleshoot the wired network solution 22%
- Manage, maintain, optimize, and monitor the wired network solution 20%
Candidates must review and study these exam topics thoroughly before taking the ACSP exam to increase their chances of passing it and earning the Aruba Certified Switching Professional certification.
Benefits of HPE6-A73 Certification
There are several benefits of obtaining the HPE6-A73 certification, including
1. Improved Career Opportunities
Having the HPE6-A73 certification on your resume can open up new career opportunities in the networking field. Employers prefer candidates who have validated their skills and knowledge through certification programs, and the HPE6-A73 certification is no exception.
2. Knowledge of the Latest Networking Technologies
The HPE6-A73 certification covers the latest networking technologies, including virtualization, cloud computing, and software-defined networking (SDN). By obtaining this certification, you can stay current with the recent trends and technologies in the networking field.
3. Higher Salary
Certified networking professionals typically earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. According to Payscale, the average income for an Aruba Certified Switching Professional is $90,000 per year.
4. Access to Aruba Resources
HPE6-A73 certification provides access to Aruba’s extensive resources, including technical support, training, and certification programs. This can help you stay current with the latest advancements in Aruba switching technology.
Prerequisites for HPE6-A73 Certification
There are no specific prerequisites for the HPE6-A73 certification exam, but it is recommended that candidates have some level of experience and knowledge of Aruba switching and network infrastructure.
Here are some recommended prerequisites
1. Networking Basics
Candidates should have a good understanding of networking fundamentals, such as the OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, and LAN/WAN technologies.
2. Aruba Switching Technologies
Candidates should have a working knowledge of Aruba switching technologies, including VLANs, link aggregation, spanning tree protocols, and network security.
3. Hands-on Experience
Candidates should have practical experience working with Aruba switching and network infrastructure. This can be gained through on-the-job experience or by completing Aruba training courses.
4. Aruba Certification
Although not a formal prerequisite, candidates may find it helpful to have already earned the Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA) certification before pursuing the HPE6-A73 certification.
It is important to note that the HPE6-A73 certification exam is a rigorous test of knowledge and skills in Aruba switching technologies, so candidates should thoroughly prepare before taking the exam. Aruba offers a variety of training and certification programs to help candidates prepare for the exam and enhance their skills in Aruba switching and network infrastructure.
Exam Preparation Tips
1. Understanding the Exam Format
The first step to successful exam preparation is to understand the exam format. This includes the structure of the exam, the type of questions, and the marking scheme. It’s essential to introduce yourself to the exam format as early as possible so that you can tailor your study plan accordingly.
2. Create a Study Schedule
Once you understand the exam format, the next step is to create a study schedule. A study schedule helps you to stay organized and manage your time effectively. When creating a study schedule, allocate sufficient time for each subject or topic and prioritize your areas of weakness.
3. Gather Study Materials
Gathering study materials, including textbooks, notes, past papers, and other relevant resources, is crucial for adequate exam preparation. Be sure to choose high-quality study materials and organize them in a way that is easy to access and review.
4. Practice Previous Papers
One of the most beneficial ways to prepare for an exam is to practice past papers. Past papers give you an idea of the type of questions that will be asked and the difficulty level. By practicing past articles, you can also identify your weak areas and focus your revision on those topics.
5. Form a Study Group
Forming a study group can be a great way to prepare for exams. A study group allows you to collaborate and share knowledge and ideas, and it can also help to inspire you and keep you accountable.
6. Take Breaks
Studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout and reduced productivity. It’s essential to take regular intervals to rest your mind and recharge your energy. Take short breaks hourly or so, and use this time to do something relaxing, such as taking a walk or listening to music.
7. Stay Healthy
Staying healthy is essential for exam preparation. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. This will help you stay focused, alert, and energized during your study sessions and the exam.
8. Manage Exam Anxiety
Exam anxiety is a common problem among students and can harm performance. Try rest techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to manage exam anxiety. You can also try visualization techniques, where you imagine yourself succeeding in the exam.
9. Practice Time Management
Time management is crucial during the exam itself. Be sure to allocate your time effectively during the exam, and spend only a little bit of time on any one question. If you get stuck on a question, move on and return to it later.
10. Review Your Work
Finally, it’s essential to review your work before submitting your exam. This includes checking for errors, ensuring you have answered all questions, and reviewing your answers for clarity and coherence.
Conclusion
HPE6-A73 is a certification exam Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) offers IT professionals specializing in Aruba switching solutions. This exam tests the knowledge and skills required to configure, manage, and troubleshoot ArubaOS-Switches in complex enterprise network environments. Passing the HPE6-A73 exam demonstrates that an IT professional understands Aruba switch configuration and management. Earning the Aruba Certified Switching Professional certification by passing the HPE6-A73 exam can help IT professionals advance their careers and increase their credibility with employers and clients. It demonstrates their expertise in Aruba switching solutions and their ability to manage complex enterprise networks.
