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About this exam

The Aruba Comware Advanced exam is an independent study target for network engineers who already work with HPE/Aruba Comware-based switches and routers and want to prove depth beyond entry-level configuration. It suits candidates in enterprise, campus, and service-provider-adjacent roles who touch routing, resiliency, and security policy on Comware devices day to day. The exam spans nine areas: Comware system architecture and device management; advanced VLAN, link aggregation, and spanning tree; IP routing protocols including OSPF, BGP, IS-IS, and RIP; IP multicast and IPv6; MPLS and WAN/VPN technologies; security, ACLs, and AAA; high availability with IRF; QoS and monitoring; and troubleshooting. Routing carries the heaviest weight, so expect the deepest questions there. Preparation should be hands-on: build a lab with Comware images or physical gear, configure IRF, run OSPF and BGP adjacencies, apply ACLs, and practice reading display and debugging output. Pair lab work with the official Aruba/HPE configuration guides and command references for your software version. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Aruba or HPE; always confirm current program details with the vendor.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Aruba Comware Advanced preparation

What is the exam format?

Questions are multiple choice. The official body publishes the authoritative format, including whether multiple-response or scenario items appear, so check the Aruba certification site for the current specification rather than relying on secondhand descriptions.

How long is the exam and how many questions?

The official body publishes the current question count and time limit, and they can change between program revisions. Consult the Aruba certification page directly before you schedule so you plan your pacing against accurate numbers.

What score do I need to pass?

The passing score is set by the official body and is not fixed across versions. Check the vendor's certification page for the current passing standard; do not assume a percentage you heard from a colleague or a forum post.

How much does it cost and how long is it valid?

Fees and validity periods are set and revised by the official body. Confirm both on the Aruba certification site at the time you register, since pricing and recertification rules are the details most likely to be out of date in study guides.

Can I retake it if I fail?

Retake rules, waiting periods, and any attempt limits are defined by the official body. Review the vendor's certification policy before booking so you know how soon a second attempt is allowed and whether additional fees apply.

How hard is it compared to entry-level Comware exams?

It assumes working fluency with the CLI and with routing concepts. The difficulty comes from breadth plus depth in routing and IRF, not from trick questions. Candidates who only memorize commands without lab time typically struggle with troubleshooting and output-interpretation items.

What study order do you recommend?

Start with architecture and device management to cement CLI and file/software workflows, then VLANs, aggregation, and spanning tree. Move to routing protocols in depth, then multicast and IPv6, MPLS, security and AAA, IRF, and QoS. Finish with troubleshooting, revisiting weak domains using lab scenarios.

What are the most common failure modes?

Weak routing depth, especially BGP path selection and OSPF area behavior; confusing IRF member roles and priority during failover; and misreading ACL match order or QoS queue behavior. Another frequent issue is knowing a command exists but not being able to interpret its display output under a fault.

Do I need hands-on lab experience?

Strongly recommended. Comware questions often hinge on interpreting display and debug output, verifying adjacencies, and predicting behavior after a failure. Simulators or physical switches let you break and fix configurations, which is far more effective than reading command references alone.

Is this page affiliated with Aruba or HPE?

No. This is independent study material with no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement from Aruba or HPE. Use it alongside official vendor documentation and the vendor's own certification pages, which remain the authoritative source for program rules and exam logistics.