Aruba Switching Professional
HPE Network Campus Access Associate Exam
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ExploreAbout this exam
The HPE Network Campus Access Associate Exam (HPE6-A85) is a proctored HPE certification exam that validates a candidate's basic wired and wireless network knowledge. According to the official exam datacard, the exam covers routing and switching, basic RF concepts, basic security, connectivity, monitoring, and reporting - a breadth that suits early-career network engineers, help-desk and field technicians, and partner or presales staff who need to demonstrate foundational campus-access competence rather than deep design expertise. The exam is delivered in English, Japanese, and Latin American Spanish, lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, and contains 60 questions with a passing score of 67%. No reference material is allowed at the testing site, and the exam may include beta items that do not count toward your score, so candidates should expect some unfamiliar questions. HPE lists two preparation resources: an official study guide (HPE Aruba Networking certified associate – Campus access, Second edition) and release notes for the associated certification. Because the datacard does not publish a fee, retake policy, or score validity period, candidates should confirm those details through the HPE credential management platform when scheduling.
What you'll study
About Aruba Switching Professional preparation
What is the exam format?
It is a proctored exam of 60 questions with a 1 hour 30 minute time limit. No reference material is allowed at the testing site, and the exam may contain beta items included for experimental purposes, so a few questions may not count toward your score.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing score is 67%, per the official exam datacard. Plan to answer roughly two-thirds of the 60 questions correctly; because beta items may be unscored, aim comfortably above the threshold rather than treating 67% as a safe target.
What topics does the exam cover?
HPE states the exam validates basic wired and wireless network knowledge, including routing and switching, basic RF concepts, basic security, connectivity, monitoring, and reporting. Treat these as six study areas and make sure none is left uncovered before exam day.
In what languages can I take the exam?
Delivery languages are English, Japanese, and Latin American Spanish. If you are testing in a second language, budget extra time for reading longer scenario questions, since the 90-minute limit applies regardless of delivery language.
How should I order my studying?
Start with routing and switching fundamentals, since other domains build on them, then move to RF concepts and security, and finish with connectivity plus monitoring and reporting. Use the official HPE study guide and release notes listed on the exam datacard as your primary references.
What are common failure modes?
The most frequent mistakes are over-studying switching while neglecting RF basics, security, and monitoring, and misreading scenario questions that hinge on one qualifying detail. Practicing under the 90-minute limit with 60-question sets helps expose both problems before exam day.
How much does the exam cost, and can I retake it?
The datacard does not publish a fee or a retake policy. HPE directs candidates to its exam price list and the credential management platform for scheduling; check those pages for current pricing and any retake rules before you register.
How long is the certification valid?
The exam datacard does not state a validity period for this credential. Confirm the current recertification or expiration policy through the HPE credential management platform, since HPE periodically revises certification requirements and release notes.