How to Pass HPE6-A86 HPE Network Switching Associate Exam?

The HPE6-A86 HPE Network Switching Associate exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting wired networking solutions using HPE Aruba Networking OS-CX routing and switching technologies. Passing this exam validates your ability to support and maintain small to medium enterprise network solutions. This guide will help you understand the exam structure, key topics, preparation strategies, and essential study resources to ensure your success.

Exam Overview

Type: Proctored
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: 73%
Delivery Language: English
Ideal Candidates: HPE customers, partners, and team members with at least six months of networking experience.

Exam Domains & Weightage

Understanding the key domains and their weightage will help you focus your preparation effectively:

1. Foundational Networking Architectures & Technologies (24%)

OSI Model, Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 fundamentals
Layer 4 Transport protocols (TCP, UDP)
Network management protocols (TFTP, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, SNMPv2)
QoS, security basics, VLANs, redundancy technologies (STP/RSTP, VSF)
Link aggregation concepts

2. HPE Aruba Networking Products & Solutions (21%)

Features and management options of Aruba wired products
Software and hardware capabilities of Aruba switches
Toolsets for managing Aruba Networking products (CLI, web, SNMP, Aruba Central, API)

3. Installing, Configuring & Validating Wired Network Solutions (22%)

Initial setup and configuration of Aruba switches
Configuring Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies
Show commands for validation

4. Troubleshooting & Maintaining HPE Aruba Networking Solutions (17%)

Troubleshooting switched and routed networks
Using general troubleshooting tools

5. Managing & Monitoring HPE Aruba Networking Solutions (16%)

Best practices for network management and administration

Preparation Strategy

1. Study Official Resources

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) provides study materials and resources to help candidates prepare for the exam. Look for:

HPE Aruba Networking Switching Fundamentals Training
Official HPE6-A86 Study Guide
Aruba Certification Learning Center

2. Hands-on Practice

Practical experience with HPE Aruba Networking switches is crucial. Set up a lab environment using:

Physical Aruba switches (if available)
ArubaOS-CX Virtual Lab
Packet Tracer or GNS3 for network simulation

3. Understand Networking Basics

Since 24% of the exam focuses on networking fundamentals, make sure you are confident in:

OSI Model & TCP/IP stack
VLANs & Subnetting
Routing protocols (static routing, OSPF, BGP basics)
STP/RSTP & link aggregation

4. Master Aruba Switching Technologies

Get familiar with:

ArubaOS-CX CLI commands
Network management tools (Aruba Central, Web UI, APIs)
Configuration of VLANs, spanning-tree protocols, QoS, security policies

5. Use Practice Questions

Taking HPE6-A86 practice questions will help you:

Get familiar with the question format
Improve time management skills
Identify weak areas for improvement

6. Join Networking Communities

Engage with networking professionals and Aruba-certified engineers through:

Aruba Airheads Community
HPE Learning forums
LinkedIn & Reddit groups

Final Tips for Success

Read exam questions carefully – Avoid rushing and misinterpreting questions.
Memorize important CLI commands – Many questions will require command-line knowledge.
Understand troubleshooting techniques – Be able to diagnose network issues efficiently.
Manage your time wisely – Don’t spend too much time on a single question.
Stay calm and confident – Trust your preparation and approach the exam with a clear mindset.

Passing the HPE6-A86: HPE Network Switching Associate exam requires a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, Aruba Networking products, and hands-on configuration skills. By following a structured study plan, leveraging official HPE resources, and gaining hands-on practice, you can achieve certification success and boost your career in network engineering.