Arista Networks has gained prominence in the networking industry due to its highly scalable, software-driven solutions. As a result, Arista certifications have become valuable for network engineers looking to validate their expertise in cloud networking, automation, and data center networking. Whether you're pursuing the Arista Certified Engineering Associate (ACE-A) or advancing to higher levels like ACE-Professional (ACE-P) or ACE-Design (ACE-D), having a structured preparation plan is crucial for success.
In this guide, we will walk you through the best study strategies and resources to help you prepare effectively for arista certification.
1. Understand the Certification Levels and Exam Objectives
Before diving into preparation, it's essential to understand the different levels of Arista certifications and their respective objectives:
ACE-A (Associate) – Entry-level certification focusing on foundational networking and Arista EOS basics.
ACE-P (Professional) – Intermediate certification covering more advanced networking concepts, automation, and troubleshooting.
ACE-D (Design) – Expert-level certification focusing on network architecture, high availability, and advanced automation.
Arista provides official exam blueprints for each certification, outlining the topics covered in the exam. Reviewing these blueprints will help you understand the key areas to focus on.
2. Build a Strong Theoretical Foundation
Official Arista Documentation
Arista provides extensive documentation, which is an invaluable resource for learning about their products and technologies. Key documents to study include:
Arista EOS (Extensible Operating System) Manual
Arista Configuration Guides
Technical Whitepapers
Arista Design and Deployment Guides
These materials provide deep insights into how Arista networks operate and the best practices for implementation.
Recommended Books
While Arista does not have a dedicated book series like Cisco’s CCIE, you can leverage networking books that cover relevant concepts, such as:
"Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach" by Kurose and Ross
"Network Warrior" by Gary A. Donahue
"Arista Warrior" by Gary A. Donahue (for advanced learners)
3. Gain Hands-on Experience
Arista vEOS and Lab Setup
Arista provides a virtualized version of their EOS software called vEOS, which you can run in a virtual environment such as:
EVE-NG
GNS3
VirtualBox/VMware
Hands-on practice is essential for reinforcing theoretical knowledge. Set up a lab environment where you can configure Arista switches, test automation scripts, and troubleshoot networking issues.
CloudLab and Arista Training Sessions
Arista offers CloudVision and CloudLab, which provide interactive training environments for learning their technologies without requiring physical hardware. Additionally, enrolling in Arista’s official training courses can give you structured learning and access to expert guidance.
4. Learn Network Automation
Arista is heavily focused on network automation, making it crucial for certification candidates to understand scripting and automation tools like:
Python
Ansible
Arista eAPI (Extensible API)
CloudVision Portal (CVP) APIs
Practice writing scripts to automate network tasks, such as retrieving switch configurations or performing bulk updates.
5. Utilize Online Courses and Study Groups
Online Learning Platforms
Several platforms offer courses tailored to Arista networking:
INE (Internetwork Expert) – Offers Arista-focused training content.
Udemy & Pluralsight – Provide general networking and automation courses.
Arista Academy – Official Arista training resources.
Join Networking Communities
Engaging with others preparing for Arista certifications can be beneficial. Consider joining:
Arista Certified Professionals LinkedIn Groups
Networking Forums (Reddit, NetworkLessons, TechExams.net)
Discord/Slack Groups for Network Engineers
6. Take Practice Exams and Review Case Studies
Practice exams simulate the actual test environment and help you identify areas where you need improvement. Arista occasionally provides practice questions, but you can also find relevant material on networking forums and training platforms.
Additionally, reviewing real-world case studies of Arista deployments can give you practical insights into designing and troubleshooting Arista networks.
7. Time Management and Exam Strategy
To maximize your success, follow these exam strategies:
Set a study schedule – Dedicate consistent study time leading up to the exam.
Understand the question format – Expect scenario-based and multiple-choice questions.
Manage time effectively – Don’t spend too much time on one question; mark and revisit difficult ones.
Conclusion
Arista certifications can boost your networking career by demonstrating expertise in cutting-edge network solutions. By leveraging official documentation, hands-on labs, automation skills, online resources, and practice exams, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of passing the certification exams.
If you’re serious about becoming an Arista-certified professional, start planning your study approach today and take advantage of all the available resources. Good luck!
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