Frequently asked questions
HPE Aruba Network Security
Certification
Learn about the evolution of Aruba network security technical
training and certification
Frequently asked questions Page 2
New cyberthreats require new security technologies
What is zero trust?
The zero trust approach is based and the skills to implement them
on never trusting by default, always
verifying identities, and always As users become increasingly decentralized and attacks become more sophisticated and
assuming the entity can introduce a persistent, network security challenges constantly evolve. Guarding an organization’s IT
security vulnerability unless proven infrastructure against these new threats requires modern security technologies deployed
otherwise. By never trusting by with and supported by industry best practices.
default, every identity is verified,
and access privileges are granted Through the Aruba Network Security certification program, you can validate the new skills
using context-based and risk- you need to secure the entire networking infrastructure, including wireless, wired, and
appropriate integrity verification wide-area network (WAN) devices. Corresponding network security courses are available
before being allowed into the IT to help you acquire knowledge and practical skills through hands‑on labs. As an Aruba
environment. In short, every identity
Network Security–certified engineer, you will be prepared to support today’s edge-to-cloud
is “assumed bad until proven good.”
networking solutions built on a zero trust security framework.
Cyberthreats continue to evolve, so the Aruba network security training and
certification program is changing, too. Specifically, the Aruba Certified ClearPass
Associate, Professional, and Expert certifications have been phased out and replaced
by the Aruba Certified Associate, Professional, and Expert Network Security
certifications.
A methodical phaseout of Aruba ClearPass certifications occurred in 2023. During the
phaseout period, you can capitalize on new opportunities created by the network security
certification track, which focuses on holistic network security solutions including Aruba
ClearPass.
In addition, you can maintain in-depth ClearPass product skills by participating in the new
Aruba ClearPass Advanced Configuration course.
Table 1. Network security training and certification
Certification
ACA-Network Security Aruba Network Security Fundamentals
ACP-Network Security Implementing Aruba Network Security
ACX-Network Security Aruba Advanced Network Security Troubleshooting and Solutions
ClearPass courses
No certification Aruba ClearPass Configuration
No certification Aruba ClearPass Advanced Configuration
View all security training options
Frequently asked questions Page 3
Timeline for transitioning from ClearPass to Network Security
2022 2023
Certification activity
O N D J F M A M
ACCA Transition to Inactive
ACA‑Network Security Available
ACCP Transition to Inactive
ACP‑Network Security Available
ACCX Transition to Inactive
ACX‑Network Security Available
Legacy certification transition period
New certification available
Transition period: December 1, 2022–May 31, 2023
Inactive date: May 31, 2023
Important clarification: When an existing ClearPass certification becomes inactive, it does not expire.
“Inactive” simply means the exam for that certification is no longer available for new candidates.
Frequently asked questions Page 4
Transition paths for ClearPass to Network Security
I hold an ACCA certification, I hold an ACCP certification, I hold an ACCX certification,
and I would like to: and I would like to: and I would like to:
• Maintain ClearPass certification • Maintain ClearPass certification • Maintain ClearPass certification
for at least three years. for at least three years. for at least three years.
– Pass the ACCA exam – Pass the ACCP exam – Pass the ACCX written exam
by May 31, 2023. by May 31, 2023. by May 31, 2023.
or or
• Migrate to the Network Security
– Pass the ACCP exam – Pass the ACCX written exam Expert certification.
by May 31, 2023. by May 31, 2023.
– Recommended: Take the
• Migrate to the new Network Security • Migrate to the Network Security Aruba Advanced Network
Associate certification. Professional certification. Security Troubleshooting
and Solutions course.
– Recommended: Take the – Recommended: Take the
Aruba Network Security Implementing Aruba Network – Required: Pass the ACX - Network
Fundamentals course. Security course Security written and practical exams.
– Required: Take the ACA - – Required: Pass the ACA - Network
Network Security exam. Security and ACP - Network
Security exams.
• Graduate to Network
Security Professional. • Graduate to Network Security Expert.
– Recommended: Take the – Recommended: Take the
Implementing Aruba Network Aruba Advanced Network
Security course Security Troubleshooting
and Solutions course.
– Required: Pass the ACA - Network
Security and ACP - Network – Required: Pass the ACX - Network
Security exams. Security written and practical exams.
Frequently asked questions
Q. I am actively preparing for a ClearPass certification. How long do I have before the exam becomes
inactive?
A. The last date to take a ClearPass certification exam is May 31, 2023. We recommend scheduling your exam 2–3
weeks in advance to avoid any potential scheduling conflicts.
Q. How can I renew my ClearPass certification?
A. We recommend certifying with the new Network Security certifications, although you can renew your ClearPass
certification prior to the exam inactive date. Please refer to the transition paths for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Q. If I obtain the Network Security certification at a Professional or Expert level,
will that recertify my lower‑level ClearPass certifications? Or will it grant me the
lower‑level Network Security certification?
A. Achieving the higher level does not recertify or grant a lower‑level certification.
Q. Are there prerequisites for the Network Security Professional and Expert
certifications?
A. Yes, for network security professional the prerequisite is the network security associate
certification. Network security expert requires two exams, you must pass a written exam
prior to the practical exam.
Q. Are there any upgrade paths for existing Aruba or other vendor certifications?
A. No upgrade paths exist.
Q. When the ClearPass certifications become inactive, will my current ClearPass
certifications expire?
A. No, your certifications will remain valid for three years from the date you achieved them.
Inactive does not mean your certification is expired; inactive simply means that the exam is
no longer available for new candidates, nor is it available for existing certification holders to
recertify.
Q. Will the ClearPass certification corresponding courses still be available?
A. The ClearPass certification courses (Aruba ClearPass Fundamentals, Implementing Aruba
ClearPass, and Aruba Advanced ClearPass Troubleshooting and Solutions) will be available
through January 31, 2023. New ClearPass courses (Aruba ClearPass Configuration and
Aruba ClearPass Advanced Configuration) will be available for those who need in-depth
ClearPass training.
Q: How can I update my Credly digital badge on LinkedIn with the new badge?
A. To update your badge on LinkedIn, you need to remove and reconnect the badge on your
Credly profile. Watch this short video for step-by-step instructions.
Q. For Aruba partners: Will my existing ClearPass certification maintain its validity
for the Aruba PRfN program in 2023?
A. Yes, your ClearPass certifications and Network Security certifications will be accepted in
2023.
Q. Are there any free network security training options?
Make the right purchase decision. A. Aruba offers free entry‑level training for networking beginners. See the Aruba Network
Contact our presales specialists. Security Essentials course.
Contact us
Visit ArubaNetworks.com
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