Question 1

Where should I start with Arista certification?

Accepted Answer

Start with the ACE Associate (Level 1) in the Network Foundations track. This is a 2-hour hands-on lab exam covering basic Layer 2/Layer 3 switching, CLI, and basic security. No formal prerequisites, but basic networking knowledge is recommended. Study commitment: 4-6 weeks at 1-2 hrs/day.

Question 2

Do Arista certifications expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all ACE certifications are valid for 2 years. Renewing a higher-level certification automatically extends all lower-level certifications. Expert (Level 7) holders do not need to recertify lower levels. A dedicated L7 recertification exam is planned for 2026.

Question 3

Are Arista exams available online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ACE exams are open-book, hands-on lab exams delivered through online proctoring. Associate exams are 2 hours, Specialist exams are 4 hours. Exams are self-scheduled through the Arista Academy portal at training.arista.com.

Question 4

What is the passing score and exam format?

Accepted Answer

All ACE certification exams are practical, lab-based assessments in a fully automated environment, providing instant pass/fail results. No written multiple-choice exams. The hands-on format validates real-world configuration and troubleshooting skills.

Question 5

How much do Arista certifications cost?

Accepted Answer

Most ACE certification exams cost $295 USD. ACE Expert (L7) also costs $295 per exam attempt. The ACE L7 Expert composite costs $1,995. Learning Tracks with training + exam: Foundations Track $495, Specialist Tracks $1,995. The All-Access subscription costs $4,995/year or $49.95/month (Academy Digital).

Question 6

What is the hardest Arista certification?

Accepted Answer

ACE Expert (Level 7) is the most demanding, requiring deep multi-domain Arista experience across data center, campus, WAN routing, and automation. Typical preparation takes 6-12 months. The Specialist Level 3 exams (especially Engineering sub-tracks) are also notoriously difficult, with pass rates around 15-20%.

Question 7

What learning tracks are available?

Accepted Answer

Five learning tracks: Data Center (Operations and Engineering sub-tracks), Campus (Operations and Engineering), WAN Routing (Enterprise and Edge), Automation (Foundations and Advanced), and Network Foundations (Associate only). Passing both Specialist sub-tracks in a domain auto-awards Professional (Level 5).

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