ByIn the world of data center networking and cloud-scale infrastructure, Arista Networks has emerged as a powerhouse. Known for its cutting-edge switches and software-defined networking (SDN) solutions, Arista is the go-to choice for organizations building high-performance, low-latency networks. As demand for Arista expertise grows, professionals seeking to stand out in networking roles should seriously consider arista certification.
This guide breaks down the Arista certification levels, explores the key benefits, and explains the career impact of becoming Arista-certified.
What Is Arista Networks?
Arista Networks specializes in cloud networking solutions for large-scale data centers and high-frequency trading environments. Their products emphasize automation, programmability, and scalability—all critical traits in today’s complex IT landscape.
Arista EOS (Extensible Operating System) and CloudVision offer powerful programmability, making Arista a top choice for engineers working in DevOps, SDN, and high-availability network environments.
Because of this specialized and high-performing technology, employers now seek professionals who can effectively deploy, manage, and automate Arista networks, and that’s where certifications come in.
Arista Certification Levels
Arista offers a well-structured certification track under the Arista Certified Engineering Program (ACE). Here are the core certification levels:
1. ACE: Associate (ACE-A)
Target Audience: Entry-level professionals and network engineers new to Arista or data center technologies.
Focus Areas:
- Basic networking concepts
- Arista EOS fundamentals
- CLI usage and switch configuration
- Basic automation tools like Ansible
Benefits: Perfect starting point for those transitioning from Cisco, Juniper, or other networking platforms. Helps you grasp Arista’s approach and philosophy.
2. ACE: Professional (ACE-P)
Target Audience: Mid-level network engineers, system administrators, and cloud specialists.
Focus Areas:
- Advanced Arista configuration
- Layer 2/3 switching and routing
- Network automation using Python and eAPI
- VXLAN and EVPN fundamentals
Benefits: Demonstrates your ability to manage production Arista networks in enterprise and cloud environments. Highly valuable for data center roles.
3. ACE: Expert (ACE-E)
Target Audience: Senior engineers, architects, and consultants working in large, complex networking environments.
Focus Areas:
- Multi-tier data center design with Arista
- Advanced VXLAN, EVPN, BGP-EVPN
- Network programmability and telemetry
- Automation with CloudVision, API integrations
Benefits: Proves top-level Arista expertise. Suitable for professionals looking to architect or lead network modernization efforts.
Benefits of Arista Certification
1. Vendor Specialization That Sets You Apart
While Cisco certifications remain popular, Arista certifications showcase your specialized knowledge in high-performance, cloud-scale networks. In roles focused on SDN, DevOps integration, and automation, Arista skills are often more relevant than traditional routing/switching experience.
2. Practical, Real-World Relevance
Arista’s certification tracks are deeply hands-on. You’re expected to work with EOS CLI, troubleshoot live scenarios, and understand the nuances of network programmability. This is not a theoretical certification—it equips you to work in real-world, production-ready environments.
3. Career Mobility in High-Growth Sectors
Industries like cloud services, financial tech, data centers, and AI infrastructure rely on low-latency, high-throughput networks—areas where Arista dominates. Certification in this space can open doors to:
- Data center engineer roles
- Network automation specialist positions
- DevNet and DevOps-focused jobs
- Senior network architect or consultant roles
Employers such as Microsoft, Meta, AWS, and leading trading firms prioritize Arista experience when hiring for mission-critical infrastructure roles.
4. Higher Salary Potential
Due to the niche yet high-demand skillset, Arista-certified professionals often command premium salaries. According to industry salary surveys, network engineers with Arista skills can earn 20–30% more than their peers without such specialization.
How to Get Started with Arista Certification
Step 1: Choose Your Level
If you’re new to Arista or cloud networking, start with ACE-A. Experienced network professionals may opt for ACE-P, and architects or consultants can aim directly for ACE-E.
Step 2: Access Study Materials
Arista provides:
- Official training courses via Arista Academy
- Hands-on lab environments
- Documentation and white papers
- Community forums and webinars
Supplement your study with hands-on practice using Arista vEOS (a free virtual EOS image) or access a test lab if available.
Step 3: Schedule the Exam
All ACE certification exams can be taken online. They typically include multiple-choice and lab-based components, depending on the level.
Conclusion
Arista certifications are more than just another line on your resume—they are strategic career assets in today’s cloud-driven, software-defined world. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to specialize in automation and high-performance networking, Arista offers a certification path that validates your skills, opens up new job opportunities, and positions you as a modern network professional.
If you’re serious about building a future-proof networking career, it’s time to go beyond the basics—and Arista is the way forward.
