If you work in network engineering and you have been hearing more about Arista Networks lately, you are not alone. Arista has become one of the dominant forces in cloud networking, data center infrastructure, and enterprise networks, and the demand for Arista-certified engineers is growing fast across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
The Arista ACE Certification, which stands for Arista Certified Engineer, is the official certification program from Arista Networks that validates your real-world skills in deploying, operating, and automating Arista-based networks.
But what exactly is the ACE certification? What are the different levels? How does the exam work? And most importantly, is it worth your time and money?
This guide answers every question. Whether you are a network engineer just starting out, a Cisco-certified professional looking to expand your skills, or an enterprise IT manager evaluating training options for your team, this is the only guide you need.
What is Arista ACE Certification?
The Arista Certified Engineer (ACE) certification is a vendor-specific networking certification program offered by Arista Networks. It is designed to validate practical, hands-on skills in configuring, managing, troubleshooting, and automating networks built on Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS) and its ecosystem of tools, including CloudVision Portal (CVP).
Unlike many traditional certifications that rely on multiple-choice questions, the ACE program is built around practical, lab-based exams. You are tested on what you can actually do in a real network environment, not on what you can memorize.
The program is managed through the Arista Academy, which offers three core learning products:
- Academy Digital: self-paced online learning with over 1,000 hours of expert-designed content and interactive labs
- Academy Live: instructor-led training delivered by official Arista Authorized Training Partners like Armada Labs
- Academy Certification: the formal exam and certification platform for earning your ACE credentials
As an official Arista Authorized Training Partner, Armada Labs delivers live ACE certification training across Asia-Pacific, with access to real lab environments, expert instructors, and structured certification pathways.
The History: Old ACE Program vs New Program (2026 Update)
Many engineers are confused because Arista recently overhauled its certification program. Here is what you need to know.
The original ACE program used a simple numbered structure — Levels 1 through 7. Level 1 was the most basic (foundational networking), and Level 7 was the highest expert credential. This program served the industry well for many years.
In June 2025, Arista launched an Enhanced Certification Program built around Learning Tracks — a major structural change. The new program replaced the old level-based system with role-specific tracks that align more closely with how real-world network engineers actually work.
Key changes in 2026:
- The old Level 1 to Level 5 exams reached end-of-life on December 31, 2025. From January 2026 onward, only the new Learning Track exams are available.
- Level 6 has been retired.
- Level 7 Expert remains active.
- The new certification levels (1, 3, 5, 7) are now called Associate, Specialist, Professional, and Expert respectively, the numbers have new meanings.
If you hold a legacy ACE certification, it remains valid until your two-year recertification deadline. After that, you must use the new Learning Track exams to renew.
ACE Certification Levels Explained (2026)
The current ACE program uses a four-tier structure:
Level 1: Associate (ACE Associate)
This is the entry-level certification and your starting point in the Arista certification journey.
Who it is for: Network engineers, administrators, and IT professionals who are new to Arista EOS and want to build a solid foundation.
What it covers:
- Core Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing
- Arista EOS fundamentals and CLI
- Basic network security
- IPv6 fundamentals
- Introduction to network automation using CloudVision
Exam format: 2-hour open-book, online proctored lab exam
Pro tip: Most engineers with basic networking knowledge can prepare for the ACE Level 1 exam in 4 to 6 weeks of focused study. It is an excellent starting point even if you are coming from a Cisco background.
Level 3: Specialist (ACE Specialist)
The Specialist level represents significant advancement and focuses on a specific Learning Track and sub-track (Operations or Engineering).
Who it is for: Mid-level to advanced network engineers who want to demonstrate specialized expertise in a particular area.
Available Learning Tracks for Level 3:
- Data Center Operations (DC Ops): monitoring, telemetry, troubleshooting data center networks
- Data Center Engineering (DC Eng): designing and deploying leaf-spine fabrics, VXLAN, EVPN, BGP
- Campus Operations (Campus Ops): managing wired and wireless campus networks
- Campus Engineering (Campus Eng): designing Layer 2/Layer 3 campus networks with CloudVision
- Automation Foundations: network automation using Python, Ansible, and Arista AVD
- Routing MPLS Core: advanced WAN routing, MPLS, Segment Routing
Exam format: 4-hour open-book, online proctored lab exam per sub-track
Important: You earn a separate Specialist certification for each sub-track you pass. Passing both Operations and Engineering sub-tracks in the same domain automatically awards you the Level 5 Professional certification.
Level 5: Professional (ACE Professional)
The Professional level is automatically awarded when you earn both the Operations and Engineering Specialist certifications within a single Learning Track.
For example: If you pass both DC Operations and DC Engineering exams, you automatically receive the ACE Data Center Professional credential no additional exam required.
Who it is for: Senior network engineers and architects who want to demonstrate comprehensive mastery across an entire technology domain.
Level 7: Expert (ACE Expert)
The highest credential in the Arista certification program.
Who it is for: Lead engineers, architects, and technical consultants with deep, proven Arista expertise across multiple domains.
What it validates: Expert status demonstrates deep, specialized knowledge and the ability to provide strategic technical leadership across Arista’s networking and security architecture.
Pass rate: Historically around 15 to 20 percent, making this one of the most challenging networking certifications in the industry.
At Armada Labs, our lead trainer Dean Armada is one of the First 100 ACE Level 7 Experts Worldwide and has been an Arista Certified Trainer since 2015, making him among the most experienced Arista instructors in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Five Learning Tracks
One of the most important things to understand about the current ACE program is its Learning Track structure. Instead of a single linear path, you choose the track that matches your job role and specialization.
1. Network Foundations Track
The entry point for all certification candidates. Covers EOS fundamentals, Layer 2/Layer 3 switching, routing protocols, security basics, IPv6, and an introduction to CloudVision automation. Available as self-paced digital learning. Leads to the ACE Associate Level 1 certification.
2. Data Center Track
Designed for network engineers working in data center environments. Covers leaf-spine architecture, VXLAN tunneling, BGP-based fabric design, EVPN, and CloudVision management. Splits into Operations and Engineering sub-tracks at Level 3.
3. Campus Track
For engineers managing enterprise campus networks, wired and wireless. Covers CloudVision management, Layer 2/Layer 3 campus design, campus security, and Arista’s Wi-Fi solutions.
4. WAN Routing Track
Designed for service provider and large enterprise engineers. Covers MPLS fundamentals, Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs with EVPN and BGP, RSVP-TE, traffic engineering, and Segment Routing (SR-WAN). Note: Some Routing sub-tracks are still in development as of Q2 2026.
5. Automation Track
For network engineers and DevOps teams focused on automation. Covers Python APIs, Arista eAPI, Ansible, CloudVision integration, and Arista AVD (Architect, Validate, Deploy) — the open-source framework for deploying structured network configurations.
How the ACE Exam Works
One of the most distinctive features of the ACE certification program is its exam format. Understanding it is essential for proper preparation.
Open-Book Format
All ACE exams are open-book. You are allowed to consult Arista documentation, your notes, and prepared scripts during the exam. This might sound easy, but it is not. The exam tests your ability to actually configure, troubleshoot, and validate a real network under time pressure. Knowing where to find information helps, but you cannot fake real networking instincts.
Lab-Based Scenarios
Exams run on actual Arista EOS equipment, not simulations or emulators. You are given real-world scenarios and must complete them within the time limit. This is fundamentally different from multiple-choice certifications and is why ACE credentials are highly respected by employers.
Online Proctoring
Exams are delivered online through Honorlock proctoring (webcam and microphone required). You schedule your exam through the Arista portal at a time that suits you.
Exam Duration
- Level 1 Associate exam: approximately 2 hours
- Level 3 Specialist exams (per sub-track): approximately 4 hours
- Level 7 Expert: a multi-section evaluation process
Results and Retakes
Pass/fail results are typically delivered via email within about 3 business days. If you do not pass, there is a 14-day waiting period before you can retake the exam. Higher-tier attempts may have longer waiting periods.
ACE Certification: Cost and Pricing
Arista does not publish a single global price list, and pricing varies by region and by how you access training.
Generally speaking:
- Self-paced digital subscriptions (Academy Digital) are billed annually per person and provide access to all Learning Track content, including labs.
- Instructor-led training (Academy Live) through authorized partners like Armada Labs includes course content, lab time, and in many cases exam preparation guidance.
- Individual exam vouchers can be purchased through the Arista portal or via authorized training partners.
For accurate pricing for your region in Asia-Pacific, contact Armada Labs directly — we provide exclusive partner pricing for both individual engineers and enterprise teams.
ACE Certification Validity and Recertification
ACE certifications are valid for two years from the date of issue.
The recertification policy is straightforward:
- Certifications issued before June 1, 2024 must be recertified before June 1, 2026.
- Certifications issued after June 1, 2024 expire two years from the issue date.
- Renewing a certification at a given level automatically extends all lower-level certifications you hold in other tracks. For example, passing a Level 3 exam will also extend your Level 1 certification.
- If you hold a Level 7 Expert certification, it satisfies recertification requirements for all lower levels.
This unified recertification policy makes it significantly easier to maintain multiple certifications over time.
Who Should Pursue ACE Certification?
The ACE program is designed for a wide range of networking professionals. Here is a quick guide:
You should start with ACE Level 1 if you are:
- New to Arista EOS and want to learn the fundamentals
- A junior network engineer or administrator
- An engineer from a Cisco or Juniper background making the transition to Arista
- An IT professional who needs to work with Arista infrastructure
You should target ACE Level 3 Specialist if you are:
- A mid-level engineer with 12 or more months of hands-on networking experience
- Working specifically in data centers, campus environments, or WAN routing
- Looking to demonstrate specialized expertise for career advancement
- An engineer whose organization has deployed or is planning to deploy Arista infrastructure
You should aim for ACE Level 5 Professional if you are:
- A senior engineer with deep experience in a specific technology domain
- Looking for comprehensive mastery credentials recognized by large enterprises
- Targeting roles like network architect, senior network engineer, or team lead
You should pursue ACE Level 7 Expert if you are:
- A highly experienced engineer with multiple years of Arista deployment experience
- An architect or consultant working on large-scale, complex network projects
- Willing to invest significant preparation time — this is one of the most demanding certifications in networking
ACE Certification vs Cisco CCNP, A Quick Comparison
Many engineers come to Arista training with a Cisco background. Here is how the two programs compare:
| Feature | Arista ACE | Cisco CCNP |
| Exam Format | Lab-based, open-book | Multiple-choice + simlets |
| Focus | Real-world configuration | Theory + configuration |
| Tracks | Role-specific (DC, Campus, Routing, Automation) | Technology-specific |
| Relevance | Cloud-native, modern data centers | Broad enterprise |
| Difficulty | Practical skills under pressure | Theory-heavy with some lab |
The key difference is that ACE exams test what you can do, not just what you know. For engineers working in modern data centers and cloud environments, this makes the ACE credential particularly valuable.
Why Choose Armada Labs for Your ACE Certification?
Armada Labs is an official Arista Authorized Training Partner and an Arista Authorized Reseller delivering live ACE certification training across Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Australia, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and more.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Lead Trainer Dean Armada has been an Arista Certified Trainer since 2015 and is one of the First 100 ACE Level 7 Experts Worldwide
- Live instructor-led courses with real-time Q&A, virtual or face-to-face delivery
- Hands-on lab environments built on actual Arista hardware, leaf-spine topologies, not mock setups
- All major Learning Tracks available: Foundations, Data Center, Campus, Routing, and Automation
- Exclusive partner pricing on exam vouchers and training bundles
- Small class sizes for personalized attention and maximum learning retention
Whether you are an individual engineer pursuing your first ACE credential or an enterprise IT team building Arista expertise across your organization, Armada Labs has a training path that fits your goals.
View our full course schedule → Explore ACE certification options →
Conclusion
The Arista ACE Certification is one of the most practically rigorous and industry-respected networking credentials available today. Its lab-based, open-book exam format sets it apart from traditional certifications, and the new Learning Track structure makes it more relevant than ever to the roles network engineers actually hold.
Whether you are just beginning your Arista journey with the ACE Associate credential, working toward a Specialist certification in Data Center or Campus networking, or targeting the prestigious Level 7 Expert status, there is a clear path forward.
As an official Arista Authorized Training Partner, Armada Labs is here to guide you through every step, with live instruction, real lab environments, and the expertise of one of the world’s first ACE Level 7 trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does ACE stand for in Arista certification? ACE stands for Arista Certified Engineer. The program was previously known as Arista Cloud Engineer (same abbreviation), but the meaning was updated when the Enhanced Certification Program launched in June 2025.
Q: Is Arista ACE certification hard? Yes, ACE certifications especially at the Specialist and Professional levels are considered challenging. Because exams are lab-based and open-book rather than multiple-choice, they test real-world skills under time pressure. Most engineers find that consistent lab practice is the most important preparation strategy. Level 1 Associate exams are more accessible and a great starting point.
Q: How long does it take to get ACE certified?
For the ACE Level 1 Associate, most engineers with a networking background can prepare in 4 to 6 weeks of focused study and lab practice. Level 3 Specialist exams typically require 3 to 4 months of preparation, including significant time in lab environments. Level 7 Expert often requires 6 to 12 months of preparation and real-world deployment experience.
Q: Do I need to take courses in order? Can I skip Level 1?
There are no mandatory prerequisites for ACE exams. You can pursue any certification level or track in any order without prior certifications or course enrollment. However, Arista recommends starting with the Foundations track if you are new to Arista EOS, as the content provides the building blocks needed for higher-level tracks.
Q: Are ACE exams open-book?
Yes, all ACE exams are open-book. You may consult Arista documentation, your notes, and prepared scripts during the exam. However, the exams test practical lab skills, knowing where to find information helps, but you still need real technical competence to complete the scenarios in time.
Q: How much does the Arista ACE certification exam cost?
Arista does not publish a single global price list. Pricing varies by region and training format. For Asia-Pacific pricing, contact Armada Labs directly for partner pricing on exam vouchers and course bundles.
Q: How long is ACE certification valid?
ACE certifications are valid for two years from the date of issue. Recertification requires passing the relevant Learning Track exam. Renewing a higher-level certification automatically extends all lower-level certifications you hold.
Q: What is the difference between the old ACE levels and the new Learning Tracks?
The old program used numbered levels (L1 to L7) as a linear path. The new Enhanced Certification Program (launched June 2025) uses Learning Tracks grouped by technology domain (Data Center, Campus, Routing, Automation). Within each track, you can earn Associate (L1), Specialist (L3), or Professional (L5) credentials. Level 7 Expert remains the highest overall credential. The old L1-L5 exams are no longer available as of January 2026.
Q: Is Arista certification recognized by employers?
Yes. As Arista Networks continues to grow its market share in cloud data centers and enterprise networking, ACE-certified engineers are increasingly in demand, particularly in organizations using Arista infrastructure for AI-ready data centers, campus networks, and automated WAN environments. In Asia-Pacific specifically, demand for Arista-certified professionals is growing rapidly.