As network infrastructure continues to evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can manage high-performance data center and cloud networks. Arista Networks, a leader in software-driven cloud networking, has built a strong reputation for delivering scalable, programmable, and secure networking solutions. To support industry professionals, Arista offers a certification program that validates expertise in deploying and managing its technologies. Understanding arista certification levels and the career benefits they offer can help IT professionals enhance their skills and open up new job opportunities.
Arista’s certification program is designed to align with real-world job roles and practical skills. It is structured to meet the needs of engineers working in data centers, enterprise environments, and cloud infrastructures. Unlike some vendor programs that emphasize rote memorization, Arista certifications focus on hands-on knowledge and operational competence.
Arista’s certification tracks are organized into three primary levels:
Level: Entry-Level
Overview:
The ACE Associate certification is the foundational level for those new to Arista technologies or network engineering. It covers basic networking principles and introduces candidates to Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS).
Key Topics:
Ethernet switching fundamentals
Layer 2/Layer 3 networking
Arista EOS basics
CLI configuration and troubleshooting
Who it's for:
Network administrators, junior engineers, or anyone beginning their journey into Arista environments.
Career Benefits:
Builds a solid networking foundation
Enhances credibility for entry-level roles
Prepares for more advanced Arista certifications
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
The ACE Professional level builds upon the associate knowledge base and delves deeper into Arista's architecture, advanced routing, automation, and network operations.
Key Topics:
Advanced routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EVPN)
Network design and segmentation
VXLAN overlays
Automation with Python and Arista’s eAPI/CloudVision
Who it's for:
Experienced network engineers, data center operators, and professionals working with large-scale networks.
Career Benefits:
Prepares candidates for senior engineering roles
Demonstrates in-depth understanding of Arista platforms
Valuable in cloud and data center networking roles
Level: Expert
Overview:
The ACE Architect certification is the highest level in Arista’s program. It is intended for seasoned professionals who design, implement, and optimize large and complex Arista-based networks.
Key Topics:
Scalable network architecture
Multi-tenant design and segmentation
Traffic engineering
Automation, telemetry, and network analytics
Who it's for:
Lead engineers, architects, and technical consultants with significant Arista experience.
Career Benefits:
Qualifies candidates for high-level architecture roles
Enhances credibility in consulting and design positions
Sets candidates apart in competitive hiring processes
1. Industry Recognition
Arista is a recognized leader in cloud networking and software-defined infrastructure. Certified professionals gain respect and visibility in the industry.
2. Competitive Salary Potential
With increasing demand for Arista-skilled professionals, certification can lead to higher-paying roles, especially in cloud-centric enterprises and data center environments.
3. Career Mobility
Arista-certified professionals are in demand by large enterprises, hyperscale data centers, and financial institutions that rely on low-latency, high-performance networks.
4. Hands-On Skills
Arista certifications emphasize lab-based, real-world training, ensuring that certified engineers can handle practical challenges—not just theoretical questions.
5. Future-Proofing Your Career
Arista’s focus on automation, programmability, and open networking prepares engineers for the modern era of DevNet and NetOps.
As cloud and data center networks grow in complexity, professionals with specialized skills in platforms like Arista are increasingly valuable. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for an expert-level role, Arista’s structured certification path—from Associate to Architect—offers a clear and practical route to building your network engineering career. With a strong focus on automation, scalability, and performance, Arista certifications not only boost your technical skills but also open doors to some of the most advanced and well-paying roles in the networking world.