The Arista Academy Certification Program Overview
The Arista certification program follows a four-level structure, each representing increasing technical depth and specialization:
Associate Level (L1)
Your entry point into Arista certifications. This foundational level confirms understanding of the core principles covered in the Foundations track.
Specialist Level (L3)
Focused on deeper knowledge within a sub-track (Operations or Engineering), this level highlights specialized expertise.
Professional Level (L5)
Awarded after earning both Operations and Engineering Specialist certifications within a track, this designation reflects advanced mastery across the entire learning track.
Expert Level (L7)
The highest credential available. Expert status validates deep technical authority and the ability to provide strategic leadership across Arista’s networking and security architecture.
Updated Learning Tracks and Sub-Tracks
- One of the most significant updates is the introduction of multiple learning tracks, many of which include Operations and Engineering sub-tracks.
- Earning a Specialist (L3) in either sub-track demonstrates focused expertise.
- Completing both sub-tracks within a track automatically elevates you to Professional (L5) certification.
- This structure provides flexibility and progression while ensuring that each level represents consistent achievement across all tracks.
Exam Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites or required sequences for Arista Academy certification exams. Candidates may pursue any certification, whether Associate (L1) or Expert (L7), in any order, without the need for prior certifications or specific course enrollment.
| Associate | Ops - Specialist | Eng - Specialist | Professional | Expert | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Certification | |||||||
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| Data Center Track | |||||||
 | + |  | = |  | |||
| Campus Track | |||||||
 | + |  | = |  | |||
| Expert Certification | |||||||
 | |||||||
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Learning Tracks?
A Learning Track combines content, labs and certifications into architecture relevant learning paths. These learning paths are typically further subdivided into Operations and Engineering sections, allowing focus on relevant job roles as a participant makes their way through a track.
What Learning Tracks are Available?
Currently, five distinct learning tracks will be made available over the course of 2025.
- Foundations Track
- Data Center Track
- Campus Track
- Routing Track
- Automation Track
As of June 1, 2025 both the Foundations and Data Center tracks will be available, followed by Campus (Q3), Automation (Q4) and Routing (Q4).
What is Happening to the ACE Program?
The existing ACE (Arista Cloud Engineer) program with Levels 1 through 7 (content & certifications) is evolving into the new ACE (Arista Certified Engineer) Learning Track program. The new Learning Track program enhances alignment with Arista’s products and architectures as well as the functional roles found in most network environments.
What Happens to My Current ACE Certifications?
All current ACE L1 through L7 certifications remain valid in the new program, when the time comes to recertify you can use one of the options below.
Option 1: Retake your original exam (All L1–L5 exams will remain available through December 31, 2025)
Option 2: Take a new track exam. Choose the track that best aligns with your current certification:
- Foundations (closest to L1)
- Data Center Operations (closest to L2)
- Data Center Engineering (closest to L3)
Please Note:
- These tracks are not direct replacements for the L-levels—they are just the closest in focus
- Passing a previous L-level exam does not guarantee a pass on a new track exam. The updated certifications include revised content and expectations
- If you don’t pass an exam, there is a 14-day waiting period before you can retake it
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