As network environments become increasingly mobile, cloud-driven, and security-conscious, networking professionals are expected to stay current with the latest technologies and solutions. Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, has established itself as a leader in wireless networking, edge-to-cloud security, and SD-WAN. With enterprises rapidly adopting Aruba’s solutions, network engineers seeking to remain competitive in 2025 should consider aruba certification as a pathway to advancing their careers. But which Aruba certification is best suited for network engineers in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Why Aruba Certifications Matter
Aruba’s certifications are globally recognized and designed to validate skills that align with the demands of modern enterprise networking—such as Wi-Fi 6/6E deployment, software-defined networking (SDN), zero trust security, and edge-to-cloud infrastructure. As organizations prioritize secure and seamless connectivity, professionals who demonstrate Aruba-specific expertise are highly sought after.
Aruba offers certifications through its Aruba Education Services under the Aruba Certified program. These credentials cover associate to expert levels and span wired and wireless networking, security, and mobility.
Top Aruba Certification for Network Engineers in 2025: Aruba Certified Professional – Network Security (ACNS)
For 2025, the Aruba Certified Professional – Network Security (ACNS) stands out as the most valuable Aruba certification for network engineers. Here’s why:
- Security is no longer optional. With network perimeters dissolving due to remote work and IoT proliferation, network engineers must integrate security into every layer of infrastructure.
- Aruba Zero Trust and Dynamic Segmentation technologies are becoming enterprise standards.
- ACNS validates a professional’s ability to design, implement, and manage secure enterprise-grade networks using Aruba’s architecture.
Key topics covered include:
- Network access control using Aruba ClearPass
- Zero Trust framework
- Role-based policy enforcement
- Secure network segmentation
- Threat detection and response with Aruba Central
These skills align perfectly with what enterprises need in 2025: engineers who can build and manage networks that are not only high-performance but also secure by design.
Other Notable Aruba Certifications for Network Engineers
While ACNS leads the pack in 2025, several other Aruba certifications are also valuable depending on your specialization and career goals:
1. Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP)
Perfect for network engineers focused on wired infrastructure, ACSP covers VLANs, spanning tree protocols, routing, QoS, and management of Aruba CX switches.
Ideal for:
- Campus network engineers
- Data center network professionals
- Engineers migrating from legacy vendors to Aruba switching platforms
2. Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP)
A must-have for wireless-focused engineers, ACMP focuses on deploying and managing WLANs, RF planning, roaming, and security using Aruba Mobility Controllers and APs.
Ideal for:
- Wireless engineers
- Field technicians
- Engineers working in education, healthcare, and retail sectors with high-density WLAN needs
3. Aruba Certified Network Technician (ACNT)
This entry-level certification is suitable for junior engineers or IT professionals transitioning into networking roles. It covers basic networking, Aruba hardware, and troubleshooting skills.
Career and Salary Outlook
Professionals with Aruba certifications are often employed as:
- Network Engineers
- Wireless Architects
- Mobility Specialists
- Infrastructure Security Engineers
- Network Security Analysts
According to industry data, certified Aruba professionals can earn between $80,000 to $140,000 per year depending on experience and location. Engineers with both security and wireless certifications typically command higher salaries, especially in healthcare, government, and education sectors.
How to Get Certified
To become Aruba Certified, candidates typically follow this process:
- Enroll in official Aruba training courses (available online or in-person).
- Study using Aruba’s digital learning libraries and practice labs.
- Schedule and pass the required Pearson VUE certification exam.
Most certifications are valid for three years, after which engineers can recertify or move to a higher-level credential.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the Aruba Certified Professional – Network Security (ACNS) is the top certification for network engineers seeking to future-proof their careers. It combines in-demand skills across networking and security, aligning with the current enterprise shift toward secure, cloud-managed infrastructure.
Whether you’re focused on wireless, switching, or security, Aruba’s certification path offers a versatile and valuable investment for network professionals navigating the evolving IT landscape.