ACMA vs ACCP: Comparing Aruba Certification Tracks

As enterprise networks become more complex, organizations are increasingly looking for IT professionals who can deploy, manage, and secure advanced networking infrastructure. Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) company, offers a range of industry-recognized certifications to meet this demand. Among the most popular entry and intermediate certifications are ACMA (Aruba Certified Mobility Associate) and ACCP (Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional).While both certifications belong to the Aruba ecosystem, they cater to different areas of expertise: wireless mobility and network access security, respectively. This article provides a detailed comparison of ACMA and ACCP to help you choose the right track for your career goals.

Overview of ACMA and ACCP

ACMA – Aruba Certified Mobility Associate

This certification validates foundational knowledge in wireless networking with a focus on Aruba’s Mobility Controllers, APs, and wireless network configurations. It is ideal for professionals beginning their journey in wireless networking and looking to specialize in Aruba WLAN solutions. ACCP – Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional

The aruba certification is focused on Aruba’s ClearPass Policy Manager, a network access control (NAC) solution. It certifies a candidate’s ability to configure and manage secure access for wired and wireless devices across an enterprise.

Key Focus Areas

ACMA – Mobility and Wireless Infrastructure

• WLAN fundamentals and Aruba controller architecture
• Configuration of APs, SSIDs, VLANs, and roles
• Mobility Master and controller-based networks
• Wireless security protocols and authentication
• Basic troubleshooting of wireless networks

Best For:

Network administrators or engineers working with or planning to deploy Aruba wireless infrastructure.

ACCP – Access Control and Network Security

• ClearPass architecture and installation
• Authentication protocols (802.1X, EAP, MAC auth)
• Policy enforcement and role-based access
• Guest access and device profiling
• Integration with Active Directory, RADIUS, and third-party systems

Best For:

Security-focused professionals responsible for network access control and policy enforcement in enterprise environments.

Prerequisites

ACMA:

• No formal prerequisites
• Recommended: Basic networking knowledge and some experience with Aruba wireless products

ACCP:

• Prior experience with Aruba ClearPass is highly recommended
• Understanding of RADIUS, 802.1X, and Active Directory is essential
• Completion of Aruba’s ClearPass Essentials course is strongly encouraged

Exam Format and Difficulty

ACMA Exam Details:

• Multiple choice and multiple response questions
• Duration: ~90 minutes
• Focus: Fundamental knowledge of wireless concepts and Aruba-specific implementations
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

ACCP Exam Details:

• Scenario-based questions involving configuration and troubleshooting
• Duration: ~90–120 minutes
• Focus: In-depth knowledge of ClearPass configuration and policy enforcement
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Tip:

The ACCP exam is generally considered more challenging due to its focus on security concepts and real-world application scenarios.

Career Path and Advancement

After ACMA:

• Progress to Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP)
• Broaden your skillset with switching (ACSA) or design certifications

After ACCP:

• Advance to Aruba Certified ClearPass Expert (ACCX)
• Combine with security certifications such as ACNSA (Network Security Associate)

ACMA suits those aiming for roles like:

• Wireless Network Engineer
• WLAN Administrator
• Mobility Support Specialist

ACCP suits those aiming for roles like:

• Network Access Control Specialist
• Network Security Engineer
• IT Security Administrator

Which Certification Should You Choose?

• Choose ACMA if you are focused on wireless infrastructure, designing and deploying Aruba WLANs, or starting out in enterprise networking.
• Choose ACCP if you are more interested in securing network access, enforcing role-based policies, and managing authentication across devices and users.

Strategic Tip:

Many organizations require both wireless and secure access control expertise. Earning both ACMA and ACCP can significantly boost your value as a well-rounded Aruba-certified professional.

Conclusion

Both ACMA and ACCP serve distinct purposes in the Aruba certification landscape. While ACMA lays the foundation in mobility and wireless networking, ACCP dives deeper into securing network access using ClearPass. Your choice should depend on your current role, technical interests, and long-term career objectives.If possible, pursue both to expand your versatility in the growing world of secure, wireless-first enterprise networking — a key skillset for any modern IT professional.