Arista Networks, known for its innovative cloud networking solutions, has established a respected certification program to help network engineers validate their skills and advance their careers. With certifications like ACE-A (Associate), ACE-P (Professional), and ACE-E (Expert), the arista certification Program is growing in popularity among professionals aiming to master Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and network automation. However, before embarking on this path, it’s essential to understand the cost implications, including exam fees, training expenses, and study materials.
1. Exam Fees for Arista Certifications
Arista offers three main certification levels under the Arista Certified Engineering (ACE) program. As of 2025, here’s the typical cost structure for the certification exams:
- ACE-A (Associate):
Exam Fee: $150 USD
This entry-level certification validates basic knowledge of Arista's EOS (Extensible Operating System) and networking fundamentals. It’s a good starting point for those new to Arista technologies or SDN. - ACE-P (Professional):
Exam Fee: $300 USD
Aimed at network professionals with hands-on experience, the ACE-P exam dives deeper into Arista’s EOS CLI, automation with Python and Ansible, and architecture design. - ACE-E (Expert):
Exam Fee: $600 USD
This is the most advanced certification, designed for highly experienced engineers. It focuses on complex deployments, troubleshooting, and advanced automation.
These fees typically cover just the exam and do not include training or study materials.
2. Training Course Costs
Arista provides both instructor-led and self-paced training options through its Arista Cloud Vision and ACE Training Programs, designed to help candidates prepare for each certification level.
- Self-Paced eLearning:
- ACE-A eLearning Course: Approx. $499 USD
- ACE-P eLearning Course: Approx. $799 USD
- ACE-E eLearning Course: Starts from $1,200 USD
These online courses include video lectures, practical lab exercises, and exam simulations. They are ideal for professionals who prefer flexible learning schedules.
- Instructor-Led Training (ILT):
Instructor-led courses are significantly more expensive, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 USD, depending on the certification level and whether the training is on-site or virtual. These classes are conducted by Arista-certified instructors and often include direct access to labs and exam vouchers.
3. Study Guides and Learning Resources
In addition to official training, many candidates rely on study guides and community-driven resources to prepare for Arista certifications. While Arista does not publish official textbooks, the following resources are highly recommended:
- Arista’s Free Documentation:
Arista offers extensive documentation on EOS, CloudVision, and automation tools on their official website. These resources are free and essential for all certification levels. - GitHub Repositories & Labs:
Many community-contributed GitHub repos offer real-world lab configurations and Python/Ansible scripts. These are free and highly valuable for ACE-P and ACE-E candidates. - Books & Third-Party Guides:
While limited compared to Cisco or Juniper, there are third-party books and courses focused on SDN and automation that complement ACE preparation. Expect to spend around $30–$100 USD on supplementary books. - Practice Exams:
Some platforms like Udemy or Boson may offer practice exams or unofficial prep materials for the ACE certifications. Prices vary from $20 to $100 USD depending on the quality and provider.
4. Total Estimated Cost Per Level
Here’s a rough breakdown of the total investment needed per certification:
- ACE-A:
- Exam Fee: $150
- Training (optional): $499
- Study Materials: $30
Total: ~$700 USD
- ACE-P:
- Exam Fee: $300
- Training: $799
- Study Materials: $50
Total: ~$1,150 USD
- ACE-E:
- Exam Fee: $600
- Training: $1,200+
- Study Materials: $100
Total: ~$1,900+ USD
Final Thoughts
While the cost of Arista certifications can be significant—especially at the higher levels—the investment is often justified by the career benefits. Arista-certified professionals are in demand for roles in high-performance networking, data centers, and cloud infrastructures. Whether you’re just starting with ACE-A or preparing for the expert-level ACE-E, understanding and planning for these costs ensures a more strategic approach to achieving your certification goals.
