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Question 1

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What is the name of Arista's network operating system that runs across all Arista switch platforms?

NX-OS

EOS (Extensible Operating System)

Junos

FortiOS

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ACE-Associate Exam

~60

Exam Questions

Arista / Pearson VUE

70%

Passing Score

Arista

90 min

Exam Duration

Arista

$150

Exam Fee

Arista

3 years

Validity

Arista

None

Prerequisites

Arista

The ACE-A exam has ~60 questions in 90 minutes with a 70% pass threshold. Focus: Arista EOS fundamentals, SysDB/Aboot architecture, CLI config management, ZTP provisioning, VLANs/trunking, spanning-tree, LACP, OSPF/BGP basics, hardware platforms (7050/7060/7280/7800), and eAPI basics. No formal prerequisites. Certification validity: 3 years. Exam fee $150 USD. Delivered via Pearson VUE online-proctored or at test centers.

Sample ACE-Associate Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACE-Associate exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the name of Arista's network operating system that runs across all Arista switch platforms?

A.NX-OS

B.EOS (Extensible Operating System)

C.Junos

D.FortiOS

Explanation: EOS (Extensible Operating System) is Arista's single binary image that runs across every Arista switch platform. It is built on an unmodified Linux kernel and uses a publish/subscribe database (SysDB) as its central state store. NX-OS is Cisco, Junos is Juniper, and FortiOS is Fortinet.

2Which component of Arista EOS acts as the central in-memory database for all system state, with agents publishing and subscribing to changes?

A.SysDB

B.Aboot

C.CLI Daemon

D.Kernel

Explanation: SysDB is the central in-memory state database in EOS. All agents (routing, interface, VLAN, etc.) publish their state to SysDB and subscribe to changes they care about. This publish/subscribe model isolates processes — if one agent crashes, it can be restarted without taking down the rest of the system. Aboot is the boot loader.

3What is Aboot in the Arista EOS architecture?

A.An automation framework for deployment

B.The boot loader responsible for loading the EOS image

C.A configuration management tool

D.A logging subsystem

Explanation: Aboot is the Arista boot loader, analogous to GRUB or LILO on Linux systems. It is responsible for locating and loading the EOS image from flash at boot time. Aboot provides a recovery shell that can be used to reinstall EOS or recover from boot failures. It is not a configuration or automation tool.

4Which EOS release train is recommended for customers wanting the latest features, accepting that some features may still be maturing?

A.M (Maintenance)

B.F (Feature)

C.DI (Deferred Image)

D.LTS only

Explanation: The F (Feature) train contains the newest EOS features and is intended for customers who want early access to new capabilities. The M (Maintenance) train is hardened and recommended for production deployments where stability is paramount. The DI (Deferred Image) train is used only for specific issue remediation.

5Which CLI command shows the currently running configuration on an Arista EOS switch?

A.show startup-config

B.show running-config

C.show config

D.display current-configuration

Explanation: 'show running-config' displays the configuration currently loaded in memory and active on the switch. 'show startup-config' shows the saved configuration that will be loaded at next boot. 'display current-configuration' is Huawei syntax, not Arista.

6From which EOS CLI mode can you enter interface configuration commands?

A.User EXEC

B.Privileged EXEC

C.Global configuration

D.ROM monitor

Explanation: You enter interface configuration mode from Global configuration mode with 'interface Ethernet1' or similar. The prompt changes from '(config)#' to '(config-if-Et1)#'. User EXEC is read-only (prompt '>'), and Privileged EXEC (prompt '#') does not accept config commands directly — you must first type 'configure' or 'configure terminal'.

7You want to safely test configuration changes and roll back if something breaks. Which EOS feature should you use?

A.configure replace

B.configure session

C.write erase

D.reload in 10

Explanation: 'configure session' creates a named configuration session where changes are staged but not applied. You review with 'show session-config diffs', then 'commit' or 'abort'. 'configure replace' loads a saved file atomically but without the preview workflow. 'reload in 10' schedules a reboot — useful as a safety net but not a rollback mechanism per se.

8Which command saves the running configuration to startup configuration on Arista EOS?

A.save config

B.copy running-config startup-config

C.write erase

D.commit all

Explanation: 'copy running-config startup-config' (or the shortcut 'write' or 'write memory') saves the running config as the startup config so it persists across reboots. 'write erase' deletes the startup config. 'commit all' is Juniper syntax.

9What does Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) do on a factory-fresh Arista switch?

A.Deletes all user accounts on boot

B.Automatically downloads a startup configuration and EOS image from a network server

C.Encrypts the flash partition

D.Enables telnet access by default

Explanation: ZTP boots a factory-fresh switch, obtains an IP via DHCP, and then fetches a bootstrap script, startup configuration, and optionally a new EOS image from a server. This enables lights-out provisioning of entire racks. You can cancel ZTP with 'zerotouch cancel' to proceed to the normal login prompt.

10A switch boots and enters ZTP mode but you want to configure it manually. Which command cancels ZTP?

A.ztp disable

B.zerotouch cancel

C.no ztp

D.boot manual

Explanation: 'zerotouch cancel' from the CLI exits ZTP mode and allows the administrator to configure the switch manually. The switch will not attempt ZTP on subsequent boots unless explicitly re-enabled via 'zerotouch enable'. ZTP is a process, not a feature you toggle with 'no ztp'.

About the ACE-Associate Exam

The Arista Certified Engineer — Associate (ACE-A) exam validates foundational knowledge of Arista EOS and data-center switching. It covers EOS architecture (Linux kernel, SysDB, Aboot, release trains), CLI modes and configuration management (sessions, checkpoints, replace), ZTP, VLANs and spanning-tree, LACP/port-channels, SVIs and basic L3, OSPF/BGP fundamentals, management services (SNMP, NTP, Syslog, AAA/TACACS+), Arista hardware platforms, and introductory eAPI automation.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$150 (Arista Networks / Pearson VUE)

ACE-Associate Exam Content Outline

20%

EOS Architecture & CLI

Linux kernel foundation, SysDB, Aboot boot loader, release trains (M/F/DI), CLI modes, configure sessions, checkpoints, config replace, show/debug commands

25%

Switching Fundamentals

VLANs, trunking (802.1Q), SVIs, spanning-tree (RSTP/MSTP), BPDU guard, LACP port-channels, MLAG basics, MAC address table

20%

Routing Basics

OSPF areas, LSA types, BGP basics (eBGP/iBGP, states, timers, TCP 179), static routes, ECMP, ARP, routing table

15%

Management & Troubleshooting

SNMP, NTP, Syslog, AAA (TACACS+/RADIUS), SSH hardening, management VRF, LLDP, show tech-support, packet capture, transceiver diagnostics

10%

Automation Basics

eAPI (JSON-RPC over HTTPS), event-handler, Bash shell access, EOS extensions, TerminAttr overview, basic ZTP

10%

Platforms & Deployment

Arista hardware families (7010, 7050/X, 7060X, 7280R3, 7300X, 7500R, 7800R3, 7130, 720XP), ZTP, SSU/ISSU, image management

How to Pass the ACE-Associate Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: 90 minutes
Exam fee: $150

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACE-Associate Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on EOS architecture — SysDB, Aboot, release trains — these show up across many questions

2Memorize CLI workflow: configure session → show diffs → commit/abort; configure replace; checkpoints

3Know all EVPN-related terms at an introductory level (VLAN, SVI, MLAG) before attempting Specialist

4Practice 'show running-config', 'show version', 'show interfaces', 'show ip route' until they are muscle memory

5Understand LACP modes (active/passive/on) and why passive-passive never forms

6Use the free Arista Academy labs — hands-on is how ACE-A concepts cement

7This is a concepts exam — know 'what does SysDB do' better than 'write the config'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Arista ACE-Associate (ACE-A) exam?

The ACE-A is Arista's foundational certification validating knowledge of Arista EOS, switching/routing fundamentals, and basic automation. It is the entry point of Arista's certification pyramid (Associate → Specialist → Professional → Expert). Targeted at network engineers new to Arista platforms.

How many questions are on the ACE-A exam?

The ACE-A exam has approximately 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. The passing score is 70%. Questions test conceptual understanding of EOS architecture, CLI usage, switching/routing protocols, and basic automation — not extensive lab-style configuration.

Are there prerequisites for the ACE-Associate exam?

There are no formal prerequisites. Arista recommends completing the free Arista Academy Foundations training and having some general networking background (CCNA-level knowledge helps but is not required). The exam is designed for new-to-Arista engineers.

What is the largest topic domain on the ACE-A exam?

Switching Fundamentals (~25%) is the largest, covering VLANs, trunking, spanning-tree (RSTP/MSTP), LACP port-channels, SVIs, and MLAG basics. EOS Architecture & CLI is close behind at ~20%. Together these two domains make up nearly half the exam.

How long is the ACE-A certification valid?

Arista ACE certifications are generally valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. Recertification is achieved by passing a current ACE exam at the same or higher tier. Check arista.com/en/training/learning-paths/certifications for the latest policy.

How should I prepare for the ACE-A exam?

Plan 30-50 hours of study over 3-6 weeks. Use the free Arista Academy Foundations modules as primary material. Spend lab time on vEOS or cEOS-lab to practice CLI, VLANs, STP, LACP, and basic BGP. Complete 100+ practice questions and aim for 80%+ consistently before scheduling.