Following on from a Linkedin post that I made about the ACE Pro training, I wanted to do a short blog entry on the experience and hope to encourage anyone working on Multi-Cloud networking to check out this program.
It’s easy for me to say that this is the best program of its kind simply since it’s the only program of its kind at the moment. This speaks volumes to the problem that Aviatrix addresses and the lack of awareness from the incumbents to address the problem. However, this should not take away from the quality of this Aviatrix training.
Too many classic vendors, of which I have been huge fans of in the past and owe a career to, have not pivoted to the (new?) paradigm that is multi-cloud.
How do I get access to the training?
The first place to start is by checking out this page: https://aviatrix.com/ace/
You will find all the details on submitting interest there.
However, if I were you, I would create a compelling business case for your company around Aviatrix and reach out to your local Aviatrix account team to see if there is some way of integrating the training into a wider Aviatrix driven POC.
If your motivation is purely personal, then the investment in the training is competitive with all other vendor offerings out there and is a worthwhile spend.
Are there any prerequisites?
If you don’t know about it yet, then the Aviatrix ACE Associate program is the entry-level baseline for this certification.
It is a free, self-paced, training at the time of writing, but this may have changed in the meantime. Check out my blog here for more information.
This, in my opinion, is a firm prerequisite as the level of the Pro certification jumps in at the deep end.
How is the training structured?
The training is built over 3 days of around 6 hours a day. It’s a mix of engineer/architect-driven lectures and in-depth labs.
It’s intense. In a good way.
Are there any hands on labs?
Yes, and these are not simulated environments. These are real AWS, Azure, GCP environments with real gateways and controllers.
The labs are prescriptive but are structured also to make you think.
What is unique about this training?
First, the topic – Multi-Cloud Networking. There is no other training on the market today on this subject (that I am aware of).
Second, this is driven by engineers and architects. These are people whose day jobs are building these environments and solving client problems.
Finally, there is a major design element to the training. On the last day, you will be put into breakout rooms to solve a real client problem using the Multi-Cloud Network Architecture and the different features you have learned. You will then present your design for (friendly) critique. This in itself is unique.
Is there an exam?
Yes, you will be given access to the exam platform on the last day and given 4-5 days to complete the exam. It’s a challenging multiple-choice exam and if you pass at the end you will get a nice certificate and the satisfaction of having taken your career one step forward.
