Cisco networking certifications have long been the gold standard in networking technology. If you’ve been in IT for any length of time, you’re likely familiar with professionals holding certifications like CCNA, CCNP, and possibly even CCIE. These certifications are well-established and have significant value, expected to remain relevant for years to come.
However, as technology evolves, so do certifications. Cisco introduced a new certification track last year aimed at the intersection of software development and modern networking. The Cisco DevNet pathway is designed for IT professionals who want to write and develop integrations with Cisco technologies.
In addition to DevNet Associate, Specialist, and Professional certifications, Cisco has updated and streamlined its networking certification tracks. This initiative allows professionals to target their specific specialties with greater precision. Absolutely, especially for IT professionals looking to stay relevant in a world increasingly driven by automation, programmability, and cloud technologies. The Cisco DevNet Professional certification is not just a badge of honor; it’s a powerful validation of your ability to integrate software development skills with network engineering knowledge. As companies shift toward more agile and automated infrastructures, professionals who can bridge the gap between coding and networking are in high demand. This certification opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, from DevOps and cloud engineering to network automation and software-defined networking roles. Additionally, it helps professionals stay competitive by equipping them with hands-on experience using modern tools like Python, APIs, and CI/CD pipelines. For those committed to building a future-proof career in IT, the investment of time, effort, and resources into earning the DevNet Professional certification is well worth it. It positions you as a forward-thinking expert ready to contribute to the next generation of networked environments.
What is the DevNet Professional?
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional cert validates your ability to develop and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms. It’s a hybrid certification that bridges the narrowing gap between software development and networking. As these two fields become more intertwined, Cisco recognized the importance of certifying professionals who can work across both domains.
The DevNet certification pathway represents this fusion, with the DevNet Professional being the highest available level in the track. The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional cert is designed to validate a professional’s ability to develop and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms. As technology advances, the need for professionals who can navigate both software development and networking grows. This certification addresses that need by offering a hybrid certification that bridges the gap between these two disciplines. The DevNet Professional cert is not just for network engineers or software developers but for anyone looking to expand their skills into the world of automation, software development, and integration with Cisco technologies.
With the rapid evolution of software-defined networking and automation, the DevNet Professional is ideal for IT professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. The certification is built for individuals who are experienced in both the development and integration of software with network infrastructure. Cisco recognized that the future of networking lies in automation and software development, and created this certification to ensure professionals possess the skills needed to contribute to the next generation of networking technologies.
The DevNet Professional exam is highly focused on real-world applications, testing not only theoretical knowledge but practical skills necessary for developing, deploying, and maintaining software solutions on Cisco platforms. As businesses continue to adopt more software-driven network architectures, having the DevNet Professional certification will position you as an expert capable of implementing, securing, and automating complex systems. Whether you are a developer or network engineer, this certification helps solidify your expertise in an increasingly connected world.
What Does the DevNet Professional Test?
To earn the DevNet Professional certification, you must pass two separate exams. The first exam focuses on core software development and design for Cisco platforms, specifically covering software development, using APIs, application deployment and security, and infrastructure automation. The 350-901 DEVCOR exam is mandatory for all candidates and is divided into five domains:
- Software Development and Design (20%)
- Understanding and Using APIs (20%)
- Cisco Platforms and Development (20%)
- Application Deployment and Security (20%)
- Infrastructure and Automation (20%)
Each domain contains subdomains, which are further detailed in Cisco’s official resources.
The second exam is a specialty exam, where you can choose from the following eight areas:
- 300-435 ENAUTO
- 300-835 CLAUTO
- 300-635 DCAUTO
- 300-535 SPAUTO
- 300-735 SAUTO
- 300-910 DEVOPS
- 300-915 DEVIOT
- 300-920 DEVWBX
This flexible structure ensures that the DevNet Professional certification is highly customizable, catering to different career paths within software development and networking. To aid in your preparation, Cisco offers training courses for each of these exams. In addition, platforms like CBT Nuggets provide online courses, offering more flexibility in your preparation. The DevNet Professional certification is composed of two key exams designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in both software development and network automation. The first exam, 350-901 DEVCOR, covers a broad range of core topics related to software development, Cisco platforms, and network automation. It ensures that professionals can develop applications, utilize APIs, deploy applications securely, and understand infrastructure automation. The DEVCOR exam is divided into five primary domains: Software Development and Design, Understanding and Using APIs, Cisco Platforms and Development, Application Deployment and Security, and Infrastructure and Automation. Each domain carries equal weight and is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
The second part of the exam process allows candidates to choose from a variety of specialized concentration exams based on their career focus. These exams delve deeper into specific areas of software development, such as network automation, DevOps, IoT, or collaboration tools. With options like 300-435 ENAUTO for network automation or 300-910 DEVOPS for DevOps practices, candidates can tailor their certification to their unique career goals. These specialty exams validate the candidate’s ability to work with Cisco tools and technologies, developing solutions for specific business and technical needs.
The structure of the DevNet Professional test not only measures a candidate’s ability to develop and automate applications on Cisco platforms but also prepares them for real-world scenarios where automation and integration with the network are essential. By offering this flexible approach, Cisco ensures that professionals can customize their certification based on their expertise and career objectives.
How Much Does the DevNet Professional Certification Cost?
The DevNet Professional core exam (350-901 DEVCOR) voucher costs $400, while each specialty exam voucher is priced at $300. The DEVCOR exam is a 120-minute test with approximately 100-102 questions, while specialty exams are 90 minutes long with about 60-70 questions. The exam questions are a mix of multiple-choice/single-response and multiple-choice/multiple-response types.
If you choose to purchase associated training courses from Cisco, the costs can quickly increase to $3,000 to $4,295 for in-person training. While this is a significant investment, self-study using Cisco practice tests and Cisco dumps can be a more affordable way to prepare before committing to formal training. The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification is a prestigious credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in developing and maintaining applications built on Cisco platforms. To attain this certification, candidates must successfully pass two examinations:
- Core Exam (350-901 DEVCOR): This mandatory exam focuses on core software development and design for Cisco platforms. It covers areas such as software development and design, understanding and using APIs, Cisco platforms and development, application deployment and security, and infrastructure and automation. The exam duration is 120 minutes, and the voucher costs $400 USD. Network World+1Cisco+1
- Concentration Exam: After passing the core exam, candidates must choose one of the following specialty areas to demonstrate their expertise:Network World+1Network World+1
- 300-435 ENAUTO: Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise SolutionsCisco+1enterone.com+1
- 300-535 SPAUTO: Automating Cisco Service Provider SolutionsCisco+1enterone.com+1
- 300-635 DCAUTO: Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center SolutionsCisco+1enterone.com+1
- 300-735 SAUTO: Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions
- 300-835 CLAUTO: Automating and Programming Cisco Collaboration Solutionsenterone.com
- 300-910 DEVOPS: Implementing DevOps Solutions and Practices using Cisco PlatformsCisco+1enterone.com+1
- 300-915 DEVIOT: Developing Solutions Using Cisco IoT and Edge Platformsenterone.com
- 300-920 DEVWBX: Developing Applications for Cisco Webex and Webex Devicesenterone.com+1CBT Nuggets+1
- Each concentration exam is designed to validate specific skills related to the chosen specialty. The duration of these exams is 90 minutes, and each voucher costs $300 USD.
In addition to exam fees, candidates may consider investing in training courses to prepare for the certifications. Cisco offers instructor-led training courses for each exam, with durations ranging from three to five days. The cost of these courses varies between $3,000 and $4,295 USD. Alternatively, self-study options and practice tests are available, which can be more cost-effective.
It’s important to note that while formal prerequisites are not required for the DevNet Professional certification, Cisco recommends that candidates have three to five years of experience in software development, including Python programming. Network World
Overall, pursuing the DevNet Professional certification involves a financial investment in exam fees and potential training costs. However, the value it adds to one’s professional credentials and the potential career advancement opportunities can make it a worthwhile investment.
What Experience Do You Need for the DevNet Professional?
One of the advantages of Cisco’s revised certification system is the lack of formal prerequisites. You don’t need to earn the Associate or Specialist certifications first. However, the DevNet Professional exam targets candidates with 3-5 years of experience in software development, particularly with Python programming. If you’re new to software development, you may need more experience before attempting the exam.
In general, DevNet Professional candidates should have hands-on experience in developing and maintaining applications on Cisco platforms.
Who Should Take the DevNet Professional Certification?
Given its flexibility, the DevNet Professional certification appeals to a broad range of IT professionals. Because of its eight specialization areas, the certification is relevant for individuals in various roles within the tech industry. Cisco also provides a “Who should enroll” section for each specialty exam, detailing the targeted job titles.
The DevNet Professional certification is best suited for professionals in the following roles:
- Senior Network Automation Engineer
- Senior Software Developer
- Senior System Integration Programmer
Other roles that might benefit from the DevNet Professional include:
- Senior Infrastructure Architect
- Senior Network Designer
- Senior Test Development Engineer
Additionally, the certification is valuable for:
- Network engineers expanding their skills to include software and automation
- Developers looking to deepen their expertise in automation and DevOps
- Solution architects moving to the Cisco ecosystem
- Infrastructure developers focused on building resilient production environments
If your career goals align with any of these roles, the DevNet Professional certification is worth considering.
DevNet Professional for Software Developers
The DevNet Professional certification is ideal for software developers who want to enhance their understanding of networking and automation. As the role of software developers within networked environments grows, this certification allows them to develop and maintain applications on Cisco platforms. The DevNet Professional for Software Developers certification, offered by Cisco, is designed for software developers, engineers, and other IT professionals who are interested in gaining expertise in network automation and DevOps principles. The certification focuses on developing and deploying applications on Cisco platforms, using various tools, and applying automation to software development processes. It validates skills in areas such as cloud services, CI/CD pipelines, network programmability, and automation tools, making it highly relevant for those working with modern software development practices. This certification prepares professionals to effectively collaborate in development and IT teams, ensuring a seamless integration between software development and network operations. The DevNet Professional certification ensures that candidates are equipped with the technical skills necessary to develop and maintain software applications that work effectively within complex IT environments, offering a competitive edge in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
DevNet Professional for Network Administrators
For network administrators who plan to spend their careers working with Cisco-based applications, the DevNet Professional certification offers a significant edge. However, as the certification is designed for individuals with years of experience in application development, it might be more advanced for network admins early in their career. Still, earning the DevNet Professional is a valuable and applicable career goal for those experienced enough. The DevNet Professional for Network Administrators certification, offered by Cisco, is aimed at network administrators who want to expand their knowledge in automation, software development, and network programmability. This certification bridges the gap between traditional networking and modern software-driven approaches to network management. It covers a broad range of skills, including using APIs to automate network operations, understanding network programmability, and integrating DevOps principles into network administration. Network administrators with this certification are equipped to implement automation, enhance efficiency, and simplify network management, using tools and programming languages like Python, Ansible, and others. As networks become more complex and demand greater flexibility, DevNet Professional for Network Administrators helps IT professionals stay competitive by mastering the technologies that enable smarter, more efficient network solutions. It’s a vital credential for those looking to lead the way in transforming traditional network infrastructure into highly automated and programmable environments.
DevNet Professional for Network Engineers
The role of network engineers is evolving. In addition to traditional network tasks, engineers now need to integrate software applications within the network. The DevNet Professional certification provides engineers with the expertise to manage applications and automate network functions, adding significant value to their resumes. The DevNet Professional for Network Engineers certification, provided by Cisco, is designed for network engineers who wish to gain expertise in automating network operations and implementing modern software-driven network solutions. This certification helps engineers build proficiency in using APIs, network programmability, and automation tools to streamline network management and operations. With a focus on practical skills, it covers topics such as creating and deploying network automation scripts, using cloud services, and integrating DevOps methodologies into network infrastructure. By earning this certification, network engineers are able to optimize network performance, improve scalability, and reduce human error, all while increasing efficiency in network configuration and troubleshooting. In a world where networks are rapidly evolving to support new technologies like IoT and SDN, the DevNet Professional for Network Engineers certification provides the necessary tools to meet these challenges. It is an essential credential for network engineers looking to enhance their careers in the age of network automation and digital transformation.
Is the DevNet Professional Certification Worth It?
Whether you are a software professional with an interest in networking or a networking pro working with software applications, the DevNet Professional certification has something to offer. The IT industry is becoming more integrated, and Cisco’s DevNet certification pathway reflects this change. Earning this certification will undoubtedly help you advance your career in the evolving landscape of modern networking and software development. The DevNet Professional Certification is widely regarded as a valuable credential for IT professionals, especially those working in the fields of network automation, software development, and DevOps. Given the increasing demand for network automation and the growing reliance on programmable network infrastructures, the certification proves highly relevant. It demonstrates a deep understanding of network programmability, automation, and integration with cloud services, which are crucial in modern IT environments. Earning the DevNet Professional certification can open doors to advanced career opportunities, as it equips individuals with in-demand skills that help organizations streamline operations, reduce downtime, and improve network scalability. Moreover, this certification provides a competitive edge in the job market, as it signifies a high level of expertise and an ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of IT. Whether you’re a network engineer, software developer, or IT professional, the DevNet Professional Certification can serve as a powerful tool to accelerate career growth, expand your skillset, and align yourself with the latest technological trends.
Using the DevNet Professional Certification to Learn and Validate Skills
The DevNet track bridges two distinct worlds: software development and networking. Preparing for this hybrid certification will introduce you to new concepts and technologies, enhancing your expertise. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills or validate your existing knowledge, the DevNet Professional certification offers a comprehensive and customizable approach to advancing your career.
For those looking to prepare for the certification exams, using Cisco practice tests and Cisco dumps can be a great way to test your readiness. These resources help you become familiar with the exam format and the types of questions you might encounter, increasing your chances of passing on your first attempt. Using the DevNet Professional Certification to learn and validate skills is an excellent strategy for IT professionals aiming to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of network automation and software development. This certification offers a structured learning path that helps individuals master key concepts like APIs, network programmability, and cloud services. Through hands-on practice and theory, candidates develop a deep understanding of automating and optimizing network operations, skills that are crucial in today’s IT landscape. By earning the DevNet Professional Certification, professionals validate their proficiency in modern technologies, ensuring they have the knowledge to implement and manage complex network solutions. The certification acts as both a learning experience and a formal recognition of expertise, giving individuals the confidence to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Additionally, it provides a strong foundation for tackling advanced certifications or pursuing higher-level roles in network automation, software development, and DevOps, positioning individuals for long-term career success in a competitive job market.
Conclusion
The Cisco DevNet Professional certification is an essential credential for IT professionals who want to thrive in an increasingly integrated IT world. Whether you’re a software developer, network administrator, or network engineer, this certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in both software development and networking. As one of the newest and most relevant certifications from Cisco, it adds tremendous value to your professional profile.
If you’re serious about pursuing this certification, be sure to leverage Cisco practice tests, Cisco certification dumps, and online study resources to maximize your preparation and set yourself up for success. In conclusion, the DevNet Professional Certification is a highly valuable credential for IT professionals seeking to advance their careers in the fields of network automation, software development, and network engineering. It not only equips individuals with in-demand technical skills but also validates their ability to design, implement, and manage modern, programmable networks. With the increasing adoption of automation, DevOps, and cloud technologies, the certification provides a competitive edge in a fast-paced industry, demonstrating expertise in key areas that are central to digital transformation. By earning this certification, professionals can enhance their job prospects, increase their earning potential, and gain the confidence to take on more complex, high-level projects. Whether you’re an aspiring network engineer, developer, or IT professional, the DevNet Professional Certification offers a pathway to becoming a key player in shaping the future of networking and technology.
