Understanding Cisco DevNet – A New Era in Cisco Certification for Developers
In recent years, Cisco has undergone a dramatic transformation in how it structures its certifications, adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of IT. The overhaul was a long time coming and well-received, modernizing the certification path for aspiring network engineers and other IT professionals. However, even with all the positive changes, a critical segment was still left underrepresented: developers. With programming skills now an essential part of many IT roles, a void was apparent. Cisco acknowledged this by launching the Cisco DevNet certification path, a bold and strategic move to bridge the gap between traditional networking and modern software-driven automation.
Cisco DevNet is not just another certification track. It marks a fundamental shift in how we validate and build skills in the era of network programmability, APIs, and automation. It signals Cisco’s recognition that the future of networking is software-driven, and it opens a new door for developers who want to work on Cisco platforms. This first article in our four-part series will give you a crash course on what DevNet is, how it’s structured, and what makes it so important.
What Is Cisco DevNet?
Cisco DevNet is a developer-focused certification program introduced to validate the skills needed to develop and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms. Traditionally, Cisco certifications, such as the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE, were centered around configuring, managing, and troubleshooting network infrastructure. While these certifications are still invaluable, they don’t directly address the software layer that is becoming more central to modern networks.
DevNet addresses this gap by offering a structured Cisco Certification path specifically for developers, DevOps engineers, automation professionals, and software architects who work with Cisco technologies. It covers concepts such as infrastructure as code, APIs, application deployment, network automation, and cloud integration. DevNet bridges networking and software development, allowing professionals to work more efficiently in hybrid environments where automation is the key to scalability and agility.
Why DevNet Matters in the Modern IT Landscape
There are several reasons why Cisco DevNet is a game-changer. The industry is moving toward automation, programmability, and cloud-native architectures. Manual configuration is not only time-consuming but also error-prone. Enterprises are looking to automate repetitive tasks, orchestrate services, and use telemetry and analytics to make real-time decisions.
DevNet prepares professionals for this shift by providing them with the skills and tools necessary to automate Cisco infrastructure. From REST APIs and Python scripting to using model-driven protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF, the certification equips learners with the expertise to automate at scale.
Moreover, DevNet is crucial in multidisciplinary teams where developers, network engineers, and operations personnel work closely. As the lines blur between these roles, a unified understanding of network programmability becomes essential. DevNet certification acts as that unifier.
The DevNet Certification Levels
Similar to Cisco’s traditional network certification track, DevNet follows a tiered approach: Associate, Specialist, and Professional. An Expert-level certification is planned, although not available at launch. Each level is crafted to validate specific skill sets and experience levels.
Cisco Certified DevNet Associate
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate is the entry point and foundational certification in the DevNet path. It validates general knowledge and foundational programming and automation skills required to develop and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms. It is aligned with job roles such as Junior Developer, Junior DevOps Engineer, Automation Engineer, and Site Reliability Engineer.
The associate certification covers a range of topics, including
• Network fundamentals and APIs
• Infrastructure as code
• Software development and design
• Application deployment and security
• Cisco platforms and development environments
The exam associated with this level is the 200-901 DEVASC Cisco Exam. It is considered the gateway for those entering the world of DevNet. Candidates are recommended to have at least one year of experience working with Cisco platforms and a good grasp of programming basics, particularly in Python.
Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist
Once foundational skills are in place, professionals can choose to specialize in specific domains. The DevNet Specialist certifications allow individuals to go deeper into topics relevant to their interests or job roles. There are nine specialist certifications:
• Enterprise Automation and Programmability (300-435 ENAUTO)
• Data Center Automation and Programmability (300-635 DCAUTO)
• Security Automation and Programmability (300-735 SAUTO)
• Service Provider Automation and Programmability (300-535 SPAUTO)
• Collaboration Automation and Programmability (300-835 CLAUTO)
• Core – Developing Applications Using Cisco Platforms (300-901 DEVCOR)
• DevOps (300-910 DEVOPS)
• IoT (300-915 DEVIOT)
• Webex (300-920 DEVWBX)
Each of these Cisco Exams focuses on domain-specific automation skills. For instance, the ENAUTO exam dives deep into enterprise network automation using tools like Python, REST APIs, and model-driven telemetry.
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional
The DevNet Professional certification is the highest tier available at the time of writing. It requires passing two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam. The core exam, 300-901 DEVCOR, tests the candidate’s knowledge of core software development and design for Cisco platforms. This exam is mandatory for all DevNet Professional certifications.
The second exam can be any of the specialist-level concentration exams listed above. This dual-exam approach allows candidates to build a broad base of software development skills while also validating specialization in a particular Cisco technology domain.
The Role of Cisco Practice Test and Study Resources
Preparing for Cisco DevNet certifications, particularly the professional and specialist levels, demands hands-on experience and a strong understanding of both Cisco platforms and software development principles. Using a Cisco Practice test is an excellent way to evaluate your readiness and identify knowledge gaps before sitting for the official exam.
Cisco’s official training materials, documentation, and sandbox labs are excellent resources. However, many candidates also use third-party providers like Exam-Labs, which offers realistic exam simulations and study guides that closely align with Cisco’s exam structure. These resources provide an additional edge and help learners get comfortable with the exam format and question style.
DevNet vs Traditional Cisco Certifications
A key distinction between DevNet and traditional Cisco Certifications lies in the focus. Where CCNA or CCNP certs emphasize CLI-based configuration, routing protocols, and physical layer network fundamentals, DevNet certifications are all about APIs, scripting, and abstracting the infrastructure layer for more agile service delivery.
This doesn’t make one path better than the other; rather, they serve different but complementary purposes. Network engineers looking to future-proof their careers are increasingly adding DevNet certifications to their resumes to stay relevant in a software-defined world.
Developers who previously had no clear path within the Cisco ecosystem now have a well-defined certification journey that validates their skills in working with network and collaboration infrastructure. This convergence of roles is shaping the future of IT teams.
Who Should Pursue Cisco DevNet Certifications?
DevNet is ideal for a wide range of professionals. If you are a software developer interested in networked applications or a network engineer looking to enhance your programmability and automation skills, DevNet is for you. Similarly, if you are a DevOps practitioner, site reliability engineer, or solutions architect working with Cisco technologies, DevNet provides the certification path you’ve been missing.
Cisco recommends at least one year of experience for the associate-level certification and three to five years of hands-on experience for specialist and professional levels. This ensures candidates have enough exposure to practical environments and are ready to implement what they’ve learned.
Exploring the DevNet Certification Levels and Specialist Tracks
Cisco’s addition of the DevNet certification path marks a strategic shift in their certification strategy, aimed at addressing the growing demand for software developers, DevOps professionals, and automation specialists working in environments that leverage Cisco infrastructure. With the introduction of the Cisco DevNet certifications, Cisco has broadened its reach from traditional networking professionals to a more diverse audience, including developers, systems engineers, and automation architects.
In Part 1, we provided an overview of the Cisco DevNet certification landscape and discussed why its launch is significant. Now in Part 2, we will explore the DevNet certification levels in more detail, breaking down the structure from Associate through Specialist to Professional. We’ll also take a close look at the various specialist tracks that allow individuals to hone their expertise in specific Cisco environments. This deep dive will help you understand what each level offers and how it supports different career paths in modern IT.
Cisco Certified DevNet Associate
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate is the foundational certification in the DevNet track. It’s designed for individuals who have at least one year of experience in software development and who are familiar with Cisco platforms. This certification is Cisco’s answer to the growing industry need for validating automation and programmability skills on its platforms.
To earn the DevNet Associate, candidates must pass the 200-901 DEVASC exam. This exam focuses on foundational knowledge areas such as software development and design, understanding and using APIs, Cisco platforms and development, application deployment and security, and infrastructure and automation. These are essential skills for any IT professional working with Cisco’s programmable infrastructure.
The 200-901 DEVASC exam prepares you to work in roles like junior developer, junior DevOps engineer, automation engineer, and junior site reliability engineer. The emphasis is on understanding how to interact with Cisco platforms programmatically. Candidates should be proficient in using Python and be familiar with REST APIs and data formats like JSON and XML, as these are key technologies integrated into Cisco’s network infrastructure.
Cisco recommends hands-on experience working with APIs and developing applications on Cisco platforms prior to taking the exam. Resources like Exam-Labs provide access to Cisco Practice test materials that simulate the actual Cisco Exam environment, helping candidates prepare effectively.
Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist
The DevNet Specialist certifications offer a way to validate expertise in specific technical domains. Each specialist certification focuses on one of Cisco’s core technology areas, making them highly relevant for professionals who already have experience in that area or want to transition into a new role.
These specialist exams align with the various business and infrastructure solutions that Cisco provides, including enterprise networks, data centers, service providers, collaboration platforms like Webex, and emerging areas like DevOps and IoT.
There are currently nine specialist exams:
1. 300-435 ENAUTO – Enterprise Automation and Programmability
2. 300-635 DCAUTO – Data Center Automation and Programmability
3. 300-735 SAUTO – Security Automation and Programmability
4. 300-535 SPAUTO – Service Provider Automation and Programmability
5. 300-835 CLAUTO – Collaboration Automation and Programmability
6. 300-901 DEVCOR – Developing Applications Using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs
7. 300-910 DEVOPS – Implementing DevOps Solutions and Practices Using Cisco Platforms
8. 300-915 DEVIOT – Developing Solutions Using Cisco IoT and Edge Platforms
9. 300-920 DEVWBX – Developing Applications for Cisco Webex and Webex Devices
Each specialist exam is 90 minutes and focuses on a specific Cisco domain. Passing one of these exams earns you a DevNet Specialist certification in that domain. For instance, passing the 300-910 DEVOPS exam will certify you as a DevNet Specialist in DevOps, which validates your ability to implement and manage DevOps pipelines using Cisco solutions.
This modular approach allows professionals to tailor their certification path according to their job role or career aspirations. For example, someone working in a service provider environment can choose the SPAUTO track, while a developer working with Webex APIs may opt for the DEVWBX path. This level of customization makes the DevNet program flexible and highly applicable to real-world job functions.
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional
The DevNet Professional certification is the highest level of certification available at launch. To achieve this certification, candidates must pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam. The core exam is 300-901 DEVCOR, which is required for all DevNet Professional candidates. The second exam is chosen from one of the eight concentration exams listed in the DevNet Specialist section.
The 300-901 DEVCOR exam tests your knowledge of core development topics. These include using APIs, application deployment and security, infrastructure and automation, Cisco platforms, and software development and design. It’s designed to ensure that certified professionals have a solid grasp of full-stack development practices in a Cisco environment.
This structure mirrors Cisco’s approach in its CCNP certification paths, where a core exam is combined with a specialization exam to validate both breadth and depth of knowledge. This allows professionals to demonstrate not only that they understand the core Cisco technologies but also that they have deep expertise in a specific domain.
For example, someone who passes the DEVCOR core exam and the DEVOPS concentration exam earns the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional with a specialization in DevOps. This dual-certification approach is valuable for both employers and professionals. It assures organizations that candidates are not only well-rounded but also bring deep knowledge in a relevant specialty.
Cisco recommends at least three to five years of experience before attempting the professional-level certifications. For those preparing for these exams, platforms like Exam-Labs offer Cisco Practice test materials that are useful for simulating exam questions and refining time management skills during test preparation.
Career Pathways and Job Roles
The DevNet certification path supports a variety of job roles that are becoming increasingly important in modern IT organizations. These roles include
• Software Developers working with Cisco platforms
• Network Automation Engineers
• DevOps Engineers
• Site Reliability Engineers
• Collaboration Engineers
• IoT Developers
Each of these roles benefits from the programmatic skills validated by DevNet. For example, an Automation Engineer can leverage knowledge from ENAUTO or DCAUTO to script and manage network devices across large enterprise networks. A Webex Developer may specialize in Webex APIs to build productivity tools and integrations.
Moreover, the DevNet path opens up new opportunities for professionals who were previously focused solely on software development. With the increasing convergence of software and network infrastructure, developers who understand how to interact with Cisco APIs and platforms can take on hybrid roles that are highly valued in the industry.
Preparing for DevNet Certifications
Getting ready for DevNet certifications requires more than just theoretical knowledge. Hands-on experience with Cisco platforms is key. Cisco offers an online portal called the Cisco DevNet Sandbox, which provides access to live Cisco environments for free. This allows learners to experiment with real-world scenarios and test their code against actual Cisco infrastructure.
In addition to Cisco’s resources, Exam-Labs is a valuable platform for anyone preparing for a Cisco Exam. They provide Cisco Practice test materials for each of the DevNet certification exams, helping candidates reinforce their knowledge and become familiar with exam formats.
Cisco’s official learning materials, including documentation, tutorials, and guided learning paths, are also available through their DevNet site. These resources are especially useful for structured learning and gaining in-depth insights into Cisco platforms and tools.
For developers new to networking, the DevNet Associate provides a manageable entry point. Python is the recommended programming language, and Cisco emphasizes its importance across all certification levels. Learning Python fundamentals and understanding how to work with REST APIs will significantly ease the learning curve when preparing for DevNet exams.
Bridging the Gap Between Developers and Network Engineers
The launch of DevNet is not only about certifications. It reflects a broader shift in how IT operations are evolving. Traditional silos between development and network engineering are breaking down. Organizations are moving toward integrated teams where developers write code that interacts with network infrastructure, and network engineers implement automation and programmability in daily operations.
The DevNet certification path bridges this gap by providing a common language and skill set. It empowers developers to understand the networking context of their applications, and it gives network professionals the tools they need to automate and optimize infrastructure using modern software development practices.
This alignment with DevOps and NetDevOps methodologies is particularly important. The DevNet track doesn’t just validate technical knowledge—it validates the ability to collaborate across teams, streamline workflows, and deliver agile, scalable, and secure solutions.
By offering certifications at multiple levels and across diverse domains, Cisco ensures that DevNet is not just a one-size-fits-all program. It provides a ladder for advancement and specialization, supporting continuous learning and career growth.
Automation, DevOps, and Webex – Expanding Cisco DevNet’s Real-World Relevance
Cisco DevNet certifications are reshaping the landscape of network engineering by introducing programming, automation, and application integration into Cisco’s traditional certification path. In Part 1, we explored how Cisco introduced this new certification track and how it opens doors for developers. In Part 2, we examined the foundational Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification and broke down the specialist and professional certification levels.
Now, in Part 3, we’ll delve deeper into three impactful areas within the DevNet certification track: automation, DevOps, and Webex. These domains reflect the future of IT, where cross-functional workflows, agile development practices, and real-time collaboration are becoming vital to operations. We’ll explain how these are embedded into Cisco’s DevNet Specialist and DevNet Professional exams and how earning these Cisco Certifications can place you ahead in this rapidly transforming industry.
Why Automation Matters in Modern Network Infrastructure
Modern networks can no longer rely on manual, repetitive tasks to operate efficiently. As businesses scale, so do the number of devices, configurations, and deployments. Automation ensures that provisioning, monitoring, updating, and maintaining systems happen faster and more consistently across an organization. Automation is no longer optional, it’s essential.
This is where Cisco’s DevNet certification path, particularly the specialist exams such as the 300-435 ENAUTO (Enterprise Automation and Programmability), shines. These certifications prepare professionals to automate processes across Cisco enterprise infrastructure using Python scripting, REST APIs, YANG models, and tools like Ansible and Postman.
The automation focus goes beyond one exam. The following DevNet Specialist certifications integrate automation principles:
• Enterprise Automation and Programmability (300-435 ENAUTO)
• Data Center Automation and Programmability (300-635 DCAUTO)
• Security Automation and Programmability (300-735 SAUTO)
• Service Provider Automation and Programmability (300-535 SPAUTO)
• Collaboration Automation and Programmability (300-835 CLAUTO)
Each exam tests your ability to automate tasks within its respective domain, meaning you’re not only learning automation theory but also gaining domain-specific Cisco skills. These automation-centric Cisco Certifications are particularly important when preparing for the 350-901 DEVCOR exam, the core requirement for DevNet Professional. The DEVCOR Cisco Exam focuses heavily on software development and design, including network automation and secure APIs.
The DevOps Shift: Bridging Network and Development Teams
The concept of DevOps is built on the philosophy of unifying software development and IT operations to shorten the development lifecycle and deliver high-quality software continuously. Traditionally, developers and network engineers worked in isolated silos, developers wrote code and tossed it over the wall to operations teams. Today’s DevOps culture eliminates these silos, promoting collaboration and shared responsibility.
Cisco embraced this shift with the 300-910 DEVOPS exam, part of the DevNet Specialist certification track. The DevOps Cisco Certification validates skills in implementing CI/CD pipelines, automation testing, monitoring tools, container orchestration (like Docker and Kubernetes), and application deployment on Cisco platforms.
For networking professionals looking to integrate DevOps practices into infrastructure automation, the DevOps Cisco Exam is a critical step. It highlights your proficiency in:
• Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) using Jenkins, Git, and other tools
• Building and managing containerized applications
• Application and infrastructure monitoring with tools like ELK stack and Prometheus
• Writing tests for APIs and infrastructure components
• Managing microservices architectures
What’s unique about Cisco’s approach is that this exam is not just theory-based. It includes practical use cases involving Cisco DNA Center, Meraki APIs, and NetDevOps toolchains. In an era where companies are shifting from traditional network management to agile infrastructure provisioning, having a DevNet DevOps certification is a strategic advantage.
A DevNet DevOps specialist not only understands how to automate networks but also how to integrate those processes into larger development workflows. Whether you’re deploying APIs across Cisco’s SD-WAN or building network functions virtualization (NFV) in a hybrid cloud, these skills align you with modern IT trends.
Webex Integration: The Power of Collaboration
Remote work, virtual meetings, and hybrid collaboration environments have exploded in popularity over the past few years. Cisco’s Webex suite of tools has become one of the leading platforms for virtual communication, offering advanced capabilities for video conferencing, team messaging, calling, and event hosting. Recognizing this demand, Cisco introduced the 300-920 DEVWBX exam, Webex Automation and Programmability, as a DevNet Specialist track.
This Cisco Exam validates skills in building and integrating applications with the Webex API ecosystem. Topics covered in the DEVWBX certification include:
• Webex REST APIs for messaging, meetings, and user management
• Webhooks and event-driven programming
• Building chatbots and integrations in Webex Teams
• Webex Calling and Webex Contact Center automation
• Managing Webex resources with Python and SDKs
The Webex specialization plays a unique role in bridging application development and collaboration tools. As businesses adopt digital workflows and cloud-based communication, professionals who can programmatically manage collaboration platforms become more valuable.
In particular, large enterprises using Webex benefit from automated provisioning of users, managing virtual meetings, handling call center operations, and customizing video conferencing experiences. The DEVWBX exam ensures that certified professionals can handle these responsibilities with competence.
The importance of this specialization is also reflected in how it complements other DevNet certs. For example, a DevOps engineer with Webex skills could streamline meeting workflows, automatically spin up collaboration spaces based on project activities, or trigger CI/CD notifications in team chats. A security-focused DevNet specialist could use Webex APIs to create event-based alerts or incident collaboration channels. The possibilities are expansive.
Use of Python in Automation and DevOps Certifications
Across the entire DevNet certification track, Python remains the programming language of choice. Whether you’re pursuing the ENAUTO, DEVOPS, or DEVWBX Cisco Exams, Python will be your main tool for scripting against APIs, building custom apps, or interacting with Cisco platforms.
For example:
• In the ENAUTO exam, Python is used to interact with REST APIs on Cisco DNA Center, implement data models like YANG, and run configuration scripts.
• In the DEVOPS exam, Python supports CI/CD operations, log parsing, and container orchestration scripting.
• In the DEVWBX exam, Python helps build bots, automate meeting scheduling, and integrate third-party services with Webex APIs.
This consistency in language choice reinforces Python’s utility in the networking space and makes the DevNet track accessible for developers with general software experience. If you’re new to Python, platforms like Exam-Labs offer Cisco Practice Tests that include Python-based scenarios you’re likely to encounter on the Cisco Exams.
Real-World Impact of Automation and DevOps Certifications
The value of DevNet Certifications extends beyond theory. In real enterprise environments, certified DevNet professionals have been able to:
• Reduce manual configuration errors by automating network deployment workflows
• Save time with automated firmware upgrades and change rollouts
• Monitor thousands of endpoints using custom dashboards and alert systems
• Automate failover and recovery processes across hybrid cloud deployments
• Build APIs that expose telemetry data from Cisco devices for analysis and response
This means that professionals who complete the 300-435 ENAUTO or 300-910 DEVOPS Cisco Exams are directly enabling business agility and operational excellence. These certifications are helping employers identify candidates who can deliver more reliable, scalable, and secure infrastructures.
How DevNet Professional Exams Reinforce Core Skills
To achieve the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification, candidates must pass the 350-901 DEVCOR exam and one specialist exam of their choice. For those interested in automation or DevOps, combining DEVCOR with ENAUTO or DEVOPS is a powerful route.
The DEVCOR Cisco Exam is not just a review of specialist content—it adds advanced concepts like:
• Secure coding practices and OAuth implementations
• Developing apps using Cisco’s SDKs and APIs
• Advanced API troubleshooting and error handling
• Application deployment strategies on multicloud infrastructure
• Version control and collaboration with Git
Professionals preparing for this level benefit greatly from simulated Cisco Practice Tests. These help solidify knowledge of topics like Python scripting, JSON payload structures, API authentication headers, and model-driven programmability.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Skills for the Future
As DevNet continues to evolve, expect automation, DevOps, and collaboration-focused certifications to become cornerstones of Cisco’s professional development ecosystem. The DevNet certs allow traditional network engineers to add programming and automation to their toolbox, while giving software developers a clear path to master network-centric programming.
By pursuing certifications like 300-435 ENAUTO, 300-910 DEVOPS, and 300-920 DEVWBX, professionals future-proof their skills. Employers are increasingly seeking cross-functional roles—engineers who can build APIs, configure routers, and deploy CI/CD pipelines. DevNet answers that call.
IoT, Infrastructure as Code, and the Future of Cisco DevNet Certifications
The Cisco DevNet certification path has already redefined what it means to be a networking professional. With a strong focus on automation, APIs, collaboration tools, and DevOps practices, DevNet now reaches into areas previously considered outside the scope of traditional IT certifications. In Part 3, we explored how DevNet integrates automation, DevOps, and Webex into the certification curriculum. In this final installment, we’ll dive into two rapidly expanding fields supported by Cisco DevNet: IoT (Internet of Things) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
These domains are shaping the next generation of network engineers and developers. As IoT continues to connect billions of devices and IaC reshapes how we deploy infrastructure, Cisco DevNet certifications are evolving to prepare professionals for a future where networks are more programmable, scalable, and responsive than ever before.
Cisco DevNet and the Internet of Things (IoT)
The proliferation of IoT devices, sensors, smart cameras, connected machinery, and industrial controllers, has created new challenges and opportunities for network professionals. The need to manage, secure, and automate communications between thousands or even millions of devices requires specialized skills. Cisco recognized this demand and introduced the 300-915 DEVIOT exam as part of the DevNet Specialist track.
This Cisco Exam focuses on IoT development and automation within Cisco’s IoT platforms. It’s designed for professionals building and managing IoT applications that run on edge devices, interact with cloud platforms, and integrate into enterprise IT systems.
Key topics covered in the DEVIOT certification include:
• IoT protocols such as MQTT, CoAP, and AMQP
• Data processing and filtering at the edge using Cisco IOx
• Integration with cloud platforms like Azure IoT and AWS IoT Core
• Use of APIs and SDKs for managing Cisco IoT gateways
• Application lifecycle management and edge device security
• Streaming telemetry and edge analytics
Cisco’s IoT architecture often relies on edge computing, where processing happens closer to the data source rather than in centralized cloud environments. The DEVIOT exam tests knowledge of deploying Docker containers to edge nodes, securing device communication, and automating large-scale device management.
For network engineers and developers aiming to transition into industrial IoT environments or smart infrastructure projects, this certification is particularly relevant. It opens doors to industries like energy, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, all of which rely heavily on scalable and secure IoT networks.
Real-World Applications of Cisco DevNet IoT Certification
Professionals certified in DEVIOT are well-equipped to:
• Automate provisioning and monitoring of thousands of edge devices in a smart city environment
• Enable predictive maintenance for industrial machinery by collecting sensor data and pushing it to cloud analytics engines
• Secure communication between OT (operational technology) and IT networks using TLS, authentication protocols, and role-based access controls
• Build real-time dashboards using streaming telemetry and API integrations
By leveraging these skills, certified individuals help organizations enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase the scalability of their connected systems. These use cases demonstrate the real-world value of a Cisco Certification focused on IoT.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): A Pillar of Modern Network Engineering
Infrastructure as Code is a practice where infrastructure components, servers, routers, networks, security rules, are defined and managed through code rather than manual processes. This approach allows for automation, repeatability, and version control, which align perfectly with the principles of DevOps and network programmability.
While Cisco doesn’t currently offer a DevNet Specialist exam solely titled “Infrastructure as Code,” IaC is deeply embedded within several DevNet certifications, especially 300-910 DEVOPS, 300-435 ENAUTO, and 350-901 DEVCOR.
Within these exams, candidates learn and demonstrate:
• Writing configuration files for network provisioning using tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Puppet
• Using Git for version control of infrastructure definitions
• Automating deployments with CI/CD pipelines that manage infrastructure as well as applications
• Structuring device configurations using YAML and Jinja2 templates
• Applying modular and reusable code practices to network templates
These skills are especially valuable in enterprise environments that use Cisco DNA Center, Meraki, ACI, and SD-WAN platforms. The ability to treat configurations and device states as code allows engineers to deploy secure, consistent network environments with minimal human error.
Benefits of Infrastructure as Code in the Cisco Ecosystem
IaC, when paired with Cisco infrastructure, leads to a number of operational benefits:
• Speed: New branch offices can be set up in minutes, not days, by applying pre-defined IaC templates to provision devices and connectivity.
• Consistency: Configurations are tested, stored in repositories, and automatically rolled out across environments, reducing misconfiguration risks.
• Scalability: Automation enables network teams to manage thousands of devices with minimal manual effort.
• Auditability: Git-based workflows and IaC tools allow teams to track who changed what, when, and why—important for compliance and troubleshooting.
• Disaster Recovery: Infrastructure definitions stored as code can be used to quickly recreate environments in the event of outages.
The DevNet approach ensures that Cisco-certified professionals understand these practices in the context of Cisco platforms, including examples like deploying network policies on Cisco ACI using Ansible modules or managing Meraki configurations through Python scripts and Git workflows.
Python and IaC Tools in DevNet Exams
Python remains the scripting language used throughout DevNet certifications. Combined with IaC tools, it powers the automation workflows that underpin the modern network.
For example, in ENAUTO and DEVOPS exams:
• Python interacts with REST APIs exposed by DNA Center, ACI, and Meraki
• Jinja2 templates are used to dynamically generate device configurations
• YAML files define infrastructure states, and Python scripts apply them via APIs
• Python libraries such as requests, netmiko, and pyats help test and validate infrastructure deployments
DevNet-certified professionals are trained to use these tools together to automate and manage complex enterprise environments.
Use of Cisco Practice Tests and Exam-Labs
For those preparing for these advanced certifications, platforms like Exam-Labs provide Cisco Practice Tests tailored to each exam: DEVIOT, ENAUTO, DEVOPS, and DEVCOR. These practice exams simulate real Cisco Exam conditions and often include Python-based IaC scenarios, helping candidates reinforce their practical skills before sitting for the real test.
Using Cisco Dumps or unauthorized materials can be risky and may violate Cisco’s exam policies. Instead, Cisco Practice Tests from reputable sources ensure that learning is valid, practical, and aligned with certification objectives.
Job Roles That Benefit from DevNet IoT and IaC Certifications
Cisco DevNet certifications in IoT and automation are not just for developers. A wide variety of roles benefit from these credentials:
• IoT Solution Architects: Design end-to-end architectures for industrial IoT deployments, integrating edge devices, connectivity, and cloud.
• Network Automation Engineers: Use IaC to maintain and evolve large-scale enterprise networks.
• DevOps Engineers: Integrate infrastructure provisioning into software pipelines.
• Cloud Network Engineers: Automate hybrid and multicloud environments using tools like Terraform and Ansible.
• Security Automation Specialists: Use IaC and APIs to enforce security policies across dynamic infrastructure.
Each of these roles aligns with the skills tested across the DevNet certification track, ensuring that certified individuals are equipped to meet the evolving demands of their industries.
The Evolution of DevNet and What’s Next
Cisco DevNet certifications are constantly evolving to reflect changes in the IT landscape. As organizations continue to adopt cloud, hybrid environments, and edge computing, the DevNet curriculum is likely to expand further into areas like
• AI and Machine Learning: Integrating AI-driven automation into Cisco platforms
• Edge AI and Smart Cities: Combining IoT, analytics, and automation at the edge
• Network as Code (NaC): Treating the entire network fabric as a programmable asset
• Security Automation: Responding to threats dynamically using secure APIs and IaC
• API-First Development: Designing networks with APIs at the core of every workflow
Professionals holding Cisco Certifications in DevNet will be at the forefront of these trends, playing key roles in automation, digital transformation, and intelligent infrastructure.
How to Approach Your DevNet Certification Journey
For those aiming to specialize in IoT or IaC through DevNet, the recommended path typically looks like this:
1. Start with DevNet Associate: Learn the foundational concepts—APIs, Python, JSON, REST, and Cisco platforms.
2. Advance to DEVIOT or DEVOPS/ENAUTO: Choose a specialization that aligns with your role or interests.
3. Earn the DevNet Professional: Pass the 350-901 DEVCOR core exam and combine it with your chosen specialist certification.
4. Apply skills to real projects: Use Cisco Sandbox environments, open-source tools, and Cisco Practice Tests from platforms like Exam-Labs to strengthen your hands-on capabilities.
This approach provides a strong theoretical and practical base that can translate directly into job performance.
Final Thoughts
The evolution of Cisco’s certification program reflects the dynamic nature of the IT industry. By consolidating and updating certifications like CCNA and CCNP and introducing DevNet, Cisco has streamlined the path for professionals to acquire relevant and in-demand skills. The retirement of CCENT and the introduction of a unified CCNA exam (200-301) emphasize a broader foundational knowledge, preparing candidates for diverse roles in networking. Similarly, the restructuring of CCNP and CCIE certifications allows for specialization at more advanced stages, aligning with real-world job functions. The addition of DevNet certifications underscores the growing importance of automation and programmability in network environments.
For those pursuing Cisco certifications, resources like Exam-Labs offer valuable practice tests to aid in preparation. As the industry continues to evolve, staying updated with these certifications ensures that professionals remain competitive and equipped to handle modern networking challenges.
