The End of CCENT and the Evolution of CCNA
The Cisco certification program has undergone a significant overhaul. At the center of this shift is the decision to retire the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and restructure the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) into a unified certification. These changes are not merely cosmetic. They represent a deep transformation in how Cisco prepares IT professionals to meet modern industry demands. The disappearance of the CCENT may feel abrupt to many who began their networking journeys with that credential, but the evolution of the CCNA reflects a more focused, efficient, and realistic approach to certifying foundational networking skills.
For decades, Cisco certifications were a benchmark for technical competence in networking. The CCENT served as a stepping stone to the more advanced CCNA certification, helping IT newcomers ease into complex concepts by first mastering the basics. This ladder-like structure was familiar and effective for a long time. But as technology has changed, so have the skills that employers expect from network professionals. Cisco’s certification overhaul aligns with this shift, aiming to produce candidates who are versatile, knowledgeable, and ready to contribute in a fast-evolving digital infrastructure.
The Retirement of CCENT
The CCENT was a logical starting point for many IT professionals. It required passing just one exam, ICND1, which covered basic networking concepts, routing and switching fundamentals, IP addressing, and troubleshooting. It was designed to be the first rung on the Cisco certification ladder, providing enough background to qualify for junior networking roles or to continue onto the CCNA Routing and Switching track by taking the ICND2 exam.
The structure of the CCENT/CCNA split allowed learners to focus their studies and gradually build their expertise. It also made the certification path more manageable. For years, this two-step approach worked well, especially for self-taught IT professionals and career changers. So, when Cisco announced that the CCENT would be retired in 2020, many were caught off guard.
The removal of the CCENT eliminates the option to break the CCNA certification into two parts. This decision seems counterintuitive at first, especially given how many learners used the CCENT as their entry into Cisco certifications. However, the rationale becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of employer expectations and the industry’s shift toward integrated knowledge.
What Replaces the CCENT?
There is no direct replacement for the CCENT. The closest alternative is the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT), which remains active. However, the CCT does not fill the same role. While the CCENT covered network theory and configuration; the CCT is focused more narrowly on field technician roles, including hardware replacement and troubleshooting. It does not cover the deeper networking concepts required for most enterprise environments.
This leaves the new CCNA as the entry point for Cisco certification. While this may raise the barrier to entry, it also ensures that those holding the certification possess a more comprehensive understanding of the networking field. For those looking for a more foundational starting point, the industry now points to certifications like CompTIA Network+.
The Introduction of the New CCNA (200-301)
The new CCNA certification (exam 200-301) launched in February 2020 and replaced the ten separate CCNA certifications that previously existed. Instead of requiring candidates to choose a specialization early, Cisco now provides a single, broad-based certification that serves as a gateway to more focused learning at the CCNP and CCIE levels.
The 200-301 exam covers a wide range of topics that reflect modern networking environments. These include:
- Network fundamentals
- Network access
- IP connectivity
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
The inclusion of security and automation topics is especially significant. Employers increasingly expect network engineers to understand how networks interact with automation platforms, cloud services, and cybersecurity tools. By embedding these subjects in the CCNA, Cisco ensures that certified professionals can hit the ground running in today’s hybrid infrastructure environments.
The change to a single exam also streamlines the process. Candidates now prepare for one exam instead of two. This reduces complexity and cost. From a learning perspective, it promotes a more holistic understanding of networking principles rather than compartmentalized knowledge areas.
Why This Change Matters
The evolution of the CCNA reflects the industry’s shift toward integrated IT roles. In the past, network engineers, system administrators, and security specialists often worked in silos. But today’s infrastructure is more interconnected than ever. Cloud computing, software-defined networking, and DevOps practices have blurred the lines between these disciplines.
Employers are no longer looking for narrow specialists at the entry level. Instead, they want versatile professionals who understand a bit of everything, networking, security, automation, and cloud. The new CCNA is designed to reflect these expectations.
With one exam, candidates get a well-rounded foundation. They learn not only how networks work but also how they can be secured, automated, and scaled. This foundation opens doors to multiple career paths without locking someone into a particular specialization too early.
Preparing for the New CCNA
The transition from the old system to the new one can feel overwhelming, especially for those who were studying for the ICND1 or ICND2 exams before the change. However, much of the material remains relevant. The difference lies in how it is packaged and presented.
To prepare for the 200-301 exam, candidates should build a study plan that touches on all key domains of the new exam. Several resources exist to support this effort. One of the most reliable options is using a Cisco Practice test through Exam-Labs. These practice exams simulate the real test environment, offering scenario-based questions and timed sessions to help reinforce knowledge.
Study resources from Exam-Labs are especially useful for identifying weak areas. For instance, candidates might be strong in IP routing but struggle with automation concepts. Practice tests can highlight these gaps so that learners can revisit the material before exam day.
In addition to practice exams, hands-on lab work is essential. Tools like Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3 allow candidates to simulate network topologies and experiment with configurations in a risk-free environment. This hands-on experience reinforces theoretical knowledge and prepares candidates for real-world problem-solving.
How This Impacts Beginners
For those just entering the IT field, the absence of a CCENT-level certification may seem like a disadvantage. Without an “easy” entry point, new learners may feel pressured to absorb too much information too quickly.
However, this concern is largely psychological. While the new CCNA exam is broad, it is still an entry-level certification. It is designed to test understanding, not mastery. The learning curve may appear steeper, but with the right study resources and consistent effort, it is entirely manageable.
Moreover, the streamlined certification structure simplifies decision-making. Beginners no longer have to choose between ten CCNA tracks. They can focus on building a strong foundation and explore specialization later.
The new structure also better aligns with how people actually build careers. Most IT professionals do not begin in specialized roles. They work in generalist positions where a broad understanding of networking is more valuable than niche expertise. The new CCNA reflects this reality and prepares candidates accordingly.
What About Career Advancement?
One of the key goals behind the certification revamp was to create a clearer and more logical career path. The new CCNA is a launching pad. From there, candidates can choose a specialization at the CCNP level, such as security, collaboration, or enterprise networking.
The knowledge gained from the new CCNA exam carries over into these advanced certifications. It also provides a context for understanding more complex concepts. By starting with a solid foundation, learners are better positioned to succeed as they progress.
Additionally, holding a CCNA continues to be a strong signal to employers. Despite the changes, the certification remains one of the most recognized and respected credentials in the IT industry. Employers understand what it represents: a professional who has demonstrated both theoretical understanding and practical skills.
Collapse of the Ten CCNA Tracks – A Streamlined Approach to Certification
Before Cisco restructured its certification program in 2020, aspiring network professionals had to choose from ten separate CCNA certifications, each focusing on a specific area of technology. This specialization was both a strength and a weakness. It allowed individuals to tailor their certifications to their job roles, but it also forced many to choose a path before gaining a foundational understanding of networking. With the launch of the new CCNA 200-301, Cisco consolidated these tracks into a single, unified certification. This major shift changed how networking knowledge is approached, how careers are launched, and how learners progress toward advanced roles.
The collapse of the ten CCNA tracks simplifies the journey for aspiring professionals. Rather than choosing between Routing and Switching, Security, Wireless, Collaboration, or Cloud at the outset, learners now build a solid base across all core technologies before moving toward specialization at the CCNP level. This evolution represents Cisco’s acknowledgment of changing industry dynamics and the growing demand for IT professionals with versatile, cross-functional skills.
The Old Structure: Ten Distinct Tracks
Prior to February 2020, Cisco offered ten specialized CCNA certifications. Each was designed to serve a particular domain or job role. The options included
- CCNA Routing and Switching
- CCNA Security
- CCNA Wireless
- CCNA Cloud
- CCNA Collaboration
- CCNA Industrial
- CCNA Data Center
- CCNA Service Provider
- CCNA Cyber Ops
- CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)
Each track required passing a specific set of exams, often with unique prerequisites. For example, CCNA Security required a valid CCENT or CCNA Routing and Switching certification before you could take the 210-260 IINS exam. This structure assumed a linear path and deep interest in a specific subject early in a learner’s career. For some, it was helpful. For others, it created confusion and unnecessary barriers.
The proliferation of CCNA tracks also led to a dilution of the brand. Employers and candidates alike had difficulty keeping up with the variations and understanding the differences between them. Someone who held a CCNA in Cloud might not have the same foundational networking knowledge as someone certified in Routing and Switching. The inconsistency created challenges in hiring and training.
The New Structure: One CCNA to Rule Them All
With the introduction of the new 200-301 exam, Cisco retired all ten of the specialized CCNA tracks. Now, there is a single CCNA certification that covers a broad range of topics:
- Networking fundamentals
- Network access
- IP connectivity
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
This unified approach means that every CCNA-certified individual now possesses a core set of skills that apply to nearly any networking job. The new exam reflects the convergence of technologies that used to be considered separate. For example, network automation is now critical in enterprise environments and can’t be left only to developers or senior engineers. Likewise, every network engineer must understand basic security principles, regardless of whether they specialize in cybersecurity.
This structure also removes the guesswork for learners. They no longer have to analyze which track best matches their future goals. Instead, they focus on mastering the essentials. Once certified, they can pursue advanced training or certification in a specialization that aligns with their job or career interests.
Why Cisco Made the Change
Cisco’s decision to collapse the ten CCNA tracks stems from multiple converging trends in technology and the workforce.
1. Convergence of Technologies:
Cloud, security, wireless, and automation are no longer isolated domains. They are integral parts of every network. A modern network engineer must understand how these components work together. The old model, which siloed learning paths, was outdated. The new CCNA reflects this convergence.
2. Demand for Versatile Professionals:
Employers now look for professionals who are capable across multiple disciplines. A hiring manager might prefer a candidate who understands not only IP routing but also basic threat mitigation and API integrations. The single CCNA meets this demand by producing candidates with a well-rounded skill set.
3. Streamlining and Simplification:
The old system was complex and often led to confusion. Which CCNA was most valuable? Which ones were prerequisites for CCNP? Could someone certified in CCNA Wireless handle basic routing tasks? The new system removes these questions. Every CCNA now means the same thing: a solid, versatile foundation in networking.
4. Alignment with Career Progression:
Specialization is still valuable, but now it comes at the CCNP level, where it makes more sense. Early-career professionals often don’t know what they’ll specialize in. The unified CCNA allows them to explore the landscape before choosing a niche.
How the Unified CCNA Affects Career Planning
The new CCNA structure changes how individuals plan their certification paths. Instead of choosing a narrow field too early, learners can now gain broad exposure, build context, and then specialize later. This has several advantages:
- Improved Job Readiness: Graduates of the 200-301 exam are better prepared to work in real-world environments where networks span multiple technologies.
- Flexibility: With foundational knowledge across multiple domains, learners can pivot into different roles such as network analyst, security analyst, or cloud technician without starting over.
- Clarity: Employers know what to expect from a CCNA-certified candidate. The broad-based certification is easier to evaluate and aligns more closely with typical job requirements.
The path now looks like this:
· Step 1: Earn the CCNA 200-301
· Step 2: Choose a specialization (CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, etc.)
· Step 3: Pursue advanced knowledge and skills aligned with career goals
This structure mirrors real-world experience. Most professionals begin in generalist roles and only later find their niche based on interest and opportunity.
What Happened to the Old Specializations?
While the old CCNA specializations are gone, their content hasn’t disappeared. Much of it has been integrated into higher-level certifications or distributed across other learning resources.
For example:
- CCNA Security content is now part of the CCNP Security path.
- CCNA Wireless concepts are reflected in CCNP Enterprise – Wireless concentration exams.
- CCNA Collaboration has been absorbed into CCNP Collaboration and the Cisco DevNet program.
Candidates who want to dive into specific technologies can still do so—just not at the associate level. This change pushes specialization to a point in the career where it’s more useful and informed by actual job experience.
For developers and those interested in automation, Cisco now offers the DevNet Associate certification. It complements the CCNA by focusing on network automation, APIs, software development, and DevOps culture. This path aligns with the industry shift toward programmable networks.
Addressing Concerns About the Unified Approach
Some learners worry that the unified CCNA covers too much. They fear it may be harder to pass because it requires knowledge across multiple domains. While it’s true that the 200-301 exam covers a broad range, it is still intended to be an entry-level certification. The depth of coverage is appropriate for beginners.
Also, Cisco has improved the quality of preparation materials. Study guides, video courses, lab simulators, and Cisco Practice tests from sites like Exam-Labs are tailored to the new exam format. These tools ensure that candidates are not just memorizing terms but learning how to think like network professionals.
Another concern is the lack of early specialization. But this concern misses the bigger picture. In today’s IT world, entry-level employees are expected to understand how systems interconnect. A specialist who doesn’t understand routing or network security basics will struggle, regardless of their focus.
Using Practice Tests to Navigate the New CCNA
Practice tests have become even more important under the new model. The breadth of topics requires consistent reinforcement across multiple areas. Sites like Exam-Labs offer practice exams that mimic the real test format, helping learners
- Identify weak areas
- Build confidence
- Learn to manage time under pressure
- Reinforce key concepts through repetition
Regular use of Cisco Practice tests ensures not only memorization but actual understanding of how different technologies interact. These tools are invaluable for turning theory into application.
The Evolution of CCNP and CCIE – Specialization, Flexibility, and Real-World Focus
After streamlining the CCNA certification into a single, foundational credential, Cisco restructured its professional-level and expert-level certifications, CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) and CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), to better reflect the evolving roles of networking professionals. In doing so, Cisco introduced a more modular, customizable framework that gives learners flexibility in specialization while ensuring a common foundational knowledge across all tracks. This transformation not only modernizes the certification journey but also makes it more accessible, job-relevant, and aligned with how real-world IT infrastructure is designed and maintained.
This article explores the modern CCNP and CCIE certifications, breaking down the new exam structure, areas of specialization, use of core technologies, and integration of emerging domains like automation, cloud, and cybersecurity. It also discusses the importance of Cisco Practice tests in mastering the new framework, especially for those preparing for advanced roles.
The Legacy Structure of CCNP and CCIE
Prior to the 2020 changes, each CCNP track—Enterprise, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, and Service Provider—required multiple exams (usually three or four). You had to pass every required exam in that track to earn the certification. For example, CCNP Routing and Switching required:
· ROUTE (300-101)
· SWITCH (300-115)
· TSHOOT (300-135)
This approach was rigid and didn’t allow for mixing topics across domains. It also had steep entry requirements: you needed to be CCNA-certified in a corresponding track before attempting a CCNP exam.
The CCIE certifications followed a similar compartmentalized approach, with written exams as prerequisites to taking the grueling 8-hour lab exams. These labs tested hands-on configuration and troubleshooting skills in highly specialized scenarios.
While these certifications were valuable, the siloed format made them less accessible to professionals in dynamic job roles requiring cross-domain knowledge. The rigidity also failed to accommodate emerging technologies like SD-WAN, network automation, and hybrid cloud, which span multiple traditional domains.
The New Structure: Core Exam + Concentration Exam
The new CCNP and CCIE programs introduced a modern, simplified format for certification. Instead of requiring three or four exams for a CCNP, candidates now take just two:
1. A core exam
2. One concentration exam of their choice
This two-exam format exists across all CCNP tracks:
- CCNP Enterprise
- CCNP Security
- CCNP Collaboration
- CCNP Data Center
- CCNP Service Provider
- Cisco Certified DevNet Professional (for software and automation)
Each core exam serves two purposes:
· It’s required for the CCNP certification.
· It acts as the qualifying exam for the corresponding CCIE lab.
This means candidates pursuing CCIE no longer need a separate written exam. If you pass the core exam, you’re eligible to schedule the CCIE lab.
For example:
The 300-401 ENCOR exam is the core for CCNP Enterprise.
Passing it qualifies you for CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure or CCIE Enterprise Wireless (depending on the lab you choose). You can pair it with a concentration exam like 300-410 ENARSI to earn the CCNP Enterprise certification.
This streamlined structure allows flexibility in specialization and reduces the time and cost to become certified, without compromising on the depth or quality of learning.
Breakdown of CCNP Core Exams and Their Roles
Each CCNP track begins with a core exam that reflects foundational, job-role-relevant knowledge. Here’s a quick summary:
- CCNP Enterprise
Core Exam: 300-401 ENCOR – Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies
Covers routing, switching, wireless, security, and automation.
- CCNP Security
Core Exam: 350-701 SCOR – Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies
Covers firewalling, VPNs, identity, cloud security, and network threat defense.
- CCNP Collaboration
Core Exam: 350-801 CLCOR – Implementing Cisco Collaboration Core Technologies
Focuses on Cisco Unified Communications solutions, including voice, video, and messaging.
- CCNP Data Center
Core Exam: 350-601 DCCOR – Implementing Cisco Data Center Core Technologies
Includes compute, storage networking, automation, and data center security.
- CCNP Service Provider
Core Exam: 350-501 SPCOR – Implementing Cisco Service Provider Core Technologies
Covers core architecture, services, automation, QoS, and security for service provider networks.
- DevNet Professional
Core Exam: 350-901 DEVCOR – Developing Applications Using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs
Focuses on software development, APIs, Cisco platforms, infrastructure as code, and DevOps.
By establishing core exams across all tracks, Cisco ensures that professionals have a consistent and relevant knowledge base before diving into more specialized topics.
Concentration Exams: Customizing the Certification Path
Once the core exam is passed, the learner selects one concentration exam from a list to complete the CCNP certification. These exams allow for targeted learning based on interest, job requirements, or emerging trends. For instance:
Enterprise
- 300-410 ENARSI (Advanced Routing)
- 300-415 ENSDWI (SD-WAN)
- 300-420 ENSLD (Design)
- 300-425 ENWLSD (Wireless Design)
- 300-435 ENAUTO (Automation)
Security
- 300-710 SNCF (Firepower)
- 300-715 SISE (ISE)
- 300-720 SESA (Email Security)
- 300-725 SWSA (Web Security)
- 300-735 SAUTO (Security Automation)
DevNet
- 300-435 ENAUTO (shared with Enterprise)
- 300-635 DCAUTO (shared with Data Center)
- 300-910 DEVOPS
- 300-920 DEVWBX
- 300-930 DEVASC
This modularity gives candidates the freedom to build a certification that matches their job role, whether it’s in traditional enterprise networking, SD-WAN deployment, or software automation. It also allows professionals to remain agile in a fast-changing industry by expanding into different areas later without starting over.
How the CCIE Has Evolved
While the CCIE is still a highly respected and difficult-to-attain certification, its structure has been streamlined too. Each CCIE track now consists of:
· A core exam (the same one used in CCNP)
· An 8-hour hands-on lab focused on end-to-end design, implementation, and troubleshooting
This ensures that CCIE candidates have both broad knowledge (via the core exam) and deep, practical skills (via the lab). More importantly, the lab reflects real-world scenarios that test across technologies rather than in isolation.
For example, the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab includes:
- Layer 3 routing and switching
- Network services
- Security
- Automation with Python and NETCONF/RESTCONF
- Policy implementation (like QoS or SD-WAN)
This modern lab format prepares candidates for high-level roles such as network architect, infrastructure lead, and systems designer.
The Rise of DevNet: Automation and Programmability
Another major addition in the new certification landscape is the DevNet track, which is on par with traditional CCNP/CCIE tracks. With the growing importance of software-defined networking (SDN), infrastructure as code (IaC), and programmable APIs, Cisco created DevNet to validate skills in:
- Network automation using Python
- Working with REST APIs and JSON
- Automating Cisco platforms (DNA Center, ACI, Meraki, Webex)
- Using tools like Git, Ansible, Docker, and Kubernetes
The DevNet Associate and DevNet Professional certifications fill a critical gap for engineers who want to blend software and network skills, enabling faster, scalable, and more secure deployments.
Many candidates now pair their core CCNA or CCNP skills with DevNet knowledge to stay competitive. The 350-901 DEVCOR core exam and its corresponding concentration exams lead to a full DevNet Professional certification, just like the traditional tracks.
Cisco Practice Tests: Critical for Exam Success
With the new modular structure, success depends heavily on targeted preparation. Cisco Practice tests help candidates focus on the core and concentration exam content, understand real-world scenarios, and simulate exam pressure.
Sites like Exam-Labs offer updated Cisco Practice tests for all new exams, including:
- 300-401 ENCOR
- 350-701 SCOR
- 300-435 ENAUTO
- 350-901 DEVCOR
- 300-710 SNCF
Benefits of using Cisco Practice tests:
· Reinforce understanding of exam objectives
· Identify weak areas for targeted study
· Simulate the time and pressure of real exams
· Improve retention through repetition
· Build familiarity with Cisco-style questions
They are especially useful for those preparing for CCIE labs, where real-time problem-solving is key. Practice tests combined with lab environments (like Cisco Packet Tracer or EVE-NG) create a powerful preparation strategy.
DevNet Associate and Professional – The Future of Network Engineering
As enterprises shift toward automation, cloud-native infrastructure, and agile DevOps methodologies, traditional networking roles are evolving. To address this shift, Cisco launched the DevNet certification track, a suite of credentials designed to equip IT professionals with the software and programming skills required to operate, automate, and innovate in modern network environments.
This part explores the DevNet Associate and DevNet Professional certifications in detail. We will examine the core concepts of these certifications, their exam blueprints, real-world applications, and how Cisco Practice tests and hands-on labs are essential for mastering the skills required for these certifications. We’ll also look at how DevNet bridges the gap between developers and network engineers, preparing professionals for the emerging “NetDevOps” landscape.
Understanding Cisco DevNet: Why It Matters
Before the DevNet program, most Cisco certifications focused on traditional skills: configuring routers and switches, managing firewalls, and troubleshooting IP networks. However, the IT world has changed dramatically. Modern infrastructure relies on
- Automation (e.g., using Python to script changes)
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) (e.g., managing networks with Ansible)
- APIs (e.g., integrating with Cisco DNA Center or Meraki)
- Version control (e.g., tracking network configuration with Git)
- Cloud-native tools (e.g., using Docker, Kubernetes, and microservices)
Cisco responded by creating DevNet—a platform for software development and network automation—and pairing it with a certification track that complements the traditional CCNA/CCNP/CCIE paths.
The DevNet track has two main levels:
· DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC)
· DevNet Professional (350-901 DEVCOR + a concentration exam)
DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC): Foundation of Network Automation
The DevNet Associate is Cisco’s entry-level certification in network programmability. It validates a professional’s ability to develop and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms and understand the basics of automation and software development.
Target Audience:
- Network engineers learning to code
- Software developers interacting with network APIs
- Systems engineers transitioning into DevOps roles
- Anyone interested in building programmable and automated infrastructure
DEVASC Exam Topics:
The DEVASC exam blueprint is split into six major domains:
1. Software Development and Design (15%)
o Programming concepts (variables, loops, functions)
o REST APIs, HTTP methods
o Data formats (JSON, XML)
o Version control using Git
2. Understanding and Using APIs (20%)
o Consuming REST APIs
o Authentication methods (OAuth2, tokens)
o Using tools like Postman and curl
3. Cisco Platforms and Development (15%)
o Cisco Meraki, Webex, DNA Center, ACI
o APIs provided by Cisco platforms
o Managing infrastructure through APIs
4. Application Deployment and Security (15%)
o Containers (Docker), CI/CD pipelines
o Secure coding practices
o Secrets management
5. Infrastructure and Automation (20%)
o Model-driven programmability: YANG, NETCONF, RESTCONF
o Using Ansible and Python for network automation
o Configuration management and telemetry
6. Network Fundamentals (15%)
o OSI model, IP addressing
o Basic routing and switching
o DNS, DHCP, NAT
Real-World Relevance: By earning the DevNet Associate, professionals demonstrate they can write basic Python scripts, use APIs to automate configurations, and deploy containerized applications. These skills are essential for working in hybrid environments where networks must be programmatically managed.
DevNet Professional: Deep Specialization in Network Automation
The next level up is the DevNet Professional certification, which follows the new Cisco format: a core exam (DEVCOR) plus one concentration exam.
1. Core Exam – 350-901 DEVCOR
This exam focuses on advanced software development and Cisco platform integration.
DEVCOR Exam Topics:
- Advanced Python scripting
- Design patterns, multithreading
- Application deployment: Docker, Kubernetes
- Authentication, RBAC, OAuth2
- REST APIs with Cisco platforms (DNA Center, Meraki, Webex, ACI, SD-WAN)
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Event-driven automation using webhooks
- Using CI/CD pipelines with Git and Jenkins
This exam is designed for professionals who automate complex tasks, develop custom network apps, or maintain software integrations across Cisco technologies.
2. Concentration Exams: Choose Your Path
To complete the DevNet Professional certification, you must pass one of several specialization exams:
- 300-435 ENAUTO – Enterprise Automation
- 300-535 SPAUTO – Service Provider Automation
- 300-635 DCAUTO – Data Center Automation
- 300-735 SAUTO – Security Automation
- 300-910 DEVOPS – DevOps practices
- 300-920 DEVWBX – Webex Applications
- 300-915 DEVIOT – IoT Application Development
These exams focus on applying automation techniques to specific domains. For example, 300-435 ENAUTO tests your ability to interact with Cisco DNA Center, automate routing protocols, and use YANG data models with RESTCONF and NETCONF.
How DevNet Is Changing Job Roles
Traditional roles like “Network Administrator” are being redefined as job descriptions evolve to include terms like:
- Network Automation Engineer
- DevOps Network Engineer
- Infrastructure Developer
- Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
DevNet certifications validate your ability to move beyond CLI-based configuration and into a realm where networks are programmable platforms.
For example:
· Instead of manually configuring VLANs, a DevNet-certified engineer writes a Python script that provisions them automatically.
· Instead of logging into routers individually, they build Ansible playbooks that apply configurations at scale.
· Instead of waiting for alerts, they create telemetry dashboards using APIs.
Tools and Technologies Covered in DevNet
Here are some of the core tools you’ll encounter in DevNet learning and exams:
- Python – primary scripting language
- Git – version control
- REST APIs – interaction model with Cisco platforms
- Postman, curl – API testing tools
- Docker – containerization platform
- Kubernetes – orchestration of containerized apps
- Jenkins – CI/CD pipelines
- Ansible – configuration management and automation
- YAML/JSON – data exchange formats
- YANG/NETCONF/RESTCONF – model-driven network configuration
These tools are at the heart of modern IT practices and give DevNet-certified professionals a competitive edge.
The Role of Cisco Practice Tests in DevNet Certification
Cisco Practice tests are critical for preparing for DevNet exams, especially since many candidates come from either a pure networking or pure development background—not both. Practice tests help bridge that gap by reinforcing cross-domain knowledge.
Key benefits:
- Identify weak areas (e.g., if you know Python but not RESTCONF)
- Simulate real exam conditions
- Learn how Cisco structures questions and expects answers
- Test comprehension of complex topics like API authentication or Docker architecture
- Reduce exam-day anxiety by practicing repeatedly
Recommended sources like Exam-Labs offer updated practice tests for:
- 200-901 DEVASC
- 350-901 DEVCOR
- 300-435 ENAUTO
- 300-910 DEVOPS
Combined with Cisco’s DevNet Sandboxes (cloud-based labs), practice tests help candidates test code against real APIs and platforms, not just theoretical questions.
How to Prepare for DevNet Certifications
For DevNet Associate:
- Learn Python fundamentals (variables, functions, classes)
- Practice using REST APIs with Postman
- Understand how Cisco DNA Center and Meraki APIs work
- Build small automation scripts to manage configs
- Study Git basics: commit, push, clone, branches
- Take Cisco Practice tests to assess readiness
For DevNet Professional:
- Master Python for network automation
- Use Git, Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes
- Interact with multiple Cisco APIs (ACI, SD-WAN, Webex)
- Deploy apps in CI/CD pipelines
- Automate tasks with Ansible and IaC tools
- Work with telemetry and model-driven programmability (YANG, RESTCONF)
DevNet Career Opportunities
Professionals with DevNet certifications are in demand for roles such as:
- Automation Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Network Software Engineer
- Cloud Network Architect
- Application Developer for Network Platforms
Average salaries for DevNet-certified professionals often exceed those of traditional network engineers due to the hybrid nature of their skills.
Final Thoughts
The Cisco DevNet certification path represents a major leap forward in how network professionals are trained and certified in today’s dynamic IT landscape. As enterprises increasingly rely on automation, APIs, cloud-native tools, and DevOps practices, the need for professionals who can bridge the gap between software development and networking has never been greater. DevNet Associate and DevNet Professional certifications empower learners with exactly those hybrid skills.
Whether you’re a network engineer learning to code or a developer entering the infrastructure space, DevNet certifications equip you with practical, real-world capabilities, from Python scripting and Git workflows to container orchestration and programmable APIs across Cisco platforms. This shift enables you to build and operate scalable, secure, and automated network environments.
Backed by resources like Cisco Practice tests, Exam-Labs preparation tools, and DevNet Sandboxes, these certifications help you gain hands-on experience and confidently tackle complex challenges in modern IT ecosystems. By earning a DevNet certification, you’re not just enhancing your resume, you’re becoming part of the future of networking.
