How to Get Started with the Cisco DevNet Associate

Learn how to start your journey with the Cisco DevNet Associate, blending coding and networking to master automation, APIs, and modern IT skills.

April 11, 2025

DevNet Associate 200-901 DEVASC v1.1 001 Introduction

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🚀 Introduction:

Welcome to a new era of network engineering — where coding, APIs, automation, and traditional networking converge. The Cisco DevNet Associate (DEVASC 200-901) certification is designed for IT professionals who want to bridge the gap between infrastructure and software development. Whether you’re a network engineer wanting to dive into automation, or a developer looking to understand networks, DevNet is your path forward.

In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the DevNet Associate certification: what it is, why it matters, who it’s for, and how to succeed. We’ll also explore the Cisco certification framework and break down the key exam topics to help you plan your learning journey.

🎯 Goals and Learning Methods:

The primary goal of the DevNet Associate certification is to validate your knowledge and skills in software development and automation within Cisco-based environments. The exam covers foundational programming skills, APIs, application deployment, Cisco platforms, infrastructure automation, and basic networking concepts.

What sets DevNet apart is its hands-on, practical focus. You won’t just memorize theory — you’ll learn how to:

Use Python to automate network tasks
Work with REST APIs and JSON data
Deploy applications using Docker and CI/CD pipelines
Understand model-driven programmability with YANG, NETCONF, and RESTCONF
Integrate with Cisco platforms like DNA Center, Meraki, ACI, and Webex

Most learners combine structured video courses, hands-on labs, sandbox environments, and real-world projects to prepare. Cisco DevNet’s official learning labs and sandboxes are free and incredibly useful, offering a place to practice coding and API integration on live devices.

👥 Who Is These Posts For?

Network Engineers and Admins looking to learn coding and automation
Developers entering the world of networking and infrastructure
IT Professionals and Students aiming to build hybrid skills in networking and software
Anyone preparing for the DevNet Associate (DEVASC 200-901) exam

🎓 Why Get Certified?

The DevNet Associate certification is more than just a badge — it’s a signal to employers that you can automate, innovate, and adapt. With the IT industry rapidly evolving, network automation and programmability are now in high demand.

Here’s why this certification stands out:

High industry demand: Automation skills are essential for modern networking jobs.
Career flexibility: Opens doors to roles in DevOps, NetDevOps, SRE, and software-defined networking.
Strong foundation: A great stepping stone into cloud, security, and software engineering roles.
Cisco recognition: Backed by one of the most respected names in IT.

It’s also a great addition if you’re already CCNA-certified or planning to become a Cisco Certified Specialist.

🛤️ Cisco Career Certifications Overview:

Cisco has redesigned its certification framework to match modern IT needs. The main levels are:

Entry Level – For foundational knowledge (Cisco Certified Support Technician)
Associate Level – Includes CCNA and DevNet Associate
Professional Level – Includes CCNP and DevNet Professional
Expert Level – CCIE and DevNet Expert
Architect Level – The highest certification, focused on enterprise architecture

What’s unique about DevNet is that it’s the software and automation-focused track, whereas the traditional CCNA/CCNP/CCIE tracks focus on network infrastructure. The DevNet track mirrors the traditional path, with Associate, Professional, and Expert levels — making it easy to specialize or move between tracks.

🧠 Cisco DevNet Topics Overview:

The DEVASC 200-901 exam tests your skills across six core domains:

Software Development & Design (15%)
Learn Python fundamentals, data formats (JSON, YAML, XML), TDD, design patterns, and version control with Git.
Understanding and Using APIs (20%)
Work with REST APIs, understand HTTP response codes, webhooks, API authentication, and use Python’s requests library.
Cisco Platforms and Development (15%)
Learn the capabilities and APIs of Cisco platforms like DNA Center, Meraki, ACI, SD-WAN, UCS, Webex, Firepower, and ISE.
Application Deployment and Security (15%)
Understand CI/CD, Docker, edge computing, virtual machines, containers, OWASP threats, and security best practices.
Infrastructure and Automation (20%)
Learn model-driven programmability (YANG, NETCONF, RESTCONF), infrastructure as code, and automation tools like Ansible and Terraform.
Network Fundamentals (15%)
Covers basic networking concepts — IP addressing, VLANs, switching, routing, DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP, and connectivity troubleshooting.

This balanced focus makes DevNet Associate ideal for professionals who want to automate infrastructure but also understand the software development process.

If you’re ready to build next-gen IT skills that blend coding and networking, the Cisco DevNet Associate is your launchpad.

Stay tuned for more posts where I break down each topic in depth and guide you through your study journey step by step.