Exploring the New Era of Network Programming with Cisco DevNet Associate
The evolution of modern IT environments has brought development and networking to a shared junction. Traditionally isolated roles of network engineers and software developers are now blending as infrastructure becomes programmable and automation moves to the core of operations. This shift is reshaping how networks are deployed, maintained, and expanded. Recognizing this, a new certification emerged to support professionals who want to thrive in this hybrid domain. The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) certification is a pioneering step into this evolving landscape.
Why DevNet Associate Exists in the Modern Landscape
In today’s dynamic IT environment, systems need to respond quickly, automatically, and intelligently. Relying solely on manual configuration of networking hardware is no longer feasible. There is a growing demand for scalable infrastructure driven by code. Enterprises increasingly require network professionals who understand how to leverage APIs, deploy applications, manage infrastructure as code, and use automation frameworks.
This transition is not only about managing devices; it’s about managing intent. Intent-based networking combined with programmatic interfaces has changed what is expected from network engineers. As a result, professionals now need hybrid capabilities in software development and infrastructure understanding. The DevNet Associate certification is built around this intersection of development and networking, helping IT professionals expand their value in multi-domain environments.
Who Should Consider the 200-901 DEVASC Certification
The DevNet Associate exam is a perfect fit for those who want to go beyond traditional IT roles. It appeals to developers looking to work more closely with networking environments, network engineers aiming to improve their development skills, and DevOps practitioners who manage both application delivery and infrastructure performance.
Although not mandatory, familiarity with Python and foundational networking concepts can help you better align with the topics covered in the certification. The certification does not require decades of experience but expects a curious mindset, a willingness to automate repetitive tasks, and a passion for optimizing network interactions.
The Core Objective of the DevNet Associate Exam
The primary goal of the 200-901 DEVASC certification is to validate your ability to develop and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms. These applications can be used to interact with infrastructure components in a secure, automated, and consistent manner. From understanding RESTful APIs to leveraging infrastructure-as-code tools, the certification builds practical skills relevant across various real-world job roles.
This exam encourages not only coding but understanding the bigger picture of integrating software with modern network environments. In essence, it is about bringing intelligent automation and modular software practices into the network space.
Structure and Format of the 200-901 DEVASC Exam
The 200-901 DEVASC exam has a duration of 120 minutes and assesses six core areas. The weightage across the exam domains ensures that candidates are tested on both fundamental and specialized topics. The structure is crafted to simulate real-world scenarios, testing both theoretical understanding and practical application.
Let’s explore these domains and how they collectively prepare you to work effectively in a programmable network environment.
Software Development and Design
This domain contributes to a crucial part of the exam. It tests your understanding of foundational software development concepts such as data structures, error handling, version control, and object-oriented programming. Candidates are expected to grasp how modular code can reduce redundancy and how programming design principles influence code maintainability.
You will likely encounter topics like RESTful APIs, JSON, YAML, and their use in application integration. While Python is a preferred language in this context, the goal here is not to test your fluency in coding but your ability to apply development logic in infrastructure tasks.
Understanding and Using APIs
APIs have transformed how devices, applications, and services communicate. This exam objective tests your ability to make API calls, interpret responses, and apply the data received. Candidates should be familiar with making GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests and understanding their implications in network environments.
You are expected to understand how APIs are used to extract telemetry data, automate tasks, or push configurations across devices. Additionally, understanding the role of API authentication mechanisms and rate limits will serve you well.
Cisco Platforms and Development
This section introduces candidates to the landscape of Cisco platforms that offer programmable interfaces. It involves familiarity with platforms such as Meraki, DNA Center, Webex, and security APIs. While the exam doesn’t require deep configuration knowledge, it does expect you to understand how applications can be built on these platforms.
You should be comfortable identifying use cases where platform APIs can solve problems such as centralized monitoring, remote device configuration, or security policy enforcement.
Application Deployment and Security
This domain explores concepts involved in deploying applications securely. Topics include containerization, orchestration, cloud-native patterns, and continuous integration workflows. You will also need to understand secure coding principles such as input validation, encryption, and access control.
A critical aspect here is to recognize how software vulnerabilities affect application integrity, and how techniques like automated testing and pipeline scanning can help minimize risks. You’ll learn how security can be integrated into development practices rather than treated as an afterthought.
Infrastructure and Automation
One of the most critical sections, this domain introduces you to the world of infrastructure automation. This includes understanding how configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet work, and how infrastructure-as-code can define networks in a repeatable, version-controlled manner.
The exam explores how telemetry, logging, and event-driven responses can be automated. You’ll also learn about using tools and scripts to monitor performance, trigger alerts, or execute predefined changes, enabling resilient and self-healing systems.
Network Fundamentals
Though the focus of the certification is on development and automation, a strong understanding of basic networking concepts is essential. This includes knowledge of IP addressing, routing, switching, and protocols such as HTTP, DNS, and DHCP.
Candidates must understand how data flows across a network, what influences its performance, and how protocols support end-to-end communication. This foundational layer helps developers design better tools and automation workflows compatible with underlying network architecture.
Why This Certification Matters More Than Ever
What sets the DevNet Associate certification apart is that it doesn’t try to replace traditional network engineers or software developers. Instead, it creates a bridge between the two domains. As networks become programmable, the value of professionals who understand both sides increases significantly.
Organizations are investing in technologies that allow automated policy enforcement, real-time analytics, and rapid provisioning. Professionals who can leverage these tools using development logic will be in high demand.
It’s not just about knowing a scripting language or writing software. It’s about integrating application logic with infrastructure intelligence to create seamless, scalable solutions that minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
How the DevNet Associate Certification Shapes Career Pathways
Earning the DevNet Associate certification opens up numerous career opportunities. You become eligible for roles such as automation engineer, DevOps engineer, network programmer, or infrastructure developer. These roles often sit at the heart of critical enterprise functions.
Additionally, DevNet is more than a one-time certification. It introduces you to a broader track, offering professional and specialist-level credentials. This progression allows you to tailor your learning path depending on whether you want to focus more on operations, cloud integration, collaboration tools, or security automation.
More importantly, it reshapes how you think about networking. Instead of devices and cables, you begin to view infrastructure as a programmable service, capable of adapting in real time to business needs. This mindset is vital in environments driven by microservices, container platforms, and edge computing.
Practical Knowledge You Gain from the DevNet Journey
By preparing for the DevNet Associate exam, you will build a variety of practical skills that can be immediately applied in workplace environments. These include writing Python scripts to automate tasks, designing secure REST APIs, using version control to track changes, building event-driven workflows, and integrating third-party services using SDKs.
You will also learn how to deploy applications in container environments, understand CI/CD workflows, and leverage network telemetry for proactive management. This comprehensive blend of skills transforms you into a strategic resource in any IT-driven organization.
Understanding APIs and Their Role in DevNet Development
One of the core skills evaluated in the DevNet Associate exam is understanding and working with APIs. In modern network environments, APIs form the bridge between applications and the underlying systems. This is particularly significant for network programmability. The exam expects candidates to comprehend API characteristics, be able to consume APIs, and understand response codes, data encoding, and authentication.
Candidates must understand REST and RESTful APIs. These interfaces use HTTP protocols to retrieve and manipulate data. They are widely used in networking for device configuration, monitoring, and integration of different services. JSON is the most common data encoding format used in REST APIs, and knowledge of how JSON structures data is necessary.
Understanding how to make GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests and interpreting the responses is foundational. These operations allow you to retrieve data, create new resources, update existing configurations, or delete items in a system.
A candidate should be comfortable interpreting HTTP response codes. A 200 response typically indicates a successful request, while a 404 means the resource wasn’t found. Authentication in APIs is another essential skill. This involves API keys, tokens, and mechanisms such as OAuth2.
Familiarity with using Postman or curl to send requests and view responses is highly advantageous during preparation. Candidates are encouraged to try building small Python scripts that use the requests library to call and interact with APIs to deepen their hands-on understanding.
Embracing Cisco Platforms and Development Integration
The exam also places significant weight on your understanding of Cisco platforms and how development is integrated into them. The expectation is not to memorize a long list of commands or platforms but to understand how Cisco systems can be accessed, programmed, and extended.
Modern Cisco devices and platforms such as routers, switches, wireless controllers, and cloud solutions expose APIs or interfaces to interact with their data and services. Candidates should understand that many Cisco platforms support programmability through APIs, CLI automation, and SDKs.
You’ll need to understand how to interact with platforms such as Cisco DNA Center, Meraki, Webex, and others through APIs. For instance, Cisco DNA Center offers a comprehensive suite of REST APIs for automation and assurance, which are often used in enterprise network environments for configuration and monitoring.
Cisco Meraki’s cloud-managed architecture makes it suitable for programmatic access. Developers can build dashboards and automation workflows with Meraki’s APIs. Webex APIs allow developers to create messaging bots and automate tasks around meetings and communication services.
The key learning here is recognizing how APIs fit into Cisco’s ecosystem. Instead of treating each platform as a siloed environment, DevNet engineers are expected to build integrations and automation workflows across these platforms, thus enabling cohesive operations and simplified network management.
Understanding how to locate and navigate API documentation and learning to authenticate and structure requests across these platforms are skills highly emphasized in the 200-901 exam.
Core Concepts of Application Deployment and Security
Application deployment and security is another major domain within the 200-901 exam. This section emphasizes the software side of network automation. Candidates must understand application components, deployment models, containerization, and secure coding practices.
Understanding how applications are structured is crucial. Most applications today are built using a microservices architecture, with loosely coupled services communicating over APIs. This modularity allows for faster development, testing, and deployment.
The exam also tests your knowledge of container technology. Containers encapsulate an application and its dependencies, ensuring that it runs consistently across environments. Docker is the most widely used container platform. You should know how Dockerfiles are used to build container images and how those images are deployed and managed.
Orchestration tools like Kubernetes are beyond the core scope of the exam but having a basic understanding of how containerized applications scale and operate in a production environment helps contextualize the real-world importance of these technologies.
Security concepts focus on securing APIs and applications. Candidates should understand secure coding practices, the importance of encrypting sensitive data, and using HTTPS for secure communication. Awareness of authentication and authorization mechanisms in application development, such as using OAuth2 tokens or securing secrets through environmental variables, is expected.
Understanding these principles not only helps in the exam but also plays a crucial role when building secure automation scripts or applications in an enterprise setting.
Mastering Infrastructure and Automation Concepts
Infrastructure and automation cover a wide range of topics. The exam aims to ensure candidates understand infrastructure as code, configuration management tools, and the automation of infrastructure deployment and monitoring.
At its core, infrastructure as code (IaC) is the practice of managing and provisioning computing infrastructure through machine-readable definition files, rather than physical hardware configuration. This includes virtual machines, network devices, storage, and even entire environments.
Popular tools in this domain include Ansible, Puppet, and Terraform. Among these, Ansible is most often associated with network automation due to its simple YAML syntax and agentless architecture. Candidates should understand how Ansible playbooks are written, what modules are available for network automation, and how to apply them in practical use cases.
You should also grasp the concept of configuration management. This involves maintaining consistency of a system’s configuration throughout its lifecycle. Automation tools help monitor configurations and enforce desired states. When a deviation occurs, the tool can alert administrators or automatically remediate it.
The exam expects candidates to be familiar with how automated workflows interact with network devices, servers, or cloud platforms. This involves using scripts or tools to retrieve device configurations, perform backups, or apply changes at scale.
A strong emphasis is also placed on knowing how to interpret JSON or XML data formats, understanding configuration templates such as Jinja2, and using automation frameworks to reduce human error and improve efficiency.
Another crucial concept is version control. Knowing how to use Git, perform commits, manage branches, and collaborate on code is necessary. These are not only industry best practices but essential tools for working in DevOps environments.
Building a Foundation in Network Fundamentals
Even though the focus of this certification is development and automation, a strong foundational understanding of networking is still vital. This allows developers and automation engineers to design solutions that are operationally efficient and compatible with the network.
Candidates must grasp how data flows through a network, the purpose of IP addressing, and the role of protocols such as TCP and UDP. Understanding how routing works, how devices use MAC addresses and ARP, and how DNS resolves domain names are fundamental.
Familiarity with VLANs, subnets, and access control lists is expected. This helps in understanding how networks are segmented and secured, and how applications interact with infrastructure components.
Another key area is the OSI and TCP/IP models. Knowing which protocols operate at each layer provides insight into troubleshooting and system design. For instance, understanding that HTTP operates at Layer 7 and IP operates at Layer 3 allows for more precise debugging and network planning.
The exam also tests knowledge of wireless technologies, including the roles of wireless controllers and access points. Although the exam does not require deep hands-on configuration skills, understanding the logical flow of devices and protocols in a wireless environment is useful.
Monitoring and telemetry tools are also included in the network fundamentals domain. Understanding how SNMP, NetFlow, or streaming telemetry are used to collect data from devices and how that data can be programmatically analyzed is part of the expected knowledge.
Real-World Relevance of DevNet Associate Skills
The 200-901 certification is more than just a test of programming or network theory. It’s a reflection of a new era in IT where software and networking are intertwined. Modern networks cannot scale effectively without automation. Likewise, developers building network-aware applications must understand the underlying infrastructure.
As network environments become increasingly complex, managing them manually is no longer practical. Automation reduces human error, increases consistency, and allows for faster changes. It is no surprise that enterprises now seek professionals who can bridge the gap between development and operations.
By preparing for this certification, candidates gain a deep understanding of how APIs, network protocols, platforms, and automation tools come together. This enables them to build scalable and robust automation workflows or applications that interact with real-world infrastructure.
Understanding network constraints, security implications, and platform capabilities helps DevNet professionals make smarter decisions when designing solutions. It transforms them from coders into system-aware developers who can collaborate with operations teams and contribute to network evolution.
Looking Ahead in Your DevNet Journey
Having a clear grasp of the objectives in the 200-901 exam is the first step. The next stage involves consistently building hands-on experience. Use emulated environments, coding labs, and simulated APIs to put your knowledge into practice.
Remember that the aim of this certification is not to memorize facts but to understand how systems work and how you can interact with them programmatically. The more you automate, experiment, and build, the more confident you will become.
This is where the DevNet Associate journey becomes exciting. You start to see how even small automations can lead to massive operational efficiencies. You also realize how cross-functional collaboration becomes easier when everyone speaks a common language of APIs and automation.
The foundation built during your preparation opens doors to more advanced specializations and real-world opportunities in DevOps, NetDevOps, and software-defined networking roles.
Application Deployment and Security in Cisco 200-901
Understanding application deployment and security in the context of programmable networks is a critical skill measured in the Cisco 200-901 exam. As modern applications grow more complex, deployment methods need to be reliable, repeatable, and secure. This part of the certification exam focuses on essential practices such as containerization, secure coding techniques, authentication mechanisms, and cloud-native deployments.
One foundational concept here is the use of containers, particularly using Docker. Candidates should understand how containers differ from virtual machines, why they offer benefits in terms of scalability and consistency, and how Dockerfiles are written to define container configurations. Understanding container orchestration using tools like Kubernetes is also beneficial, though at the associate level, only the basics are expected.
Security is another pillar of this domain. You must grasp the principles of secure coding such as input validation, avoiding hardcoded credentials, and using environment variables securely. Candidates are expected to be familiar with OAuth2.0, token-based authentication, and API keys. It’s important to understand how APIs enforce authentication and how secure transport protocols like HTTPS safeguard communication.
Another key area is the use of CI/CD pipelines for deployment. These pipelines help automate the integration, testing, and delivery of software. Candidates are expected to understand the workflow involved in CI/CD and the benefits of automated testing and version control integration.
Application deployment also includes infrastructure as code (IaC). This is where platforms like Terraform or Ansible come into play, although at this level, understanding basic scripts and YAML configuration files is sufficient.
Lastly, you should know basic error handling strategies in applications and the importance of logging. Knowing where to store logs securely, how to set log levels, and how to avoid logging sensitive information is part of secure application deployment.
Cisco Platforms and Development
This section evaluates your ability to interact with various Cisco platforms and use their APIs for network automation and management. Programmability is at the heart of modern Cisco architectures, and this domain focuses on the APIs exposed by networking devices and platforms.
Familiarity with Cisco DNA Center is a strong asset. This platform provides both a GUI and a programmable interface for managing enterprise networks. You should know how to use REST APIs to automate tasks like device discovery, configuration backup, and policy enforcement.
Meraki is another platform covered under this domain. It is a cloud-managed solution, and its API offers access to extensive management functions for wireless, switching, and security appliances. Understanding how to use Meraki APIs to retrieve device statuses, configure SSIDs, or create VLANs is a valuable skill.
Candidates should also explore Cisco Webex APIs. Webex offers APIs for managing meetings, users, and messaging capabilities. This domain helps you learn how to create bots, manage rooms, and push notifications using Webex services.
Cisco also provides sandbox environments that mimic real-world devices and configurations. Familiarity with these environments helps candidates experiment without impacting production systems. While not required to be an expert in every platform, you are expected to know how to read documentation, use RESTful APIs, and parse the returned data.
An understanding of different data formats is essential here, particularly JSON and XML. Most Cisco platforms use JSON as the standard format for sending and receiving data through their APIs.
Software Development and Design Principles
This area covers fundamental development principles and software design concepts that are applicable across various programming environments, especially in network-based applications. A primary focus of this domain is the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Understanding different models such as Agile, Waterfall, and DevOps workflows provides the groundwork for managing the development process.
Version control is a critical topic in this section. Candidates must be familiar with Git, including commands like git clone, git commit, git push, and git pull. They should also understand how version control supports collaboration, traceability, and rollback in case of failures.
Another vital concept is code modularity. Writing code in reusable components or modules not only increases maintainability but also reduces errors and promotes team collaboration. Candidates should also know the difference between libraries and frameworks and understand how to use external packages in their applications securely.
Error handling and exception management are expected competencies. Candidates should know how to handle different types of errors, use try-except blocks, and implement logging mechanisms that support troubleshooting.
Understanding design patterns can enhance problem-solving skills. While deep knowledge of all patterns isn’t expected, concepts like model-view-controller (MVC), singleton, and factory patterns should be understood at a basic level.
This domain also expects familiarity with test-driven development (TDD) and unit testing. Writing tests before code helps ensure quality and encourages modular design. Knowledge of testing frameworks such as pytest for Python and mocking concepts are also included.
Additionally, the exam expects candidates to know about package managers like pip for Python. You should understand how to install dependencies, manage virtual environments, and handle dependency trees.
Infrastructure and Automation in Programmable Networks
Infrastructure and automation play a transformative role in how networks are managed and operated. With increasing complexity and scale, manual processes are no longer efficient. This section of the exam tests how well you understand automation workflows and infrastructure as code concepts.
The starting point here is infrastructure as code, or IaC. Candidates should know how configuration management tools automate infrastructure provisioning. Tools like Ansible use YAML-based playbooks to define infrastructure states, making deployment consistent and repeatable.
Python scripting is also essential. Automation scripts written in Python are widely used to perform device configuration, validate settings, and gather telemetry data. Understanding Python’s syntax, control structures, and how to use libraries like netmiko, paramiko, or requests for network interactions is part of this domain.
APIs are central to automation, and knowing how to construct REST API calls using GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE methods is vital. You should understand how to authenticate to APIs and parse the results using JSON parsers.
Network configuration automation is another critical skill. Instead of manually configuring each router or switch, automation tools can push standardized configurations to hundreds of devices simultaneously. This not only saves time but also reduces configuration drift.
Another essential concept is telemetry and monitoring. Tools that collect metrics in real-time can help ensure that networks meet performance requirements. Understanding how to gather data from devices using SNMP, NETCONF, or streaming telemetry allows proactive fault detection.
Event-driven automation is a growing area. Candidates should understand how to trigger scripts based on network events, such as threshold breaches or device reboots. This reduces human intervention and supports self-healing network behaviors.
You are also expected to grasp basic virtualization concepts. While deep expertise is not necessary, knowing how virtual machines, containers, and hypervisors interact is helpful. Automation scripts often provision virtual network functions, and candidates should know the role of software-defined networking in this context.
Understanding configuration backup and rollback strategies is vital. In case of an automation failure or an erroneous script, having a solid rollback plan can prevent major outages. Tools that support versioning of configurations and snapshots can mitigate risks.
Lastly, the exam tests familiarity with pipelines that incorporate infrastructure changes. This blends the principles of CI/CD with infrastructure management, sometimes referred to as CI/CD for infrastructure. Integrating validation steps, approvals, and rollbacks in automated workflows ensures safe deployment at scale.
Building Real-World Solutions with DevNet
The ultimate goal of the Cisco 200-901 certification is not just to evaluate isolated skills, but to equip professionals to build real-world solutions for programmable networks. This domain brings together all previous areas and applies them in practical scenarios.
Candidates should be able to design and implement solutions that integrate software with hardware platforms. For instance, a solution could automate configuration for branch routers using REST APIs, deploy security policies via code, and provide a web interface to monitor status.
Another real-world application is integrating Cisco APIs with enterprise applications. For example, integrating collaboration APIs into ticketing systems or automating network remediation based on alert notifications from a monitoring system.
You should be able to script tools that dynamically react to network changes. Using Python, you could detect changes in routing tables and alert administrators or make adjustments to QoS policies based on traffic patterns.
You may also be expected to understand how to work with databases and logging frameworks. Storing configuration data, user requests, and system logs in a structured format allows for better insights and audit trails.
At this stage, the focus shifts from writing code to engineering solutions. You should be comfortable creating architectural diagrams, defining workflow steps, and writing modular, secure, and well-documented code that can be maintained by a team.
Building cloud-native integrations is another key aspect. Using APIs from cloud services and deploying applications in hybrid environments requires knowledge of platforms like Kubernetes or serverless frameworks, even if only conceptually.
The ability to use GitOps methodologies—where infrastructure changes are initiated via code repositories—demonstrates maturity in development practices. By pushing configurations and automations through pull requests and code reviews, teams gain better control over their infrastructure evolution.
Lastly, ethical and professional considerations are included. As a DevNet-certified professional, you are expected to follow ethical guidelines when accessing data and managing user permissions. The responsibility includes not only writing efficient and secure code but also maintaining user trust and respecting data integrity
Understanding API Fundamentals in Cisco 200-901
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) play a central role in modern network programmability, and the Cisco 200-901 exam places significant emphasis on this domain. APIs allow systems and applications to communicate with each other without the need for manual input. They are the backbone of automation and integration in modern network infrastructure.
Candidates should understand what RESTful APIs are and how they function. REST stands for Representational State Transfer, and it is based on standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. Each method performs a specific function, like retrieving data (GET), submitting data (POST), updating resources (PUT), or deleting records (DELETE). These operations follow stateless communication, where each request from a client to a server must contain all the necessary information to understand and process the request.
JSON is the most commonly used data format with REST APIs. Understanding how JSON structures data using key-value pairs and nested objects is essential. Candidates should know how to read and parse JSON responses in scripts or through development tools like Postman or curl. XML is also occasionally used, but JSON dominates modern programmable interfaces due to its simplicity and readability.
The exam also expects familiarity with API authentication mechanisms. Many APIs require an API key, token, or OAuth for access. Candidates must understand the flow of an authenticated session, including how to generate and use tokens securely and how to include headers like Authorization in HTTP requests.
Additionally, you are expected to understand the structure of API documentation and how to navigate it to find endpoints, expected inputs, response codes, and examples. Being comfortable using public developer portals to test APIs is important for both learning and troubleshooting.
Understanding API rate limits, error codes (like 400 for bad requests, 401 for unauthorized access, or 500 for server errors), and how to handle them programmatically is also within the exam’s scope.
Parsing Data Formats and Working with Structured Data
Structured data handling is another essential topic in the 200-901 exam. Network engineers and developers often deal with data returned from APIs or stored in logs and configurations. The ability to parse, filter, and transform data efficiently is vital.
The primary data formats you need to understand are JSON, XML, and YAML. JSON is widely used in web services and APIs. It structures data using brackets and curly braces, and it is both human-readable and machine-friendly. You should know how to extract specific fields, iterate through arrays, and manipulate the structure using tools like Python’s json library or command-line utilities like jq.
XML is less common in modern APIs but is still used in some network management systems. It uses tags to define data and includes attributes within those tags. Understanding XPath expressions can help extract specific data elements from complex XML documents.
YAML is often used for configuration files in tools like Ansible and Kubernetes. It is indentation-based and simpler than JSON for writing by hand. You should know how to write YAML files correctly and how to convert between YAML and JSON when needed.
The exam may present structured data in a command-line output or as an API response. You’ll be expected to recognize the format, identify relevant data, and apply basic parsing techniques to extract meaningful information.
Python scripting often comes into play here. Understanding how to use dictionaries, lists, and loops to process structured data is a foundational skill for automation and integration tasks.
DevOps and Automation Practices
DevOps is a culture and methodology that integrates software development and IT operations. It aims to shorten the development lifecycle and deliver high-quality software continuously. The Cisco 200-901 exam introduces candidates to DevOps practices and how they support infrastructure automation.
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) are central to DevOps. In CI/CD, code changes are automatically tested and deployed to production. You should understand how pipelines are structured, with stages for building, testing, and deploying applications or configurations. Tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI/CD are often used, but the exam focuses on the concept more than specific tools.
Version control is a critical enabler of DevOps. Candidates must be comfortable using Git for tracking changes, branching, merging, and pushing code to repositories. Knowing how to resolve conflicts and roll back to previous versions is essential for maintaining stability in automated environments.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is another key DevOps practice. Tools like Ansible allow you to define infrastructure configurations using code stored in version control. These tools ensure consistency across environments, support rollback, and make infrastructure reproducible.
Containerization, primarily using Docker, also plays a vital role. Candidates should understand how containers are built, managed, and deployed. Concepts like Dockerfiles, images, and containers, as well as how containers differ from virtual machines, are important.
Monitoring and feedback loops are also part of DevOps. Automated pipelines should include logging, alerting, and performance monitoring. Understanding how to use telemetry data to detect issues and improve deployments contributes to continuous improvement.
Lastly, you should be aware of cultural aspects of DevOps, such as collaboration, shared ownership, and fast feedback cycles. These values promote team efficiency and system reliability.
Working with Cisco DevNet Resources
Cisco DevNet is the developer program for Cisco products and solutions. It provides a rich ecosystem of learning labs, sandboxes, APIs, and community support to help professionals learn, test, and deploy automation and programmability solutions.
In the 200-901 exam, candidates are expected to know how to use DevNet resources effectively. This includes navigating the DevNet documentation, using interactive learning labs, and understanding the availability of sandbox environments for testing.
Sandboxes are isolated, pre-configured environments where you can experiment with Cisco devices and APIs. They allow hands-on experience without impacting production networks. Some sandboxes are always-on, while others need to be reserved. Understanding how to find, reserve, and use these environments is crucial for building real-world skills.
Cisco DevNet also provides code examples and API documentation for platforms like DNA Center, Meraki, Webex, and ACI. Learning how to read API docs, find the correct endpoints, and understand the required parameters will help you quickly integrate Cisco platforms into your automation workflows.
GitHub repositories maintained by DevNet offer ready-to-use code snippets, SDKs, and sample applications. Being able to clone these repositories, customize the code, and test it in sandbox environments is a practical way to build and validate your skills.
Candidates should also be aware of DevNet forums and communities where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and solve real-world challenges together with other professionals.
Certification-specific learning paths provided through DevNet help structure your preparation and provide guided exercises for each exam topic. Knowing how to use these resources wisely improves both exam readiness and on-the-job performance.
Network Programmability and Telemetry
Modern networks are becoming more dynamic and require programmable interfaces for real-time control and monitoring. This part of the 200-901 exam explores how networks can be configured and managed programmatically.
Network programmability allows you to write scripts and tools that automate repetitive network management tasks. Instead of using CLI manually, you can use APIs to configure interfaces, manage VLANs, or deploy routing protocols. This significantly reduces human error and operational costs.
Cisco’s APIs enable interaction with routers, switches, and controllers. Understanding the differences between device-level APIs (such as those on IOS XE devices) and controller-based APIs (like DNA Center or Meraki Dashboard) helps you choose the right approach for each scenario.
Model-driven programmability is another core concept. Instead of ad-hoc commands, devices expose structured models like YANG. Using protocols like NETCONF or RESTCONF, you can retrieve and modify network configurations based on standardized schemas.
Telemetry, or the streaming of real-time data from devices, replaces traditional polling mechanisms like SNMP. Telemetry offers lower latency, better scalability, and more granular data. You should understand the components involved in telemetry, including sensors, collectors, and subscribers.
Python libraries like ncclient (for NETCONF) or requests (for REST APIs) help automate these operations. You should be able to write scripts that connect to devices, authenticate, retrieve configuration or operational data, and make changes programmatically.
Understanding configuration validation is important. Scripts should check whether the expected state is applied and report any discrepancies. This includes idempotency, where running a script multiple times produces the same result without error.
Network simulation tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or virtual labs using CML can help you test programmability in a safe environment. Practicing with these tools builds your confidence and reinforces theoretical knowledge.
Final Thoughts:
Preparing for the Cisco 200-901 exam requires a structured approach, combining theory, practice, and exploration of real-world tools. The exam covers a broad range of topics, but the depth is at an associate level, meaning you need solid foundational understanding rather than deep specialization.
Begin by reviewing each exam objective in the blueprint. Break down topics into manageable sections and map them to hands-on labs. Use simulation tools or Cisco DevNet sandboxes to gain practical experience with APIs, automation tools, and configuration scripts.
Scripting in Python is central to this exam. Make sure you can write, read, and troubleshoot Python code, especially code that interacts with APIs or parses structured data formats.
Practice reading and using API documentation. Get comfortable using Postman, curl, or Python to test endpoints, send data, and interpret responses.
Understand the philosophy behind DevOps and CI/CD. Even if you haven’t used tools like Jenkins or Ansible in production, simulate a basic pipeline using GitHub Actions or shell scripts to see how code can flow from development to deployment.
Use the learning materials and sandbox labs provided by Cisco DevNet. These resources are tailored to the exam and offer a bridge between theory and real-world practice.
Join communities or discussion forums where you can exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others preparing for the same exam.
As you approach the exam date, take practice tests and simulations. Focus on identifying weak areas, revisiting those topics with focused labs or readings, and reinforcing your understanding.
Ultimately, the Cisco 200-901 exam is not just about passing a test—it’s about building skills that are highly relevant in today’s IT landscape. With thorough preparation and consistent practice, you’ll be ready to meet the demands of network automation and programmability.