Introduction
Big news just dropped in the field of networking. Cisco recently made a big announcement. They renamed their entire DevNet certification track to Automation. This isn’t just a name change. It’s a signal of where the industry is heading. The new names are simple and clear. DevNet Associate is now CCNA Automation. DevNet Professional become CCNP Automation. And DevNet Expert? That’s CCIE Automation now. These changes went live recently.
Why should you care? Because this shift affects your career path. It changes how employers see these certifications. It impacts the skills you need to learn. And it shows what the future of networking looks like. If you want to stay competitive, now is a great time to jump into a network automation course to build practical skills in APIs, scripting, and infrastructure as code core areas in this new direction.
In this blog, we will explain the most asked question now, i.e., “What is Cisco Automation?”. We will explore why Cisco made this move. We’ll look at what each new certification covers. Most importantly, we will discuss what this means for your career path. Whether you are just starting or you are a working professional, this change matters to you.
Cisco is making big changes to its certification programs. These changes focus on automation and AI skills that network professionals need today. Let us first understand why Cisco rename the DevNet track.
Why Did Cisco Rename the DevNet Track?
The primary motivator is the escalating demand for network automation and the principles of NetDevOps.
Also, we all have noticed how our industry has evolved over the past few years.
Network automation isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential. Companies need engineers who can automate their repetitive tasks. They’re looking for professionals who understand APIs and scripting. The demand for these skills has exploded.
Think about it this way. Five years ago, network engineers mainly worked with CLI commands. They configured routers and switches manually. Today? They’re writing Python scripts. They’re building automation workflows. They’re integrating networks with cloud platforms. The job has transformed completely.
Cisco launched DevNet back in 2014. It was ahead of its time. But here’s the thing – not everyone understood what “DevNet” meant. The term “DevNet” confused many people. Hiring managers didn’t always understand what it meant. Some thought it was purely for developers. Others assumed it was just another networking certification. The reality was somewhere in between, but that ambiguity created problems.
“Automation” is different. Everyone understands what automation means. It’s clear and direct. When you see “CCNA Automation” or “CCNA Automation certification” on a resume, you know exactly what skills that person has. There’s no confusion. No need for explanation.
Cisco recognized this disconnect. They saw how job titles were evolving. Network Automation Engineer. DevOps Specialist. Infrastructure Automation Expert. These are the roles companies are creating. The new certification names align perfectly with these real-world positions.
But there’s more to this story. The networking industry faces a skills gap. Many organizations struggle to find qualified automation professionals. By renaming these certifications, Cisco makes it easier for employers to identify the right candidates. It also helps professionals market their skills more effectively.
The change also reflects a broader industry trend. Automation is everywhere now. It’s in cloud computing. It’s in security. It’s in data centers. By using “Automation” in the certification names, Cisco connects networking professionals to this larger ecosystem.
Now, you have a good understanding of the question, “What is Cisco Automation?” Let us now discuss the new automation certifications.
What Are the New Automation Certifications?
Now, the question that arises is: What exactly are these new certifications? What do they cover? Who should pursue them? Let’s understand it level by level.
CCNA Automation (Formerly DevNet Associate)
This is your starting point. Think of CCNA Automation certification as your foundation. You don’t need to be a coding expert to begin. But you should know basic networking concepts. A little Python knowledge helps, too.
Who should go for CCNA Automation certification?
- Network admins wanting to add automation skills
- Recent graduates entering the IT
- Help desk techs ready to level up
- Anyone curious about network programming
What will you learn?
The CCNA Automation certification covers practical skills you’ll use daily. You’ll master REST APIs – the language that lets applications talk to each other. You’ll write Python scripts that configure network devices. No more copy-pasting commands for hours.
You’ll also learn about:
- Version control with Git
- Basic Linux commands
- JSON and XML data formats
- Automation workflows
- Network programmability concepts
- Testing and troubleshooting automated solutions
Career opportunities:
- Junior Automation Engineer
- Network Associate with automation skills
- NetDevOps Support Specialist
- Automation Technician
Companies will love CCNA Automation certification holders because they bridge the gap. They understand networks AND can automate tasks. That’s a powerful combination for entry-level roles.
The best part? This certification grows with you. The skills you learn here apply everywhere. Whether you move to the cloud, security, or stay in networking, automation knowledge transfers seamlessly.
Salary expectations? CCNA Automation certification holders will surely earn more than traditional CCNA holders. The automation skills command a premium. Entry-level positions often start 10-20% higher when automation is involved.
CCNP Automation (Formerly DevNet Professional)
This is where things get serious. CCNP Automation isn’t for beginners. You need solid networking knowledge. You should code comfortably. Think of it as the sweet spot between pure networking and software development.
Who should take it?
- Network engineers with 3-5 years of experience
- DevOps engineers focusing on infrastructure
- System administrators managing large networks
- Anyone with CCNA Automation looking to advance
What will you learn?
CCNP Automation goes deep. You’ll master multiple programming languages – not just Python. You’ll work with Cisco platforms like DNA Center and ACI. Infrastructure as Code becomes your new normal.
Key topics include:
- Advanced Python programming
- CI/CD pipelines for network changes
- Container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Ansible, Terraform, and other automation tools
- SDN controllers and their APIs
- Model-driven programmability
- Network security automation
- Cloud integration and automation
Career opportunities:
- Network Automation Engineer
- NetDevOps Engineer
- Platform Engineer (Networking)
- Senior Network Engineer with automation
CCNP Automation professionals are in high demand. They can design and implement automation strategies. They understand the full stack – from network protocols to application deployment.
The CCNP Automation also prepares you for architect-level thinking. You’ll understand how to design automation systems. You’ll know how to evaluate tools and platforms. You’ll be able to lead automation initiatives.
Salary-wise, CCNP Automation professionals command strong compensation. Mid-level positions often pay 30-50% more than traditional networking roles. The combination of networking and development skills is highly valued.
CCIE Automation (Formerly DevNet Expert)
This is the highest position. CCIE Automation represents mastery. It’s one of the hardest IT certifications to earn. But it’s also one of the most valuable.
Who should take it?
- Senior engineers ready for architect roles
- Technical leaders driving automation initiatives
- Consultants specializing in network transformation
- Anyone wanting to prove expert-level skills
What will you learn?
CCIE Automation covers everything. You’ll design automation architectures from scratch. You’ll optimize existing systems for scale. You’ll solve complex problems that stump others.
Advanced topics include:
- Multi-vendor automation strategies
- Custom tool development
- Performance optimization at scale
- Advanced orchestration techniques
- Full lifecycle DevOps implementation
- Automation security and compliance
- Business process automation
- AI/ML integration with network operations
The lab exam is brutal. Eight hours of real-world scenarios. You’ll automate complex network deployments. You’ll troubleshoot broken automation workflows. You’ll optimize code for performance. It tests everything you know.
Career opportunities:
- Solutions Architect
- Senior Automation Engineer
- Principal Engineer
- Technical Director
CCIE Automation holders write their own tickets. Companies pay premium salaries for this expertise. You become the go-to expert for the toughest challenges.
The CCIE Automation also opens doors to specialized roles. Cloud network architects value this expertise. DevOps transformation leaders need these skills. Even CTO positions become accessible with this credential.
Compensation reflects the expertise level. CCIE Automation holders often earn six-figure salaries. Senior positions can command even more. The investment in achieving this certification pays significant dividends.
What Does This Mean for Your Career?
Let’s talk about what really matters. How does this rebranding affect your career? The impact is more significant than you might think. It signals a fundamental shift in how the industry views network professionals.
The Good News
First, your skills are more valuable than ever. The rebrand to “Automation” makes your expertise instantly recognizable. Recruiters search for “automation engineer” far more than “DevNet professional.” Your resume now speaks their language.
Second, salary negotiations get easier. When your certification clearly states “Automation,” managers understand your value. No more explaining what DevNet means. The market rate for automation skills is clear and high.
Third, career paths are clearer. You can chart your progression:
- Start with CCNA Automation
- Advance to CCNP Automation
- Aim for CCIE Automation
Each step has defined skills and salary ranges.
The Reality Check
But here’s what nobody’s talking about. This change also raises the bar. “Automation” in your title means expectations are higher. You can’t just know the basics anymore. Companies expect you to deliver real automation solutions.
The competition increases too. More people will pursue these certifications now that the naming is clearer. The automation engineer job market will get more crowded. But don’t worry – demand still far exceeds supply.
Crucial Points for Current DevNet Holders
If you have DevNet certifications, you’re still in a win-win situation. Your certification remains valid until renewal. But make these changes now:
- Update your LinkedIn headline to include “Automation.”
- Revise your resume to mention both names
- Use “CCNA/CCNP/CCIE Automation (formerly DevNet)” in job applications
- Start using automation terminology in interviews
Crucial points for New Learners
Starting fresh? You’re in a great position. Focus on:
- Learning Python as your first language
- Understanding REST APIs deeply
- Getting hands-on with automation tools
- Building a portfolio of automation projects
- Joining automation communities and forums
Also, for beginners, it is highly recommended to start with CCNA Automation certification.
How to Prepare for the New CCNA/CCNP/CCIE Automation Exams?
Ready to pursue these certifications? Let’s talk about the preparation strategy. Success requires the right approach and resources.
Start with honest self-assessment. Where are your skills today? If you’re new to programming, begin with Python basics. If you’re new to networking, learn the fundamentals first. Build a strong foundation before going for certification.
For CCNA Automation certification
For CCNA Automation certification preparation, focus on hands-on practice. Reading about APIs isn’t enough. You need to use them. Set up a lab environment. Use Cisco’s DevNet sandboxes. They’re free and perfect for practice.
Python proficiency is crucial. But don’t try to master everything. Focus on networking-related Python. Learn requests library for API calls. Understand JSON parsing. Practice with netmiko for device connections. Keep it practical and relevant.
API understanding needs special attention. Many network engineers struggle here initially. Start with Postman to explore APIs manually. Then, transition to Python scripts. Understanding the manual process makes automation clearer.
Version control with Git shouldn’t be overlooked. Create a GitHub account. Practice committing code daily. Learn branching and merging. These skills seem basic, but they’re essential for real-world automation.
For CCNP Automation
For CCNP Automation, deeper preparation is needed. You’ll need multiple lab environments. Consider investing in VIRL or CML. Cloud platforms like AWS or Azure become important. You’ll need to practice at scale.
Study infrastructure as code tools thoroughly. Ansible is particularly important for network automation. Build playbooks for common tasks. Learn to use roles and templates. Practice until it becomes natural.
CI/CD pipeline experience is crucial for CCNP. Set up Jenkins or GitLab CI. Create pipelines that test and deploy network configurations. This hands-on experience is invaluable for the exam and real-world applications.
Don’t neglect soft skills preparation. Automation engineers need to communicate effectively. Practice explaining technical concepts simply. Learn to document your code clearly. These skills matter in exams and careers.
For CCIE Automation
For CCIE Automation, preparation becomes a lifestyle. You’ll need dedicated study time daily. The lab exam requires muscle memory. Practice complex scenarios repeatedly. Time management is as important as technical skills.
Use multiple learning resources. Cisco’s official materials are essential but not sufficient. Supplement with video courses, books, and blogs. Different perspectives help concepts click.
Practice troubleshooting automation failures. Things will break. That’s guaranteed. Learning to debug effectively is crucial. The exam will test this skill. Real-world work demands it constantly.
Create real projects while studying. Automate your home lab. Build tools for your current job. Real projects reinforce learning better than any exercise. They also provide portfolio pieces for job hunting.
Cisco Certifications Updates
Cisco will rename several exams starting soon. The 200-901 DEVASC exam gets a new name. It will be called CCNA Automation certification or 200-901 CCNAAUTO. This change helps people understand what the exam covers.
The 350-901 DEVCOR exam also gets a new name. It becomes AUTOCOR. But there’s more than just a name change here. Cisco will release a new exam blueprint in July 2025. Students can take the updated exam starting February 3, 2026.
Two other exams will get updates, too. ENAUTO and DCAUTO will both receive version 2.0 blueprints. Cisco will share these changes in July 2025. The first day to take these new versions is February 3, 2026.
Some exams will go away completely. Cisco plans to retire four certifications. These are SAUTO, SPAUTO, CLAUTO, and DEVOPS. If you want these certifications, you must take the exams before February 2, 2026. After that date, these exams won’t exist anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is DevNet certification still valid?
Yes, absolutely. If you hold DevNet Associate, Professional, or Expert certifications, they remain valid. Cisco isn’t invalidating existing certifications. They’re simply rebranding for future candidates. Your achievement stands. However, you should start referring to your certification by its new name in professional contexts.
Q2. Has the syllabus changed with the new name?
The core syllabus remains largely the same. Cisco focused on rebranding, not restructuring. However, expect minor updates to reflect current industry practices. Automation technologies evolve quickly. Cisco regularly updates exam topics to stay relevant. Check the official exam blueprints for the latest details.
Q3. Do I need to re-certify under the new names?
No recertification is required solely due to the name change. Your current DevNet certification automatically converts to the equivalent Automation certification. When renewal time comes, you’ll renew under the new name. But there’s no accelerated timeline or special requirements.
Q4. Will job descriptions change to reflect “Automation”?
Yes, job descriptions are already changing. Many companies quickly adopted the new terminology. Others will follow as the change becomes widely known. Update your job alerts to include both “DevNet” and “Automation” keywords during this transition period.
Q5. What is Cisco Automation?
Cisco automation is the new name for Cisco DevNet. DevNet Associate is now CCNA Automation. DevNet Professional changes to CCNP Automation. And DevNet Expert to CCIE Automation.
Conclusion
The transformation from DevNet to Automation marks a pivotal moment. It’s more than rebranding. It’s recognition of where our industry is heading. Automation isn’t the future anymore. It’s the present. For your career, this change brings clarity and opportunity. The path forward is clear. Automation skills are essential. The new certification names make your expertise obvious. Employers can easily identify the skills they need.
Start your automation journey today. Whether you choose CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE Automation, you’re investing in skills that will define the next decade of networking. Automation is the future. And now, Cisco’s certifications clearly reflect that reality.
If you are a beginner in the networking field, start today with CCNA Automation certification and move higher with CCNP Automation and CCIE Automation. Choose your level. Make a study plan. Join the automation.
