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Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA Automation Quick Facts
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Automation certification empowers you to master modern network programmability and automation skills that bring efficiency, reliability, and innovation to connected systems. This overview provides clear, actionable insight to help you understand what to expect from the CCNA Automation exam and how it develops the capabilities that organizations value most in next‑generation network professionals.
How does the CCNA Automation certification elevate your networking expertise?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA Automation certification validates your ability to automate, optimize, and orchestrate network infrastructure using APIs, Python, and Cisco platforms. It highlights your knowledge of infrastructure as code and your efficiency in applying automation to improve scalability across data center, enterprise, and cloud deployments. Designed for aspiring network engineers, developers, and automation professionals, this credential showcases your ability to bridge traditional networking with software‑driven innovation, making you a vital contributor to digital transformation initiatives.
Exam Domains Covered (Click to expand breakdown)
Exam Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: Software Development and Design (15% of the exam)
Key Section: Software Development and Design
- Compare data formats (XML, JSON, and YAML)
- Describe parsing of common data formats to Python data structures
- Describe the concepts of test‑driven development
- Compare software development methods (agile, lean, and waterfall)
- Explain the benefits of organizing code into methods, classes, and modules
- Identify the advantages of common design patterns (MVC and Observer)
- Explain the advantages of version control
- Utilize common version control operations with Git (clone, add/remove, commit, push/pull, branch, merge, diff)
Section summary: This portion builds a strong foundation in software principles, data structures, and collaboration workflows that enable consistent automation outcomes. You will learn to translate structured data like XML, JSON, and YAML into usable forms within programming environments such as Python. Understanding coding structure, modularity, and the value of reusability allows you to create efficient, scalable solutions for network automation projects.
Equally important is your ability to apply professional development practices through concepts like test‑driven development and version control. Topics such as Git operations ensure collaborative reliability and traceability across changing codebases. Learners also explore design patterns like Model‑View‑Controller and Observer to promote maintainable, high‑quality solutions applicable to network programmability tasks.
Domain 2: Understanding and Using APIs (20% of the exam)
Key Section: Understanding and Using APIs
- Construct REST API requests using documentation
- Describe common usage patterns for webhooks
- Identify constraints when consuming APIs
- Explain HTTP response codes and troubleshoot given responses
- Identify parts of an HTTP response (code, headers, body)
- Utilize authentication mechanisms such as basic, custom tokens, and API keys
- Compare API styles (REST, RPC, synchronous, asynchronous)
- Construct Python scripts that interact with REST APIs using the requests library
Section summary: This domain emphasizes how to integrate network automation workflows through APIs. You will gain deep familiarity with RESTful designs, HTTP methods, response handling, and authentication flows. It reinforces the ability to interpret API documentation, recognize request structure, and evaluate results in practical network operations scenarios.
Through hands‑on understanding of Python libraries and API call construction, you will see how programmable interfaces unify multi‑platform solutions. The goal is to cultivate precision, creativity, and insight in network interaction through both synchronous and asynchronous API models, preparing you for real‑world automation challenges.
Domain 3: Cisco Platforms and Development (15% of the exam)
Key Section: Cisco Platforms and Development
- Construct Python scripts that use Cisco SDKs
- Describe the capabilities of Cisco management platforms and APIs such as Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD‑WAN, and NSO
- Explore compute platform APIs including UCS Manager and Intersight
- Describe collaboration APIs like Webex devices and Cisco Unified Communication Manager interfaces
- Understand security platform APIs for Firepower, Umbrella, Secure Endpoint, and ISE
- Identify the appropriate DevNet resources including sandboxes, Code Exchange, and Learning Labs
- Apply model‑driven programmability with YANG, RESTCONF, and NETCONF
- Construct code using reference documentation to perform operations on Cisco services
Section summary: Here, the exam measures your mastery of Cisco’s diverse programmable ecosystems. You’ll discover how to interact with management and security platforms through SDKs and APIs to automate provisioning, gain telemetry insights, and enable integration with cloud and hybrid systems. The focus is on applying Cisco DevNet resources to strengthen development processes and accelerate innovation.
You will also evaluate how model‑driven programmability uses standards such as YANG and protocols like RESTCONF or NETCONF to create unified network configurations. This understanding of Cisco platforms ensures you can translate business requirements into automated outcomes with precision and reliability.
Domain 4: Application Deployment and Security (15% of the exam)
Key Section: Application Deployment and Security
- Describe benefits of edge computing
- Identify attributes of application deployment models such as private, public, hybrid, and edge
- Compare deployment types including virtual machines, bare metal, and containers
- Describe CI/CD components
- Construct Python unit tests and interpret Dockerfiles
- Utilize Docker images in local environments
- Identify application security issues and best practices
- Explain the roles of firewall, DNS, load balancers, and reverse proxy
- Understand OWASP threats and basic Bash commands relevant to DevOps practices
Section summary: This domain highlights delivering secure, reliable, and efficient applications in networked environments. You will learn how edge computing expands performance possibilities and how deployment models differ in flexibility, scale, and resource control. Integrating CI/CD elements reinforces consistent delivery across cloud and on‑premises systems.
Security awareness aligns with automation to protect infrastructure and data. Through practical examples that include OWASP vulnerabilities and containerized deployments, you’ll gain the mindset of modern DevOps practitioners. The result is a well‑rounded understanding of how to deploy resilient, automated, and secure applications within evolving network contexts.
Domain 5: Infrastructure and Automation (20% of the exam)
Key Section: Infrastructure and Automation
- Describe the value of model‑driven programmability
- Compare device‑level vs. controller‑level management
- Describe the roles of network simulation and testing tools such as Cisco Modeling Labs and pyATS
- Explore CI/CD in infrastructure automation
- Understand principles of infrastructure as code
- Describe automation tools including Ansible, Terraform, and Cisco NSO
- Identify workflows automated by Python, Ansible, and Bash scripts
- Interpret results from RESTCONF or NETCONF queries and YANG models
- Understand code review processes and sequence diagrams involving API calls
Section summary: This domain defines how software principles transform network infrastructure management into a programmable ecosystem. You will examine automation frameworks and simulation tools that streamline deployment, testing, and change control with minimal manual oversight. Emphasis is on interpreting data models and understanding unified workflows across different platforms.
Automation also involves continuous collaboration processes such as code reviews and CI/CD pipelines. You will learn how to design and maintain repeatable automation using tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Cisco NSO, exploring practical methods for scaling reliability, reducing errors, and improving operational agility.
Domain 6: Network Fundamentals (15% of the exam)
Key Section: Network Fundamentals
- Describe MAC and VLAN roles
- Explain IP addressing, routes, subnets, and gateways
- Interpret network components like routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers
- Analyze topology diagrams to understand data flow
- Describe management, data, and control planes
- Understand IP services such as DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP, and NTP
- Recognize protocol ports including SSH, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, and NETCONF
- Identify causes of connection issues including NAT or VPN configuration mismatches
- Explain the impacts of network constraints on applications
Section summary: This area ensures a solid grasp of networking principles essential to all automation workstreams. You will revisit core IP concepts, device functions, and topology comprehension, learning to visualize how packets traverse between different layers and planes of operation. Foundational understanding at this level enhances the ability to apply configuration logic programmatically.
Furthermore, you will connect protocol theory with practical troubleshooting, recognizing how performance constraints affect applications. This reinforces the mindset necessary to automate network monitoring, streamline connectivity issue resolution, and build highly available infrastructures that keep digital environments operating at peak performance.
Who Should Pursue the Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA Automation Certification?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Automation certification, formerly known as DevNet Associate, is an excellent choice for IT professionals eager to step into the rapidly growing world of network automation. It’s designed for those who want to combine network engineering with software development, scripting, and API-based automation.
This certification is ideal for:
- Network engineers expanding into automation and programmability
- Software developers targeting Cisco platforms and APIs
- DevOps professionals aiming to streamline network operations
- IT specialists transitioning into cloud and infrastructure automation roles
- Students or early-career technologists eager to start a career in network innovation
Whether you’re a developer automating Cisco environments or an engineer evolving into network programmability, this certification provides a great career foundation.
What Roles Can I Pursue After Earning the CCNA Automation Certification?
The CCNA Automation certification opens doors to many modern, high-demand roles that blend software, networking, and operations. With this credential, you can confidently apply for or progress into positions such as:
- Network Automation Engineer
- DevNet Associate or Cisco Developer
- Network Programmer or Python Automation Specialist
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- DevOps Engineer focused on Cisco technologies
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Automation Analyst
Over time, your expertise can grow into advanced certifications like Cisco Certified DevNet Professional (DevNet Professional) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), broadening your technical leadership and design scope.
What Exam Version Applies to the CCNA Automation Certification?
The current exam version for this certification is Developing Applications and Automating Workflows using Cisco Platforms (200-901 CCNAAUTO). It represents Cisco’s latest approach to validating automation and programmability skills across its platforms. This version expands beyond traditional networking to cover software development, APIs, and infrastructure as code—perfect for today’s IT world.
How Much Does the Cisco 200-901 CCNAAUTO Exam Cost?
The CCNA Automation certification exam costs $300 USD. This price applies globally, though local taxes or exchange rates may affect the final payment total. Candidates employed by Cisco partner organizations or enrolled in Cisco Learning programs may also use Cisco Learning Credits to cover the cost.
How Many Questions Are on the 200-901 CCNAAUTO Exam?
The exam features a total of 110 questions, combining multiple-choice and multiple-select question formats. Each question is designed to measure both conceptual understanding and practical application. Scenario-based questions and Python code snippets are also included to test real-world automation thinking.
How Much Time Do You Get for the Cisco Automation Exam?
You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam. Time management is key, especially for questions featuring diagrams or code analysis. Many candidates find that practicing with timed exams helps build confidence and efficiency on the actual test day.
What Languages Is the CCNA Automation Certification Exam Available In?
The 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam is available in English and Japanese. Cisco continually reviews demand for other languages and may expand availability in the future. Non-native English speakers may also request test accommodations through Pearson VUE if additional support is needed.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the 200-901 CCNAAUTO Exam?
The passing score is 83, achieved through a pass/fail grading model. Cisco evaluates your overall performance across all domains rather than requiring a passing mark per domain. To increase success chances, focus on understanding how the different exam areas—from APIs to network fundamentals—interconnect in practical workflow scenarios.
What Are the Key Domains and Their Weightings?
The exam covers six primary knowledge domains, each designed to assess a specific area of network automation and programmability. The domains and their approximate weights are:
- Software Development and Design (15%)
- Understanding and Using APIs (20%)
- Cisco Platforms and Development (15%)
- Application Deployment and Security (15%)
- Infrastructure and Automation (20%)
- Network Fundamentals (15%)
Each domain emphasizes practical understanding, such as constructing REST API calls, parsing JSON in Python, deploying containers, or interpreting network diagrams.
Are There Any Prerequisites for the Cisco CCNA Automation Exam?
There are no formal prerequisites to take the 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam. However, Cisco recommends having at least one year of experience in software development or network engineering, particularly in Python programming and basic networking concepts. A foundational understanding of APIs and version control will also make your preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
What Programming and Technical Skills Should You Focus On?
Success in this certification requires familiarity with key development and automation skills, such as:
- Python programming for scripting and API interaction
- REST APIs and response handling
- Git version control for code management
- Data formats including JSON, YAML, and XML
- CI/CD concepts, containers, and virtual environments
- Cisco APIs and SDKs for platforms like DNA Center, Meraki, and Webex
These skills empower professionals to automate repetitive operations, integrate systems, and deploy infrastructure seamlessly.
How Long Is the Cisco CCNA Automation Certification Valid?
Your CCNA Automation certification remains valid for three years. Renewal options include retaking the 200-901 exam or earning higher-level Cisco certifications such as the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional. Maintaining an active Cisco certification portfolio demonstrates continued mastery of evolving automation technologies.
Does the Exam Include Practical Coding or Case Studies?
The 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam primarily includes multiple-choice and multi-select questions. However, many of these questions require analyzing short Python snippets, interpreting REST API responses, or troubleshooting code logic—giving the exam a practical, hands-on feel without live coding. This ensures you demonstrate applied understanding of automation in real-world scenarios.
How Difficult Is the CCNA Automation Certification?
The CCNA Automation is designed to be approachable while offering strong technical depth. Candidates who study Python fundamentals, network automation principles, and Cisco APIs find the exam both manageable and rewarding. The focus is on verifying conceptual mastery and practical reasoning rather than memorization.
To boost your readiness, check out top-rated CCNA Automation practice exams with detailed explanations and authentic question types. These exams mirror real-world scenarios, helping you prepare confidently for the test day experience.
What Study Path Does Cisco Recommend for the Exam?
Cisco recommends following the Developing Applications and Automating Workflows using Cisco Platforms training course. This program blends theory with interactive labs, enabling candidates to gain hands-on experience with Cisco APIs, Python coding, and network automation workflows. Complement this with sandbox environments available through the Cisco DevNet platform for real API practice.
How Can You Best Prepare for the 200-901 CCNAAUTO Exam?
Preparation is all about combining reliable study resources with hands-on experimentation. Here are some preparation strategies:
- Official Cisco Training Modules
Take comprehensive learning paths that align directly with the official exam blueprint. - DevNet Sandbox Environments
Get real, free Cisco infrastructure to test code and automation scripts. - Community Forums and Documentation
Engage with peers and study Q&A discussions on automation challenges. - Practice Labs and Coding Exercises
Build scripts to perform REST API requests, handle responses, and manage configurations.
A blend of theory, coding practice, and discussion ensures a well-rounded learning journey.
What Tools and Platforms Are Commonly Covered in the Exam?
You’ll encounter automation tools and platforms that reflect modern network programmability practices. Common topics include:
- Cisco DNA Center, Meraki, ACI, and Cisco SD-WAN APIs
- Cisco NSO, Terraform, and Ansible for automation
- Docker for container deployment and application packaging
- RESTCONF, NETCONF, and YANG for network automation models
- Intersight and UCS Manager for compute infrastructure control
Understanding each tool’s purpose and integration workflow is key to mastering automation at scale.
How Does the 200-901 CCNAAUTO Exam Relate to Traditional Networking Skills?
This exam merges modern automation principles with traditional networking fundamentals. You’ll still need to understand IP addressing, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, and routing concepts, but with an emphasis on how these can be managed and automated through APIs. It’s a powerful blend that readies you for both networking and DevOps career paths.
Where and How Can You Take the Cisco CCNA Automation Exam?
You can take the exam through Pearson VUE, Cisco’s official testing partner. There are two options:
- Online proctored testing from home or office with webcam verification
- In-person testing at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center near you
Before test day, ensure you review system check requirements if you plan to take the exam online.
How Can This Certification Advance Your Career?
Achieving the Cisco CCNA Automation certification proves your capability to automate, integrate, and optimize network infrastructure. It enhances your professional credibility, increases job opportunities, and demonstrates that you’re ready for the evolving automation-driven IT landscape. Many organizations increasingly value professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional networking and modern development workflows.
What’s the Official Cisco Page for This Certification?
For additional details, updates, and learning paths, visit the official Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA Automation certification page.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA Automation certification is your gateway to a future where software and networking work hand in hand. By mastering automation, APIs, and Cisco platforms, you build expertise that keeps you one step ahead in the IT industry. With the right preparation and consistent hands-on practice, this certification will set you apart as a modern network innovator ready to shape tomorrow’s digital infrastructure.
