Ccna Automation Certification 2026: Complete Guide To Cisco Network Automation, Exam & Training

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The CCNA Automation Certification validates your ability to develop applications, use APIs, and automate Cisco networking infrastructure. Previously known as Cisco DevNet Associate, this certification is part of Cisco's updated automation certification pathway introduced on February 3, 2026. Candidates must pass the 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam, which lasts 120 minutes and covers software development, Cisco platforms, application security, infrastructure automation, and networking fundamentals. It is suitable for networking professionals, aspiring automation engineers, and IT learners developing practical programming and network management skills.
Candidates interested in professional preparation can explore CCNA Automation Certification to learn more about available training options.
What Is CCNA Automation Certification?
The Cisco CCNA Automation Certification is an associate-level credential designed for professionals who want to combine networking expertise with software development and automation.
Traditional networking often involves configuring individual devices through a command-line interface. Automation ...
... introduces APIs, scripts, controllers, and reusable workflows that allow engineers to manage infrastructure more consistently.
For example, an administrator managing 100 switches can use automation to retrieve device information, check configurations, and identify inconsistencies without manually accessing every switch.
Cisco Network Automation helps organizations reduce repetitive tasks, standardize network operations, and improve configuration management.
The certification focuses on practical knowledge rather than programming theory alone. Candidates must understand how applications communicate with networks, how automation tools operate, and how to troubleshoot integration problems.
Cisco DevNet vs CCNA Automation: What Changed in 2026?
Cisco introduced the CCNA Automation name on February 3, 2026, replacing the former Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification.
The former Cisco DevNet Associate Certification established an entry point for developers and networking professionals interested in Cisco programmability.
The transition aligned the associate-level credential with Cisco's broader networking certification structure. Cisco confirmed that the associate-level certification content remained unchanged during the rebranding.
Certification Detail
Previous Designation
Current Designation
Certification name
Cisco DevNet Associate
CCNA Automation
Exam code
200-901 DEVASC
200-901 CCNAAUTO
Certification level
Associate
Associate
Primary focus
Development and automation
Development and automation
Exam duration
120 minutes
120 minutes
Certification validity
3 years
3 years

Terms such as Cisco DevNet Certification, DevNet Certification, CCNA DevNet, and DevASC still appear in older study materials.
However, candidates preparing in 2026 should follow the current CCNAAUTO v1.1 examination objectives.
Existing active DevNet Associate credentials were automatically recognized under the CCNA Automation designation during the transition.
CCNA Automation Exam Details and Requirements
The Cisco CCNA Automation Certification requires candidates to pass one examination: Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms (200-901 CCNAAUTO).
Cisco does not require an earlier networking certification, formal education qualification, or specified professional experience.
Exam Information
Official Details
Exam code
200-901 CCNAAUTO
Current exam version
v1.1
Exam name
Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms
Duration
120 minutes
Prerequisites
None
Certification validity
3 years
Exam administration
Pearson VUE
Primary subjects
APIs, software development, infrastructure automation, security

Cisco lists English and Japanese on its exam-and-training information page, although language listings differ across some Cisco pages. Candidates should confirm their preferred language when scheduling.
Although the examination has no mandatory prerequisites, familiarity with Python, networking fundamentals, JSON, and REST APIs makes preparation easier.
CCNA Automation Exam Syllabus and Domain Weightage
The 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam preparation process should begin with Cisco's official examination blueprint.
The current v1.1 outline contains six domains.
Exam Domain
Weight
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%
Total
100%

Domain weights verified against Cisco's published 200-901 CCNAAUTO v1.1 exam topics.
Software Development and API Fundamentals
Candidates must understand Python programming concepts, modular code, version control, data formats, and basic software development methodologies.
The API domain emphasizes REST requests, HTTP response codes, authentication, webhooks, and API troubleshooting.
For example, understanding the difference between an HTTP 401 authentication failure and an HTTP 404 resource error is essential when diagnosing automation scripts.
Cisco Platforms and Infrastructure Automation
This section covers programmability features across Cisco technologies, including Meraki, Cisco Catalyst Center, ACI, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, and Cisco NSO.
Candidates should also recognize YANG, NETCONF, RESTCONF, Ansible, and Terraform.
Knowing what an automation tool accomplishes is important, but understanding when to use it is equally valuable.
Application Security and Network Fundamentals
Application deployment includes containers, Docker, CI/CD pipelines, unit testing, and security considerations.
The networking domain tests foundational knowledge of IP addressing, routing, VLANs, networking devices, and common network services.
These subjects connect software automation with the infrastructure it manages.
CCNA Automation vs Traditional CCNA
Many candidates confuse CCNA Automation with the traditional CCNA certification.
Both belong to Cisco's associate-level certification portfolio, but they evaluate different skill sets.
Feature
Traditional CCNA
CCNA Automation
Exam
200-301 CCNA
200-901 CCNAAUTO
Core focus
Network administration
Network programmability
Routing and switching
Extensive coverage
Foundational coverage
Python programming
Limited emphasis
Significant emphasis
API integration
Introductory concepts
Detailed examination
Automation workflows
Foundational
Core competency

The traditional CCNA is appropriate for candidates building networking fundamentals.
CCNA Automation is more directly aligned with scripting, API integration, automated infrastructure management, and software-driven networking.
Candidates researching Enterprise Networking Security and Automation or CCNA Enterprise Networking Security and Automation should understand that these phrases can refer to networking curriculum topics rather than the separate CCNA Automation certification.
How to Prepare for the 200-901 CCNAAUTO Exam
Effective preparation combines technical concepts, hands-on labs, and examination practice.
A structured eight-week plan provides a useful starting point, although actual preparation time depends on existing skills.
Study Period
Recommended Focus
Weeks 1–2
Python, JSON, YAML, Git, and software development
Weeks 3–4
REST APIs, HTTP, authentication, and Cisco APIs
Week 5
Cisco platforms and model-driven programmability
Week 6
Ansible, Terraform, scripting, and infrastructure automation
Week 7
Docker, application security, and networking fundamentals
Week 8
Practice examinations, troubleshooting, and revision

Practical Labs That Improve Exam Readiness
Hands-on exercises help candidates connect the syllabus with real networking scenarios.
Python automation: Write a script that retrieves data from a documented API.

API troubleshooting: Diagnose authentication failures and incorrect HTTP requests.

Version control: Use Git to track modifications and review code differences.

Infrastructure automation: Interpret an Ansible playbook and understand its configuration changes.

Network programmability: Explore RESTCONF, NETCONF, and YANG models.

Application deployment: Examine Dockerfiles, containers, and security practices.

Cisco's official CCNAAUTO training also includes Python API exercises, Git workflows, Docker operations, and infrastructure automation labs.
Cisco CCNA Automation Training Online
Structured Cisco CCNA Automation training online can help candidates organize their preparation around the official examination objectives.
A comprehensive Network Automation Certification training program should combine instructor explanations with practical activities.
Useful training components include Python exercises, Cisco platform demonstrations, API troubleshooting scenarios, automation labs, and domain-based assessments.
Candidates evaluating 200-901 CCNAAUTO online training should confirm that the curriculum follows the current examination blueprint instead of relying exclusively on outdated DEVASC materials.
Training advertisements using phrases such as CCNA Automation pass assurance training should also be assessed carefully. No training provider can guarantee Cisco's independent examination outcome.
The strongest preparation programs emphasize measurable technical progress, repeated practical exercises, and targeted feedback.
How Long Does It Take to Get CCNA Automation?
Candidates searching for how long to get CCNA should distinguish between preparing for traditional CCNA and CCNA Automation.
For CCNA Automation, a learner already comfortable with Python and networking may progress faster than someone encountering programming for the first time.
An estimated 8–12 weeks of consistent study is a reasonable planning target for many learners, not a Cisco-mandated completion period.
Beginners may require additional time to build programming fundamentals.
Rather than studying only to finish a course, candidates should evaluate whether they can independently interpret API documentation, understand automation scripts, and troubleshoot common networking problems.
Why Choose CCNA Automation Certification?
The growing use of software-defined networking, controller-based management, and infrastructure automation has increased the importance of programming knowledge in network operations.
Cisco Automation skills enable professionals to work with repeatable configurations, programmatic monitoring, and integrated network services.
The certification also provides a foundation for further learning in Cisco's professional-level automation pathway.
For networking professionals interested in developing additional security expertise, Cisco offers other specialized learning pathways as well. Candidates can explore CCIE Security Training to understand advanced Cisco security preparation and the skills associated with professional-level network security.
For professionals who already understand networking concepts, CCNA Automation offers a structured way to develop software-related technical capabilities without moving entirely away from networking.
Build Your CCNA Automation Skills With NYTCC
Preparing for CCNA Automation Certification requires more than memorizing commands and definitions. Candidates need practical experience working with APIs, scripts, development tools, and network infrastructure.
NYTCC provides a training pathway for candidates exploring Cisco certification preparation and automation skills.
Start by reviewing your knowledge of Python, networking, and API fundamentals. Compare your abilities against the 200-901 CCNAAUTO v1.1 examination objectives, then select a preparation approach that addresses your weakest technical areas.
A strong foundation in automation is valuable beyond the examination itself. The goal is to develop the ability to understand, troubleshoot, and improve the automated workflows used in real networking environments.