Introduction
Embarking on the journey to earn the Cisco DevNet Associate certification is a venture into the expansive world of network automation and programmability. This blog is a personal chronicle of my studies, a space where I’ll be recording my insights, challenges, and breakthroughs as I navigate through the 200–901 DEVASC exam topics.
As a fellow learner, I invite you to join me on this educational adventure. Whether you’re also studying for the exam or simply curious about the world of network development, I hope my experiences can offer guidance or provide a companion to your learning process.
What the DevNet Associate Exam Entails
The exam is a gateway to demonstrating competency in several key areas:
Software Development and Design (15%)
Understanding and Using APIs (20%)
APIs are pivotal in modern networking; we’ll learn how to interact with them effectively, interpret documentation, and understand the intricacies of webhooks.
2.1 Construct a REST API request to accomplish a task given API documentation
2.2 Describe common usage patterns related to webhooks
2.3 Identify the constraints when consuming APIs
2.4 Explain common HTTP response codes associated with REST APIs
2.5 Troubleshoot a problem given the HTTP response code, request and API documentation
2.6 Identify the parts of an HTTP response (response code, headers, body)
2.7 Utilize common API authentication mechanisms: basic, custom token, and API keys
2.8 Compare common API styles (REST, RPC, synchronous, and asynchronous)
2.9 Construct a Python script that calls a REST API using the requests library
Cisco Platforms and Development (15%)
3.1 Construct a Python script that uses a Cisco SDK given SDK documentation
3.2 Describe the capabilities of Cisco network management platforms and APIs (Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, and NSO)
3.3 Describe the capabilities of Cisco compute management platforms and APIs (UCS Manager, UCS Director, and Intersight)
3.4 Describe the capabilities of Cisco collaboration platforms and APIs (Webex Teams, Webex devices, Cisco Unified Communication Manager including AXL and UDS interfaces, and Finesse)
3.5 Describe the capabilities of Cisco security platforms and APIs (Firepower, Umbrella, AMP, ISE, and ThreatGrid)
3.6 Describe the device level APIs and dynamic interfaces for IOS XE and NX-OS
3.7 Identify the appropriate DevNet resource for a given scenario (Sandbox, Code Exchange, support, forums, Learning Labs, and API documentation)
3.8 Apply concepts of model driven programmability (YANG, RESTCONF, and NETCONF) in a Cisco environment
3.9 Construct code to perform a specific operation based on a set of requirements and given API reference documentation such as these:
- a. Obtain a list of network devices by using Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, or NSO
- b. Manage spaces, participants, and messages in Webex Teams
- c. Obtain a list of clients / hosts seen on a network using Meraki or Cisco DNA Center
Application Deployment and Security (15%)
Infrastructure and Automation (20%)
Network Fundamentals (15%)
I’ll be dissecting each area, tackling them piece by piece, and sharing my findings with you as clearly and honestly as I can. Each upcoming post will be linked here upon publication, serving as a central hub for all related content.
Additional Resources and My Study Aids
Throughout this journey, I’m leaning on a mix of official Cisco materials and other valuable learning aids to ensure a well-rounded study experience:
- Cisco’s Official Certification Page: Here
- Exam Topics Breakdown: Here
- DevNet Associate Learning Map: Here
- DevNet Associate Prep Program: Here
- DevNet Prep Program Practice Quiz: Here
- Cisco DevNet Sandbox: Here
- LinkedIn Learning Courses — Prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200–901 DEVASC) Certification Exam: Here
Cisco Provides extensive documentation for its various products, SDKs, and APIs through multiple platforms. For someone preparing for Cisco DevNet Associate Exam or looking to work with Cisco’s technologies, here are some key resources:
- Cisco DevNet Website
- Main Portal: The Cisco DevNet site is the primary hub for all Cisco developer resources, including APIs, SDKs, code samples, and documentation.
- API Documentation: DevNet offers detailed documentation on various Cisco APIs, which cna be found under the API Docs section. - Cisco DevNet Sandbox
The provides a free, hands-on lab environment for practicing with real Cisco technologies. You can access it Here. - Learning Labs
- Cisco DevNet Learning Labs offer interactive, browser-based tutorials on a wide range of topics. They are available Here. - GitHub Repositories
- Cisco has several GitHub repositories with code samples and SDKs. You can explore these resources on Cisco DevNet’s GitHub page. - Cisco Documentation for Specific Products and Platforms
For documentation on specific Cisco products like Meraki, DNA Center, etc., you can visit the respective product pages on Cisco’s website or through the DevNet portal. - Cisco Community and Forums
- The Cisco Community is a place where you can ask questions and share insights with other Cisco users and experts. - Official Cisco Certification Guides and Training Materials
- For certification-specific study, the official certification guides and training materials available on the Cisco Learning Network Store are useful resources.
Keep an eye out for my upcoming posts, and let’s embark on this learning expedition with a shared goal and mutual support!
