Cisco DevNet Associate – Everything you need to know

Introduction

Curious how to make your networking career more ‘future-proof’? If so, this blog is for you.

You must be aware of the fact that the network is no longer just a physical entity, but a dynamic, software-defined environment that spans multiple clouds, SaaS applications, and IoT devices. In order to succeed in this dynamic, fast-growing field, knowledge and skills move somewhat beyond the traditional switching and routing domain. Cisco has developed the DevNet Associate program or the CCNA DevNet to overcome this challenge. This track would prepare you sufficiently for the new world, focusing on networks, programmability, automation, and software development.

To thrive in this digital landscape, consider DevNet Associate Training. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about this exciting program and how it can help you succeed.

What is Cisco DevNet Associate?

The Cisco DevNet Associate certification is an associate level certification by Cisco. It is considered the first step towards becoming a network automation and programmability expert. It validates your ability to automate network tasks, program network devices, and integrate network functions with applications and data centers. This certification is ideal for network engineers, developers, and IT professionals looking to expand their skill set and career opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of networking.

Why Choose Cisco DevNet Associate?

Here are some reasons you should choose Cisco DevNet Associate:

• Improve Efficiency: Learning automation will enable you to save time, reduce errors, and increase efficiency.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: The certification equips you with the skills to troubleshoot and resolve network issues more efficiently.
• Increased Job Opportunities: The demand for network automation and programmability professionals is growing rapidly. A DevNet Associate certification can significantly enhance your job prospects and salary potential.
• Career Advancement: Cisco DevNet Associate is the stepping-stone for higher automation certifications – DevNet Professional and DevNet Expert.

Before getting into more details, let us discuss the Cisco DevNet associate training.

Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Training

Cisco Certified DevNet Associate or DevNet Associate training is the first step toward making your network automation career. The understanding that CCNA DevNet imparts to the trainees includes Cisco’s programmable infrastructure, fundamental and advanced software development, and automation tools. Upon the end of the training, you are ready to build network-aware applications, automate the processes related to the network, and manage the network processes effectively with the help of Cisco programmability tools.

With the help of CCNA DevNet training, you can also go for the DevNet Associate Certification exam i.e., DEVASC (200-901).

Apart from all this, CCNA DevNet training brings various benefits to your career. This includes:

• Improved Network Management Skills
• Enhanced Programming Skills
• Familiarity with APIs and Automation Tools
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Preparation for Future Networking Technologies

Now, you must be curious about the Cisco DevNet associate syllabus. Let us discuss this in detail.

Cisco DevNet Associate Syllabus

Cisco DevNet Associate training aligns with the objectives of the DEVASC (200-901) exam. Below, we have discussed the basic outline. For a detailed syllabus, you can check Cisco DevNet Associate Syllabus.

Module 1: Software Development & Design

• Fundamental Python programming
• Python Data structures
• GitHub
• Software design patterns and principles
• Modern Software Development
• Development methodologies (Agile, lean, and Waterfall)

Module 2: Understanding and Using APIs

• API styles (REST, RPC, Synchronous & Asynchronous)
• Common HTTP response codes correspond to REST APIs
• Create a REST API request to complete the task given the API documentation

Module 3: Cisco Platforms & Development

• Cisco platforms (IOS, NX-OS, etc.)
• Cisco APIs which include Cisco IOS XE RESTCONF API, Cisco ASA REST API, Cisco IOS XE NETCONF API, Cisco Nexus NX-OS APIs
• Cisco’s security platforms capabilities and APIs (ISE, Firepower, XDR, Umbrella, Secure Malware Analytics, Secure Endpoint)

Module 4: Application Deployment and Security

• Application deployment models (on-prem, cloud, etc.)
• Edge computing benefits
• Security considerations for application deployment
• Containerization (Docker, etc.)
• Orchestration (Kubernetes, etc.)
• Top OWASP threats (CSRF, XSS, and SQL injections)

Module 5: Infrastructure & Automation

• Network fundamentals (TCP/IP, etc.)
• Network automation (Ansible, etc.)
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• CI/CD pipeline in infrastructure automation
• Basic YANG model Interpretation
• Automation tools’ capabilities, including Ansible, Puppet, Chef, and Cisco NSO

Before going for CCNA DevNet Associate, it is good to know whether there is any prerequisite. Below, we have discussed who can go for it.

Pre-requisite for Cisco DevNet Associate

The DevNet Associate requires only a fundamental understanding of networking. It could be compared to holding your CCNA knowledge as the base. It is important to note that you do not need prior coding experience. Anyone willing to learn automation and programmability can go for this course.

Now that you know the basics of Cisco DevNet associate or CCNA DevNet, including its syllabus outline and prerequisites, Let us discuss the most asked question, i.e., is it worth choosing DevNet associate as a career option?

Is CCNA DevNet Worth it?

You might be wondering if it is worth spending time and effort on the DevNet Associate. The answer is yes! Indeed, this certification can play the role of a game-changer for everyone, especially those who decide to strengthen their knowledge in network automation, software development, and network programming.

Cisco DevNet Associate certification will particularly benefit:

• Students or freshers who are willing to go into networking can stand out when it comes to considering junior network engineers.
• People who intend to shift their career into the networking profession. Utilize it to get recognized as a network automation professional.
• Anyone who wants to advance in his/her career by acquiring two new skills, programming and automation, on top of network administrator training to get better job offers.

CCNA DevNet assists you in learning new concepts which directly helps in maintaining modern networks. This includes:

• Skills in programming languages like Python and networking fundamentals.
• Explaining software development and design for Cisco’s intent-based networking.
• Having good knowledge about available DevNet tools like DNA center, APIC-EM, or Meraki.

Now, let us discuss the different job roles that Cisco DevNet Associate can offer.

What jobs can you get with DevNet Associate Training?

Since DevNet Associate certification aims at network automation and software development in the networking field, it opens up many opportunities for both beginners and professionals. With a DevNet Associate certification, you can pursue some of the following job roles:

• DevSecOps Engineer
• Network Automation Developer
• IoT Architect
• Cloud Automation Engineer
• Junior SRE
• Application Developer
• Systems Engineer
• Technical Support Engineer, and many more.

Now you must be curious about the salary that the abovementioned job roles can offer. Below, we have discussed the average salary that a certified DevNet associate can get.

Cisco-Certified DevNet Associate Salary

As a Cisco-certified DevNet Associate, you can expect an average salary between 7 to 9 LPA. 

Still, your expected pay can differ depending on the following considerations. This includes:

• Factors such as location, for instance, working in a large firm in a city such as Bangalore or Delhi, would attract a better remunerated position compared to one operating in a town.
• Experience, the position held, and the industry of the employee.
• The size and nature of the company whether it is a small and new start-up or a large and organized company.
• From your negotiation skills and the result of the interview process you displayed.

Now that you have detailed information regarding CCNA DevNet, how can you prepare for the interview and get the job quickly?

How to Prepare for a DevNet Associate Interview?

To be better prepared to face a DevNet Associate interview, you must plan properly to increase your chances of success. Here are key points to focus on in preparation:

• Try to know the structure and the type of questions that are expected to be on the exam, i.e. exam blueprint.
• Review programming fundamentals.
• Review the Cisco platform and technologies.
• Practice with online resources and labs.
• There is much to join: communities and forums.
• To learn about APIs and automation tools more practically.
• Continue with the change with industry trends and new developments.
• Check out most asked DevNet Associate Interview Questions.

If you follow the above-mentioned steps, it will help you to prepare for the DevNet Associate interview and showcase yourself to employers. Many students think DevNet Associate is somewhere similar to CCNA and DevOps. But, there is a notable difference between the three. Below, we have discussed this in detail.

How is DevNet Associate different from CCNA and DevOps?

The key differences between DevNet Associate, DevOps, and CCNA lie in their focus areas.

1. DevNet Associate: Focuses on software development and network automation; expertise in programming languages in addition to APIs and automation tools is necessary.
2. CCNA: Primarily focuses on network basics, focusing on protocols and infrastructure, and it is generally for beginners who want to become network administrators or engineers.
3. DevOps: Focuses on collaboration, automation, and using specific methodologies in close relation to software development and usage. The targeting audience involves developers, Operation Teams, and QA engineers.

Now, we have discussed everything you should know about Cisco DevNet Associate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 – What is a Cisco DevNet associate?

A Cisco DevNet Associate is a certification that showcases your basic understanding of programming and software development for the Cisco network, which may involve automation tasks and the crafting of network applications.

Q2 – Which is better, CCNA or DevNet?

If you want to become an expert in network infrastructure, then CCNA is better. Whereas, if you want to go for network automation and software development for Cisco, it is better to go for DevNet.

Q3 – What is the salary for Cisco DevNet?

The average salary for Cisco DevNet is between 7 LPA to 9 LPA.

Q4 – Is Cisco DevNet a good certification?

Yes, Cisco DevNet is a good certification for those who want to work in network automation, software development, and DevOps. It’s valuable for career growth in these areas.

Conclusion

Cisco DevNet Associate certification is valuable for someone who is aiming to enhance their software development and network automation skills. CCNA DevNet helps to gain the necessary knowledge about Cisco software development platforms, API, and ecosystem.

Therefore, if you love automation and are willing to start your career in this industry, then there is no better place to start the training offered by PyNet Labs’ CCNA DevNet route. As it focuses on specific skills and their application in the workplace, it is the right option to take your career to the next level in IT.