Introduction
Are you thinking of taking the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam? If so, you are already aware of the growing importance of network automation and programmability in the IT industry.
It is a big step; let me tell you, this certification can be a real game-changer for your career. Think of it as a stepping stone to a much larger world of possibilities. It’s a foundation upon which you can build your expertise, explore specialized areas, and even become a Cisco expert. To start your network automation journey, you can take the DevNet Associate Training.
But, before you start preparing for the exam, you might consider knowing what it covers and how to master it. In this blog post, we will look into the details of the exam and its objectives and provide a comprehensive guide to help you prepare and achieve success.
Before we dive into how to master the exam, let’s back up and understand what the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Exam is.
Understanding the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Exam
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Exam is the initial level that is specifically related to software, automation, and networking. This is meant to confirm your credibility in creating software solutions that directly communicate with the Cisco network devices.
CCNA DevNet or DEVASC (200-901) contains 100-110 questions; the total time allowed is 120 minutes. These include multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and simulation questions. To pass the exam, one has to get marks somewhere around 800-850 out of 1000.
Here’s a breakdown of DevNet Associate Syllabus:
- Network Fundamentals (15%): It is necessary to comprehend fundamental network concepts such as IP addressing, routing, and switching, among other things. Consider this as the type of language with which you will be interacting with your Cisco devices.
- Software Development and Design (15%): Python is chosen as the language for automation as well as for the development of applications for Cisco networks. Specifically, this exam will test your knowledge of Python’s applications in writing simple programs and scripts.
- Understanding and Using APIs (20%): APIs are simply the bridge that helps link your applications to the Cisco devices. You will need to understand how to use them to communicate with Cisco’s networking equipment.
- Cisco Platforms and Development (15%): This will help you to clearly understand how to work with Cisco platforms using the SDKs, get familiar with their main features, and get an understanding of model-driven programmability concepts such as YANG and RESTCONF. You will also call scripts and use commands for specific actions to include functions such as device listing, controlling space Webex, and collecting data from clients.
- Infrastructure and Automation (20%): This is the part where things get interesting! The exam focuses on ways and approaches through which you can use automation in managing networks.
- Application Deployment and Security (15%): Security takes the central stage when it comes to the matters of networking. Here, you will be examined about the fundamentals of security and how you can apply them.
Below, we have discussed some crucial points you can consider while preparing for the Cisco DevNet Associate exam.
Preparing for the DevNet Associate Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide
With the effort and commitment concerning concepts in software programming and automation, one can be in a good position to pass the DevNet Associate exam. Below, we have discussed some of the general steps or strategies that can be helpful for you to excel in the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam.
Build a Solid Understanding of Fundamentals
Picture this: you want to construct a house, but in order to do that, you have to lay a proper foundation. The same can be said about the DEVASC exam preparations. To start, you require knowledge of how networks and programming work.
- Network Fundamentals: One should begin by familiarizing oneself with fundamental concepts such as TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, and switching. Of course, the good news is there are many outstanding online references and books to get you started.
- Python Programming: To any first-timer in Python, you must get a good beginner’s guide. The Internet is full of free materials, and moreover, there are websites that are built on the principles of gamification.
- RESTful APIs: Submerge yourself in the APIs’ context. There are good tutorials, and you will be able to learn how to interface with RESTful APIs and Cisco devices.
Select the Right Study Resources
Once you have completed your preparations, it is time to equip yourself with the proper tools for the task. The bright side is that Cisco offers numerous tools that will prove useful for preparing for the exam.
- Cisco DevNet: This is the place to go for anything and everything DevNet. Here, you can locate everything from learning facilities and classes to the guides on certifications and practice tests.
- Official Cisco Documentation: Do not underestimate the roles of official documents. It is rich with elaborate information on certain technologies and ideas.
- Online Forums and Communities: Closely communicate with other learners and professionals within the Cisco DevNet social environment. One can pose questions, contribute information, and even learn from other people’s experiences in the field.
Practice to Check Your Knowledge and Determine Problem Areas
Reading about the concepts is not enough; you must practice using your knowledge. You are a genius if you decide to take practice examinations: such examinations will inform you of your strengths and weaknesses.
- Practice Exams: Several practice exams are offered on the DevNet website, though they are part of the paid membership. These are useful in the way that they provide precisely simulated questions to the real exam and may provide a gauge for the sort of questions you expect.
- Coding Challenges: There are coding activities that you can do to practice actually using Python in practice.
- Hands-on Labs: One has to continue practicing in order to enhance their knowledge. Cisco offers all sorts of things that make it easy to get your hands sweaty and practice with real-world devices.
Stay Focused and Consistent
Any student preparing for the next important exam knows that it’s very easy to become nervous. The areas that one needs to avoid are non-relevant information sources and procrastination, while the key is to remain dedicated and constantly review the materials studied.
- Create a Study Plan: Formulate a study schedule that specifies what you wish to achieve, the time by which, and the tools you shall be using.
- Set Realistic Goals: Do not be tempted to pack all that you want to do in the last few hours. Get into practice realistic goals that are easy to complete, and then reward your progress.
- Take Breaks: This means one should avoid working till one is a dead carcass, and one should take some time off. Take a break from your lessons for a few hours, and then, you shall get back to the lessons refreshed.
Tackle the Exam with Confidence
You have done hard work for the last few months for it, and now it’s high time you boasted about it. The most important thing to bear in mind is that this exam is simply an exam of knowledge, not of the self.
- Stay Calm: Feel yourself exhaling and immediately start feeling more relaxed. This exam is intended to check your knowledge, so the questions are not created to trick you.
- Read carefully: If any question comes up that you do not know the answer to, do not worry. Skip it and come back to the question later if more time is available.
- Eliminate Wrong Answers: If you need clarification on the answer, eliminate the options that you know are incorrect.
Let us now discuss some of the benefits that you will get after passing the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam.
Benefits of Passing the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Exam
Passing the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam has several benefits, including:
- Career Advancement: Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification is one of the coveted certifications that exist in the IT world. Passing the exam shows employers and others that you are proficient in software programming and automation, hence getting a better job or a promotion.
- Increased Salary: Different sources reveal that holders of certified professional wages are much more than those who are not certified in continents like America, Europe, and Australia. The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam can improve the income level of the certification holders.
- Skills Validation: The DevNet associate exam tests your knowledge of software programming and automation with Cisco technologies. The mastery of the exam portrays you as a professional who is in a position to apply APIs, web services, and software development languages to engineer automation solutions.
Now, we have covered everything related to Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 – What is Cisco DevNet Associate certification?
The Cisco DevNet Associate certification showcases your skills in developing and automating Cisco solutions using APIs, SDKs, and cloud technologies.
Q2 – Which is better, CCNA or DevNet?
CCNA focuses on configuring and troubleshooting Cisco networks, while DevNet emphasizes programming and automating those networks. Both are valuable, but the best choice depends on your career goals.
Q3 – Is Cisco DevNet a good certification?
Yes, Cisco DevNet is a good certification. The reason behind this is that it supports the modern networking world by simply automating Cisco solutions with the help of APIs, SDKs, and many available cloud technologies. If you want to be a network engineer, CCNA is a good start. If you want to focus on network programmability and automation, DevNet is a better fit.
Q4 – How much does Cisco DevNet cost?
The cost of Cisco DevNet certification varies depending on country to country. In general, it costs you around $ 300 plus taxes.
Conclusion
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Exam is not one of the easiest exams a candidate can ever have to take since it demands candidature, hard work, earnestness, and time well spent on the course. However, it is important to note that when the proper study resources are employed and the content of the examination is well understood, one can excel. By reading this blog post with helpful tips and guidelines, you will be able to ace the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Exam and advance your career. Remember that certification is a lifelong process, meaning that one has to keep on learning to remain relevant in the modern world with new technologies.
It is important for one to be keen, dedicated, and vigorous in their studies, as well as seek assistance from someone else when troubled.
