Cisco's network-programmability credential. Python, REST APIs, automation, infrastructure as code, software development — the modern network engineer's stepping stone.
DevNet Associate is Cisco's gateway credential into network programmability. It validates that you can read API documentation, write Python automation, use Git, and build network workflows that don't require a CLI.
At Nexperts, DevNet Associate is delivered against the DevNet sandbox — always-on Cisco platforms (CUCM, ACI, DNAC, Meraki, Webex) ready for real API calls. By day 5 you've shipped 6 Python automations, used Ansible for a Cisco fleet, and integrated with Webex and Meraki via REST.
DevNet Associate is the cert that filters CLI engineers from network programmers. The exam tests whether you can write code, not just read it.
The 2026 DEVASC update sharpened the focus on Webex API, Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNAC) APIs, Cisco AppDynamics integration and the new Cisco Software Lifecycle Management. We cover all four with hands-on labs.
Who should take this course
👨💻
Network engineers
Wanting to add programmability to a CLI-based career. DevNet is the bridge.
🌟
CCNA holders
Natural progression. CCNA + DevNet Associate is the modern network combo.
⚙️
DevOps engineers
Pivoting into network engineering. DevNet gives the Cisco-aware lens.
🔐
Security engineers
Automating Cisco Security workflows. DevNet provides the foundation.
📚
Software developers
Wanting to integrate with networks (Webex, Meraki, Cisco Catalyst).
💼
Pre-sales engineers
Building demos with Cisco APIs. DevNet raises credibility.
Prerequisites
✓ 1–2 years of network or sys-admin experience (CCNA-level helpful)
✓ Comfortable with the command line
✓ Some scripting experience (Python preferred but Bash / PowerShell OK)
✓ Familiarity with Git and basic version-control concepts
→ No coding experience? Ask about our Python primer before DevNet starts.
Course Curriculum
Six domains. One programming toolkit.
DevNet Associate is structured into Software Development & Design, Understanding & Using APIs, Cisco Platforms & Development, Application Deployment & Security, Infrastructure & Automation, and Network Fundamentals. We deliver code-first — you write Python on day 1.
Hands-On DevNet Sandbox
9 builds. Real Cisco APIs.
Every learner gets access to the always-on Cisco DevNet sandboxes — CUCM, ACI, Catalyst Center, Meraki, Webex — plus our own GitLab CI environment. Real APIs, real workflows.
01
Python CLI Tool
Build a Python CLI with argparse + unit tests in 60 minutes.
Code
02
Webex API Bot
Build a Webex bot that posts to a room when a webhook fires.
API
03
Meraki Automator
Build a Meraki MX dashboard automator (firmware status + offline alerts).
API
04
Catalyst Center Provision
Provision a switch via Catalyst Center API. Validate compliance.
API
05
ACI Tenant Build
Build an ACI tenant + EPG + contract via Python.
SDN
06
Ansible Playbook
Automate config push to 4 Cisco IOS devices via Ansible.
Automation
07
NAPALM Gather
Use NAPALM to gather facts from 6 mixed Cisco devices into JSON.
Telemetry
08
CI/CD Pipeline
Containerise a Webex bot. Push to GitLab. Auto-deploy via CI/CD.
CI/CD
09
Webhook Integration
Build a webhook receiver that triggers a Cisco workflow.
Integration
+ 13 micro-tasks across Python, requests, ncclient, NAPALM and Ansible.
Exam Information
One exam. Code-and-recall mix.
DEVASC is 90–110 questions over 120 minutes. The exam mixes coding-style items (read this Python, what does it print?) with API design recall and Cisco platform familiarity. Most candidates fail on Python-reading items.
Cisco DEVASC (200-901) Exam
Questions90 – 110 (multiple formats)
Duration120 minutes
Passing score~825 / 1000 (varies)
FormatPearson VUE / Online proctored
Validity3 years (recertification)
Industry avg pass rate~64% first attempt
Nexperts pass rate91% first attempt
Python-Reading Drill
Drill length4-hour structured drill
FormatWhiteboard + IDE — you read, peers challenge
Items practised20 Python-reading scenarios
Common gotchasList comprehension, dict unpacking
StrategyTrace state line-by-line
OutcomeCode-reading uplift +24%
WalkthroughPast code archive provided
Our 3-Mock Programme
01
Diagnostic Mock
End of day 1. Sets the baseline. Average 56%.
02
Code-Heavy Mock
Mid-course. 50% Python-reading items. Average 71%.
03
Final Clearance
Full timed simulation. 80%+ before we book. Average 84%.
0%
Pass Rate
91% of our DevNet Associate candidates pass on first attempt.
The Cisco global first-attempt rate for DEVASC sits around 64%. We hit 91% by spending 70% of class time writing Python and gating booking on a clearance mock.
Real DevNet sandboxPython drill91% first attemptFree retake voucher30-day sandbox access
Why our pass rate is 91%
Industry average: ~64%
Most candidates can recite the API verbs but cannot read 12 lines of Python under timer. The exam tests both — they freeze on code-reading items.
Nexperts: 91%
We write Python every single day. We trace state on the whiteboard. We gate booking on a clearance mock. By exam day, code reading is reflex.
Your Cisco DevNet Path
DevNet pairs with CCNA and CCNP.
DevNet stacks naturally with CCNA / CCNP for the modern-engineer combo, or with Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist exams for vertical depth (Enterprise Automation, DevOps, Security Automation).
Before this
CCNA (recommended)
Helpful but not strictly required. Most candidates have CCNA + 1 year experience.
