Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Study Guide: Everything You Need to Know 2025
Your complete roadmap to passing the 200-901 certification exam. This comprehensive study guide covers all 6 exam domains with detailed explanations, study tips, and practice resources.
Quick Start
Essential steps to begin your preparation
Review Exam Objectives
View all domains →Take Assessment Quiz
Free practice test →Follow Study Plan
8-week roadmap →Full Practice Exams
Start practicing →Exam Domains & Objectives
Master these 6 domains to pass the 200-901 exam
Software Development and Design
Understanding and Using APIs
Cisco Platforms and Development
Application Deployment and Security
Infrastructure and Automation
Network Fundamentals
8-Week Study Plan
Follow this structured plan to prepare for your Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam
Foundation
Understand core concepts and exam objectives
Focus Areas:
- Software Development and Design
- Understanding and Using APIs
Deep Dive
Master advanced topics and practical applications
Focus Areas:
- Cisco Platforms and Development
- Application Deployment and Security
Practice & Review
Take practice exams and review weak areas
Focus Areas:
- Infrastructure and Automation
- Network Fundamentals
Final Prep
Full practice exams and last-minute review
Focus Areas:
- Full-length practice tests
- Review all domains
Curated Study Resources
AI-curated resources with real links to help you prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam
Complete Study Guide for Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC)
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification validates your knowledge of software development and design including APIs, Cisco platforms, application deployment and security, infrastructure automation, and network fundamentals. This certification is ideal for developers and network engineers who want to integrate programming skills with network infrastructure.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Software developers interested in network automation
- Network engineers transitioning to DevOps roles
- IT professionals seeking to automate network operations
- Students pursuing careers in network programmability
- Systems administrators interested in infrastructure as code
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of programming concepts (preferably Python)
- Fundamental knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS)
- Familiarity with Linux/Unix command line
- Understanding of REST APIs and JSON/XML data formats
- Basic Git version control knowledge
Official Resources
DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) Official Exam Topics
Official exam blueprint detailing all topics covered in the certification exam
View ResourceCisco DevNet Learning Labs
Free hands-on labs covering APIs, network automation, and Cisco platforms
View ResourceDevNet Associate Certification and Training
Official certification page with resources and exam information
View ResourceCisco API Documentation
Complete API documentation for Cisco platforms including Meraki, DNA Center, and more
View ResourceDevNet Associate Study Materials
Official Cisco Learning Network resources and study materials
View ResourceRecommended Courses
Developing Applications and Automating Workflows using Cisco Core Platforms (DEVASC)
Cisco Learning Network • 40+ hours
View CourseRecommended Books
Cisco Certified DevNet Associate DEVASC 200-901 Official Cert Guide
by Chris Jackson
Official Cisco Press study guide covering all exam topics with hands-on labs and practice questions
View on AmazonCisco DevNet Associate DEVASC 200-901 Official Certification Guide
by Adrian Iliesiu and Chris Jackson
Comprehensive official guide with real-world examples and network programmability concepts
View on AmazonNetwork Programmability and Automation: Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer
by Jason Edelman, Scott Lowe, Matt Oswalt
Essential reading for understanding network automation principles, Python, and APIs
View on AmazonPython Network Programming for Network Engineers
by Abhishek Ratan
Practical Python programming guide focused on network automation tasks
View on AmazonLearning Python
by Mark Lutz
Comprehensive Python reference for building strong programming fundamentals
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
Cisco DevNet Sandbox
Free access to Cisco infrastructure including DNA Center, Meraki, Webex, and SD-WAN for hands-on practice
View ResourceDevNet Learning Labs
Interactive coding exercises and tutorials covering all exam topics with step-by-step guidance
View ResourcePearson Practice Test (Official)
Official practice exam from Cisco Press with questions similar to actual exam
View ResourceBoson ExSim for DevNet Associate
High-quality practice exams with detailed explanations and simulation environment
View ResourceGitHub - DevNet Associate Lab Examples
Community-contributed code examples and lab exercises for exam preparation
View ResourceCisco Modeling Labs (CML)
Network simulation platform for building and testing network automation scripts
View ResourcePython Anywhere
Free online Python environment for practicing coding without local setup
View ResourcePostman Public Workspaces
Pre-built API collections for practicing with REST APIs
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
Cisco Learning Network - DevNet Community
Official Cisco community for DevNet certification discussions, study groups, and expert advice
Join CommunityReddit - r/devnet
Community discussions about Cisco DevNet certifications, resources, and exam experiences
Join CommunityReddit - r/Cisco
General Cisco community with DevNet certification discussions and study tips
Join CommunityDiscord - NetworkChuck Server
Active community with dedicated channels for Cisco certifications and network automation
Join CommunityDevNet Developer Community on GitHub
Official Cisco DevNet repositories with code samples, automation scripts, and learning resources
Join CommunityNetwork to Code Blog
Technical blog covering network automation, APIs, and programmability topics
Join CommunityCisco DevNet Twitter
Latest updates, resources, and community highlights from Cisco DevNet team
Join CommunityStudy Tips
Hands-On Practice Priority
- Spend at least 60% of your study time on hands-on labs rather than just reading
- Use DevNet Sandbox daily - it's free and replicates real exam scenarios
- Write Python scripts from scratch rather than just reading code examples
- Practice making API calls with Postman and Python requests library every day
- Create a GitHub repository to track your learning progress and code examples
Master Python Fundamentals
- Python is central to this exam - ensure you can write functions, work with data structures, and handle exceptions
- Practice reading Python code and predicting output - this is tested heavily
- Understand list comprehensions, dictionary methods, and JSON parsing thoroughly
- Work through Python coding challenges on HackerRank or LeetCode focusing on data structures
- Learn to debug Python code using print statements and understanding error messages
API Mastery
- Memorize HTTP status codes (200, 201, 204, 400, 401, 403, 404, 500) and their meanings
- Understand the difference between authentication types and when to use each
- Practice parsing JSON responses and accessing nested data
- Know REST API principles: idempotency, statelessness, and proper HTTP method usage
- Test every Cisco API in DevNet Sandbox at least once (DNA Center, Meraki, Webex, SD-WAN)
Cisco Platform Focus
- Don't memorize every API endpoint - understand what each platform does and common use cases
- Focus on DNA Center Intent API and its role in enterprise network management
- Understand Meraki's cloud-managed approach and dashboard API capabilities
- Know when to use each platform (DNA Center vs. Meraki vs. SD-WAN)
- Practice with at least 3-4 different Cisco platform APIs in DevNet Sandbox
Automation Tools
- Learn Ansible playbook structure: tasks, handlers, variables, and inventory files
- Understand YAML syntax perfectly - indentation errors are common pitfalls
- Know the difference between NETCONF, RESTCONF, and traditional CLI automation
- Practice with Netmiko for multi-vendor device automation
- Understand when to use configuration management (Ansible) vs. direct API calls
Container and CI/CD Concepts
- Install Docker locally and practice building containers from Dockerfiles
- Understand the difference between Docker images and containers
- Know CI/CD pipeline stages: build, test, deploy
- Learn Docker commands: run, build, exec, ps, images, stop
- Understand why containers are useful for application deployment and portability
Exam-Specific Strategies
- The exam includes code reading questions - practice reading Python and YAML code
- Questions often show API responses - be comfortable interpreting JSON quickly
- Time management is crucial: 120 minutes for 90-105 questions means 70-80 seconds per question
- Flag difficult questions and return to them - don't get stuck on one question
- Some questions build on previous answers - read carefully
- Practice with simulation questions - they test practical skills, not just theory
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't neglect software development concepts - design patterns and methodologies are tested
- Don't just memorize - understand why specific tools or approaches are used
- Avoid focusing too much on CCNA networking topics - this exam is about programmability
- Don't skip Git - version control concepts appear throughout the exam
- Security topics are tested - understand secrets management and secure coding practices
Exam Day Tips
- 1Arrive at the test center 15-30 minutes early or ensure your home testing environment is set up well in advance
- 2Read each question carefully - DevNet questions often include code snippets and JSON that require close attention
- 3For code reading questions, trace through the logic line by line rather than guessing
- 4When you see API response questions, identify the relevant data in the JSON structure before looking at answer choices
- 5Use the flag feature for questions you're unsure about - review them at the end if time permits
- 6Watch the clock but don't panic - you have approximately 70-80 seconds per question which is adequate
- 7For simulation questions, take your time to understand what's being asked before attempting the solution
- 8Trust your hands-on experience - if you've practiced in DevNet Sandbox, you'll recognize scenarios
- 9Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds on difficult questions
- 10Don't change answers unless you're confident you misread the question - first instincts are often correct
- 11Stay calm and focused - this is an associate-level exam and with proper preparation, it's very passable
- 12Remember that 825/1000 is passing - you don't need perfection, just solid understanding of core concepts
Study guide generated on January 8, 2026
Pro Study Tips
Expert advice to maximize your study effectiveness
Active Learning Strategies
- Hands-on practice: Apply concepts in real scenarios
- Teach others: Explain concepts to reinforce learning
- Take notes: Write summaries in your own words
Exam Day Preparation
- Get enough sleep: Rest well the night before
- Review key points: Go through your notes and cheat sheets
- Time management: Practice pacing with timed exams
Continue Your Preparation
More resources to help you succeed
Complete Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide will help you prepare for the 200-901 certification exam offered by Cisco. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this guide covers everything you need to know to pass on your first attempt.
What You Will Learn
Our study guide covers all 6 exam domains in detail:
- Software Development and Design (15%)
- Understanding and Using APIs (20%)
- Cisco Platforms and Development (15%)
- Application Deployment and Security (15%)
- Infrastructure and Automation (20%)
- + 1 more domains
Recommended Timeline
Most candidates need 6-8 weeks of dedicated study to pass the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam. We recommend studying 1-2 hours daily and taking practice exams weekly to track your progress.
Next Step: Start with our free practice test to assess your current knowledge level.