Cisco Certified Devnet Professional: Complete Guide 2026
350-901
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional validates advanced automation skills for IT professionals building and operating programmable infrastructure. Centered on exam 350-901 AUTOCOR, this certification matters for engineers moving beyond manual workflows into API-driven operations, infrastructure as code, and secure application deployment across Cisco environments. With a 120-minute exam, 90-110 questions, and a passing score of 825/1000, this Cisco Certified DevNet Professional overview highlights a high-value path for roles like Senior Network Automation Engineer, DevOps Architect, and Platform Engineer.
Exam Details
Resources
Everything you need to pass
Comprehensive preparation materials for your Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 5 domains to pass your exam
Software Development and Design
Using APIs
Cisco Platforms
Application Deployment and Security
Automation and Infrastructure
Who Should Take This Exam?
- IT professionals seeking Cisco expertise
- Software Development practitioners
- Cloud architects and engineers
- DevOps and infrastructure specialists
- Technical leads and solution architects
- Career changers entering cloud computing
Study Timeline
8-12 weeks
Recommended duration
Foundation · Weeks 1-2
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6
Study each domain with hands-on labs
Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8
Take practice exams & target weak areas
Study Guide
350-901 Study Plan
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification validates your ability to design, develop, and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms. This professional-level certification demonstrates expertise in software development, APIs, Cisco platforms, application deployment, security, and infrastructure automation. It's ideal for software developers, DevOps engineers, and network automation specialists working with Cisco technologies.
Week 1-2
Foundation and Software Development Principles
Build strong foundation in software development concepts and Python programming
- Review Python fundamentals and advanced features
- Understand common design patterns with implementations
- Master Git workflows and version control operations
- Learn testing methodologies and write unit tests
Week 3-4
APIs and REST Fundamentals
Master API concepts and hands-on consumption using Python
- Understand REST principles and HTTP protocol deeply
- Practice API calls with Python requests library
- Learn authentication mechanisms (OAuth, token-based)
- Work with JSON/XML data parsing and manipulation
- Study API documentation using Swagger/OpenAPI
Week 5-7
Cisco Platforms Deep Dive
Explore Cisco platform APIs using DevNet sandboxes
- Practice with DNA Center APIs (devices, sites, templates)
- Work with Meraki Dashboard API
- Explore SD-WAN and ACI APIs
- Integrate Webex Teams APIs
- Build sample applications for each platform
Week 8-9
Application Deployment and Security
Learn containerization, CI/CD, and security best practices
- Create and manage Docker containers
- Write Dockerfiles and docker-compose files
- Build basic CI/CD pipelines
- Study OWASP Top 10 and mitigation strategies
- Implement secure coding practices in Python
Week 10-11
Infrastructure Automation
Master network automation tools and model-driven programmability
- Write Ansible playbooks for network automation
- Use NETCONF/RESTCONF with Python
- Understand YANG models and navigation
- Practice with Netmiko and NAPALM libraries
- Implement telemetry and monitoring solutions
Week 12-14
Integration and Practice Projects
Build end-to-end solutions integrating multiple concepts
- Create multi-platform integration projects
- Build CI/CD pipeline for network automation
- Develop containerized applications using Cisco APIs
- Implement monitoring and alerting systems
- Practice code reviews and documentation
Week 15-16
Review and Practice Exams
Comprehensive review and exam simulation
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review weak areas identified in practice tests
- Study exam objectives checklist thoroughly
- Practice time management with timed exams
- Review all platform APIs and common operations
Study tips
Hands-On Practice
- Spend at least 60% of study time coding and working with APIs in DevNet sandboxes
- Create a GitHub repository to document all practice code and projects
- Reserve DevNet sandboxes early and use them extensively - they're free and essential
- Build at least 3-5 complete projects integrating multiple Cisco platforms
- Practice writing code without IDE assistance to simulate exam conditions
Python Mastery
- Focus heavily on Python requests library - it's central to the exam
- Master JSON parsing and manipulation with Python's json module
- Understand exception handling and error management in API calls
- Practice writing functions, classes, and modules from scratch
- Learn Python virtual environments and package management (pip, requirements.txt)
Platform-Specific Focus
- Prioritize DNA Center and Meraki APIs as they appear frequently on the exam
- Understand the authentication method for each platform (token, API key, OAuth)
- Know the base URL structure and common endpoints for each platform
- Practice retrieving inventory, configuring settings, and monitoring health status
- Create a quick reference sheet for each platform's key API operations
Exam Strategy
- The exam includes performance-based items - practice writing actual code, not just theory
- Time management is critical with 90-110 questions in 120 minutes
- Flag difficult questions and return to them - don't get stuck
- Read questions carefully - some are scenario-based requiring multiple steps
- Understand when to use each tool: Ansible vs Python script vs NETCONF
- Know the differences between REST, NETCONF, RESTCONF, and gRPC
Documentation and APIs
- Practice navigating API documentation quickly - you may need to reference during exam
- Understand HTTP status codes and what actions to take for each
- Learn to read and interpret Swagger/OpenAPI specifications
- Master the structure of REST API requests: method, headers, body, authentication
- Know common API response codes and error handling strategies
Security and Best Practices
- Memorize OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques
- Understand secure credential storage - never hardcode passwords
- Know when to use environment variables, config files, and secrets management
- Practice input validation and sanitization techniques
- Understand SSL/TLS certificate verification in API calls
Container and CI/CD
- Be able to write basic Dockerfiles from memory
- Understand multi-stage Docker builds and layer optimization
- Know the difference between COPY and ADD, CMD and ENTRYPOINT
- Practice creating docker-compose files for multi-container applications
- Understand basic CI/CD pipeline stages: build, test, deploy
Exam day checklist
- Arrive 30 minutes early to the testing center to allow time for check-in procedures
- Bring two forms of ID as required by Pearson VUE testing centers
- Use the whiteboard/scratch paper provided for complex code logic planning
- Read each question completely before looking at answers - questions can be tricky
- For code-based questions, mentally trace through the code line by line
- If you see a lengthy scenario, identify the key requirement first before reading all details
- Don't overthink questions - your first instinct is often correct
- Manage your time: aim for 1.0-1.3 minutes per question maximum
- Use the flag/mark feature for questions you want to review
- In performance-based items, test your code logic mentally before selecting an answer
- Remember that some questions test understanding of when NOT to use a technology
- Stay calm - the exam tests practical knowledge you can verify through logic
- Take a deep breath if you encounter a difficult section - they vary in difficulty
- Review flagged questions if time permits, but trust your initial answers
- The passing score is 825/1000 - you don't need perfection, just solid knowledge
Career
Career Opportunities
Roles and salary potential for Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certified professionals
Related Job Titles
$125,000
Average Annual Salary
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Prerequisites
There are no strict formal prerequisites for the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification. However, Cisco recommends having foundational knowledge of software development concepts and some hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Candidates who invest time in study materials and practice exams typically perform best.
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional FAQs
Common questions about the 350-901 certification exam
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional is a professional certification offered by Cisco that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is 350-901. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using Cisco technologies.
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam typically contains 90-110 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The passing score for the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam is 825/1000. Note that Cisco uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam costs $400. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. Cisco occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through Cisco's continuing education program.
While Cisco doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.
Yes, the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.
If you don't pass the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. Cisco typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.
To prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.
Sources
About the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Certification
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional (350-901) is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco. This certification validates your expertise in software development and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 90-110 questions to be completed in 120 minutes, with a passing score of 825/1000. The exam fee is $400, and the certification is valid for 3 years.
Why Get Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $125,000 per year. Cisco-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the software development industry.
- Industry Recognition: Cisco certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in software development technologies and practices.
- Skill Validation: The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 5 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Exam Format & Details
The 350-901 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 120 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 90-110 questions. A score of 825/1000 is required to pass. As a professional-level exam, it requires significant hands-on experience and deep technical knowledge.
Exam Domains & Topics
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam covers 5 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
- Software Development and Design (20% of exam)
- Using APIs (20% of exam)
- Cisco Platforms (20% of exam)
- Application Deployment and Security (20% of exam)
- Automation and Infrastructure (20% of exam)
Who Should Take the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- IT professionals seeking Cisco expertise
- Software Development practitioners looking to validate their skills
- Professionals preparing for a career in software development
- Technical specialists aiming to advance their career with an industry-recognized credential
- Team leads and managers who need to understand software development concepts
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification opens doors to roles such as Senior Network Automation Engineer, DevOps Architect, Platform Engineer. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $125,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for software development skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet Cisco's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The 350-901 exam costs $400. You can register through Cisco's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for 350-901
Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study to prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
HydraNode publishes free exam dumps with answers and explanations for more than 80 certification exams. Every question is written to the published objectives, so what you practise matches the format and difficulty of the actual 350-901 exam.