Cisco Certified Devnet Professional Study Guide: Everything You Need to Know 2025
350-901
Your complete roadmap to passing the 350-901 certification exam. This comprehensive study guide covers all 5 exam domains with detailed explanations, study tips, and practice resources.
5
Domains
8
Weeks
500+
Questions
95%
Pass Rate
Quick Start
Essential steps to begin
Review Exam Objectives
View all domains →Take Assessment Quiz
Free practice test →Follow Study Plan
8-week roadmap →Full Practice Exams
Start practicing →Exam Objectives
Exam Domains & Objectives
Master these 5 domains to pass the 350-901 exam
Software Development and Design
Using APIs
Cisco Platforms
Application Deployment and Security
Automation and Infrastructure
Study Plan
8-Week Study Plan
Follow this structured plan to prepare for your Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam
Foundation
Week 1–2
Understand core concepts and exam objectives
Focus Areas
- Software Development and Design
- Using APIs
Deep Dive
Week 3–4
Master advanced topics and practical applications
Focus Areas
- Cisco Platforms
- Application Deployment and Security
Practice & Review
Week 5–6
Take practice exams and review weak areas
Focus Areas
- Automation and Infrastructure
Final Prep
Week 7–8
Full practice exams and last-minute review
Focus Areas
- Full-length practice tests
- Review all domains
Expert-Curated
Curated Study Resources
Curated resources with real links to help you prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional exam
Complete Study Guide for Cisco Certified DevNet Professional (350-901 DEVCOR)
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.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Software developers working with Cisco platforms
- DevOps engineers implementing network automation
- Network engineers transitioning to software development
- Site reliability engineers managing Cisco infrastructure
- Full-stack developers integrating Cisco solutions
Prerequisites
- 3-5 years of software development experience
- Strong programming skills in Python (required)
- Understanding of REST APIs and HTTP protocols
- Basic networking knowledge (CCNA level recommended)
- Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
- Experience with Linux/Unix command line
- Knowledge of version control systems (Git)
Official Resources
Cisco DevNet Professional Certification Page
Official certification overview, requirements, and exam registration information
View Resource350-901 DEVCOR Exam Topics
Detailed breakdown of all exam objectives and topics covered
View ResourceCisco DevNet Developer Center
Official developer portal with APIs, sandboxes, documentation, and learning tracks
View ResourceCisco DevNet Learning Labs
Free hands-on labs covering DevNet technologies and use cases
View ResourceDevNet Professional Training
Official 5-day instructor-led training course for the DEVCOR exam
View ResourceCisco DevNet GitHub Repository
Official code samples, SDKs, and reference implementations
View ResourceCisco API Documentation
Comprehensive documentation for all Cisco platform APIs
View ResourceRecommended Courses
Developing Applications Using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs (DEVCOR)
Cisco Learning Network • 40 hours
View CourseCisco DevNet Professional: Developing Applications Using Cisco Core Platforms
Pluralsight • 30 hours
View CourseRecommended Books
Developing Applications Using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs (DEVCOR 350-901) Official Cert Guide
by Chris Jackson
Official certification guide covering all exam topics with hands-on labs and practice questions
View on AmazonNetwork Programmability and Automation: Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer
by Jason Edelman, Scott Lowe, Matt Oswalt
Comprehensive guide to network automation concepts, tools, and programming with Python
View on AmazonPython for Network Engineers: A Practical Guide to Network Automation
by Abhishek Ratan
Practical Python programming focused on network engineering use cases
View on AmazonMastering Python Networking
by Eric Chou
Advanced Python networking concepts including APIs, automation frameworks, and network programmability
View on AmazonRESTful Web API Patterns and Practices Cookbook
by Mike Amundsen
Comprehensive guide to RESTful API design patterns and best practices
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
Cisco DevNet Sandboxes
Free lab environments with always-on access to Cisco platforms including DNA Center, Meraki, ACI, SD-WAN, and more
View ResourceDevNet Learning Labs
100+ free hands-on labs covering APIs, automation, and platform-specific programming
View ResourceCisco CertMetrics Practice Exam
Official practice exam available after exam registration through Pearson VUE
View ResourceDevNet Code Exchange
Repository of sample code, automation scripts, and reference implementations
View ResourceBoson Practice Exams for DevNet Professional
Third-party practice exams with detailed explanations
View ResourceCisco Modeling Labs (CML)
Network simulation platform for testing automation scripts (paid)
View ResourceGitHub Cisco Sample Code
Official Cisco sample code for various platforms and APIs
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
Cisco Learning Network - DevNet Community
Official forum for DevNet certifications with study groups, exam tips, and Q&A
Join Communityr/Cisco
Reddit community discussing Cisco technologies, certifications, and career advice
Join Communityr/devnet
Dedicated subreddit for Cisco DevNet certifications and network programmability
Join CommunityDevNet Developer Community
Cisco's official developer community with forums, blogs, and discussions
Join CommunityNetwork to Code Slack
Active Slack community for network automation discussions (join at networktocode.com)
Join CommunityCisco DevNet Twitter
Official Twitter account with updates, tips, and community highlights
Join CommunityNetworkChuck YouTube Channel
Popular channel with networking and programming tutorials
Join CommunityStudy 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 Tips
- 1Arrive 30 minutes early to the testing center to allow time for check-in procedures
- 2Bring two forms of ID as required by Pearson VUE testing centers
- 3Use the whiteboard/scratch paper provided for complex code logic planning
- 4Read each question completely before looking at answers - questions can be tricky
- 5For code-based questions, mentally trace through the code line by line
- 6If you see a lengthy scenario, identify the key requirement first before reading all details
- 7Don't overthink questions - your first instinct is often correct
- 8Manage your time: aim for 1.0-1.3 minutes per question maximum
- 9Use the flag/mark feature for questions you want to review
- 10In performance-based items, test your code logic mentally before selecting an answer
- 11Remember that some questions test understanding of when NOT to use a technology
- 12Stay calm - the exam tests practical knowledge you can verify through logic
- 13Take a deep breath if you encounter a difficult section - they vary in difficulty
- 14Review flagged questions if time permits, but trust your initial answers
- 15The passing score is 825/1000 - you don't need perfection, just solid knowledge
Study guide generated on January 8, 2026
Pro Tips
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
More Resources
Continue Your Preparation
Complete Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide will help you prepare for the 350-901 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
- Software Development and Design (20%)
- Using APIs (20%)
- Cisco Platforms (20%)
- Application Deployment and Security (20%)
- Automation and Infrastructure (20%)
Recommended Timeline
Most candidates need 6–8 weeks of dedicated study to pass the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional 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.