Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Study Guide 2025: Updated Prep Materials
Get ready for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification with our comprehensive 2025 study guide. Updated with the latest exam objectives, study strategies, and expert tips to help you pass on your first attempt.
Exam Quick Facts
Why This 2025 Guide?
Prepared with the latest exam objectives and proven study strategies
2025 Updated
Reflects the latest exam objectives and content updates for 2025
Exam Aligned
Covers all current exam domains with accurate weightings
Proven Strategies
Time-tested study techniques from successful candidates
Fast Track Path
Efficient study plan to pass on your first attempt
Complete Study Materials
Comprehensive 2025 study guide for Cisco Certified DevNet Associate
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
Cisco Certified DevNet Associate 2025 Study Guide FAQs
Cisco Certified DevNet Associate is a professional certification from Cisco that validates expertise in cisco certified devnet associate technologies and concepts. The official exam code is 200-901.
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Study Guide 2025 includes updated content reflecting the latest exam changes, new technologies, and best practices. It covers all current exam objectives and domains.
Yes, the 2025 Cisco Certified DevNet Associate study guide has been updated with new content, revised exam objectives, and the latest industry trends. It reflects all changes made to the 200-901 exam.
Start by reviewing the exam objectives in the 2025 guide, then work through each section systematically. Combine your study with practice exams to reinforce your learning.
More 2025 Resources
Complete your exam preparation with these resources