Cisco · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide written by Cisco-certified engineers. Covers the exam format,all 6 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
3–4 months
Prep time
Intermediate
Difficulty
95
Exam questions
Variable
Pass mark
Exam code
200-901
Full name
Cisco DevNet Associate
Vendor
Cisco
Duration
120 minutes
Questions
95 items
Passing score
Variable
Domains covered
6 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
Basic programming familiarity (any language); networking fundamentals (CCNA-level or equivalent)
Typical prep time
3–4 months
DevNet Associate is Cisco's developer-focused credential and the only associate-level cert that bridges networking and software development. It is increasingly listed in NetDevOps, automation, and SDN job postings.
Job roles this opens
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Passing score: Cisco passing scores vary by exam version and are not always publicly listed. Check the official Cisco exam page before booking.
Weeks 1–3
Software Development: version control (Git), software design principles, testing
Tip: You do not need to be a professional developer, but you must understand REST API concepts, HTTP methods (GET/POST/PUT/DELETE/PATCH), status codes, and JSON/XML payloads. These appear throughout the exam.
Weeks 4–6
APIs: REST, gRPC, YANG/NETCONF/RESTCONF, Cisco platform APIs
Tip: YANG data models and NETCONF/RESTCONF are tested directly. Understand that NETCONF uses XML over SSH and RESTCONF uses HTTP with JSON or XML. Know the difference between a YANG leaf and a YANG list.
Weeks 7–9
Cisco Platforms: DNA Center, Meraki, Webex, SD-WAN APIs
Tip: Each Cisco platform has a different API style. DNA Center uses token-based auth with a specific hierarchy. Meraki uses API keys. Know the base URLs and auth method for each platform at a conceptual level — you won't need to memorise endpoints but will need to interpret API call results.
Weeks 10–13
Application Deployment, Security, Infrastructure Automation
Tip: Docker and containers appear in the application deployment domain. Know the Dockerfile build process, container vs VM distinction, and basic Docker CLI commands (build, run, ps, exec, stop).
REST API fundamentals are tested across multiple domains. Know HTTP methods, status code ranges (2xx success, 4xx client error, 5xx server error), and how to read a JSON response.
Python is the de facto DevNet language. Focus on requests library (for API calls), json library (for parsing responses), and basic data structures (dict, list). You don't need to write complex programs but must trace simple scripts.
Git is tested: know git init, clone, add, commit, push, pull, branch, merge, and how to interpret a git log output.
Infrastructure as Code: Ansible playbooks, Terraform configuration, and YANG/NETCONF templating are all in scope. Understand what each tool does and when you would use each.
DevNet Sandbox (developer.cisco.com/sandbox) provides always-on free labs for DNA Center, Meraki, SD-WAN, and more. Lab practice is essential — this exam is harder than it looks from the blueprint alone.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.
Deep-dive explanations of the key topics tested on 200-901 — with exam key points and common misconceptions.