CCNA Automation: Cisco's 200-901 exam for network engineers who script
The 200-901 exam, now named CCNAAUTO v1.1, costs $300 in the US as of November 2026. Your first attempt costs from $300 using Cisco's free learning path and sandboxes to $4,800 with a five-day class. With some Python and networking behind you, we would budget 2 to 4 months of study.
Key facts
- The CCNA Automation exam, 200-901 CCNAAUTO, costs $300, lasts 120 minutes, is offered in English and Japanese and has no prerequisites. (Cisco, checked November 5, 2026)
- DevNet Associate was renamed CCNA Automation on February 3, 2026; active DevNet holders were migrated automatically, and the 200-901 exam topics did not change. (Cisco Learning Network, checked November 5, 2026)
- The last day to earn or recertify a DevNet certification under the old name was February 2, 2026. (Cisco Learning Network, checked November 5, 2026)
- CCNA Automation is valid for three years; you renew by passing the current exam or a higher Cisco exam, or with 30 continuing education credits. (Cisco, checked November 5, 2026)
From DevNet Associate to CCNA Automation
Cisco folded its DevNet track into an Automation track on February 3, 2026: DevNet Associate, Professional and Expert became CCNA, CCNP and CCIE Automation. At the associate level only the name changed. Cisco says the content of the former 200-901 DEVASC exam topics "remains unchanged; only the exam name has been updated," so books and courses written for DEVASC still match. The professional level is different: CCNP Automation came with major exam updates.
Is CCNA Automation a fit?
Cisco aims it at entry-to-mid-level IT professionals heading for network automation, software development or system integration roles, and says it validates "software development and design, including APIs, Cisco platforms, applications, security, automation, and more." Despite the CCNA name, this is a programming exam with networking in it, not a routing and switching exam: Git, Python, REST APIs, Docker and Ansible carry far more weight than network fundamentals (85% against 15%).
A good fit if
- You are a network engineer who wants to automate changes with Python, Ansible or Cisco APIs
- You are a developer who integrates with Meraki, Catalyst Center, Webex or other Cisco platforms
- You already hold CCNA and want a second associate credential that shows scripting skills
Think twice if
- You have never written code: Cisco calls it difficult because it mixes networking, Cisco configuration and programming at once
- You want a routing and switching job and need the standard CCNA (200-301)
- Your automation work is cloud infrastructure as code rather than Cisco networks
Consider instead: CCNA for a networking foundation, CCNP Enterprise or CCNP Automation, both of which accept the ENAUTO concentration, if you already work at CCNA level, or Terraform Associate for cloud infrastructure as code.
The 200-901 exam in detail
There is no formal prerequisite. Cisco's official course recommends hands-on experience with a programming language, specifically Python, and Cisco calls the certification "challenging but achievable with little to no networking knowledge." The exam is 120 minutes, graded pass or fail, with performance-based, multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions. The current version is v1.1, and Cisco's roadmap shows no newer version announced.
| Area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Software development and design | 15% |
| Understanding and using APIs | 20% |
| Cisco platforms and development | 15% |
| Application deployment and security | 15% |
| Infrastructure and automation | 20% |
| Network fundamentals | 15% |
Only 15% is network fundamentals. The rest rewards writing and reading code: building REST calls, reading Ansible playbooks and YANG models, and using Git and Docker.
Free labs, a book, video or a class
Cisco's official instructor-led course is Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms (CCNAAUTO), five days, delivered by Cisco and its learning partners and worth 48 continuing education credits; Cisco recommends its Python Programming for Network Engineers (PRNE) course first if you are new to Python. The matching guided learning path sits in Cisco U. Essentials, a paid plan. At no cost, Cisco U. Free includes a network automation learning path, and DevNet Sandbox gives you free Cisco environments to call APIs against. Self-study with a book or video course plus sandbox time suits people who already code a little; the class suits teams on an employer budget who want structured labs.
Budgeting for 200-901
Each total adds Cisco's $300 exam fee, since no listing below includes a voucher.
| Route | Provider and course | Published price | Exam fee | First attempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free official resources | Cisco, Cisco U. Free plan, which includes a network automation learning path, plus free DevNet Sandbox lab environments (a free Cisco.com account is needed). Checked November 5, 2026. | $0 | + $300 exam | $300 |
| Self-study book | Cisco Press, Cisco Certified DevNet Associate DEVASC 200-901 Official Cert Guide, 1st edition (October 2020; Cisco says the 200-901 topics did not change with the rename); list price shown, on sale at $47.99 on the day we checked. Checked November 5, 2026. | $59.99 | + $300 exam | $359.99 |
| Video course | CBT Nuggets, CCNA Automation (200-901 CCNAAUTO) v1.1, about 32.5 hours across 34 skills, with a practice exam, one year of access for a one-time payment (virtual labs come only with its subscriptions). Checked November 5, 2026. | $225 | + $300 exam | $525 |
| Live class, 5 days | Fast Lane, Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms (CCNAAUTO), online or classroom, for the 200-901 v1.1 exam; 45 Cisco Learning Credits. Checked November 5, 2026. | $4,500 | + $300 exam | $4,800 |
Beyond the table: a retake costs the full $300 again after a five-day wait, unless you buy Cisco's $450 Exam Safeguard Plus, which includes a second attempt within 90 days. Cisco sells $300 exam vouchers that are valid for 365 days. Python training before you start, if you need it, is an extra cost.
What to check before paying for CCNA Automation prep
- DEVASC or CCNAAUTO on the label. Both are fine: Cisco says the topics are the same. What matters is that the material covers 200-901 v1.1.
- Hands-on access. CBT Nuggets' one-course unlock includes a practice exam but not virtual labs, which come with its subscriptions; DevNet Sandbox is free. For a live class, ask how long lab access lasts afterward.
- Python level assumed. Ask whether the course teaches Python from scratch or expects it, since Cisco's own course expects it.
- Voucher. Fast Lane's listing does not include one; ask whether it can be added, or whether Cisco Learning Credits can pay for class and exam together.
Keeping CCNA Automation current
The certification lasts three years. Renew by passing the current 200-901 exam or any higher-level Cisco exam, such as a CCNP Automation exam, or by earning 30 continuing education credits; the official course alone gives 48.
CCNA Automation questions
- Is DevNet Associate the same as CCNA Automation?
- Yes. Cisco renamed it on February 3, 2026 and moved active holders across automatically. The exam is still 200-901 with the same topics.
- Do I need the CCNA first?
- No. There are no prerequisites, and the two exams are independent. If networking is new to you, CCNA first gives you the base that Cisco says makes 200-901 hard to learn all at once.
- How much does the exam cost?
- $300 in the US as of November 2026, or Cisco Learning Credits.
- Can I still use DevNet study material?
- Yes, if it targets 200-901 v1.1. Cisco says only the exam name changed.
Next step
Share your current Python and networking experience and your deadline, and we will suggest a study route for 200-901.
Ask for help choosing CCNA Automation training
Sources
- Cisco: CCNA Automation (exam, fee, prerequisites, FAQ, recertification), checked November 5, 2026
- Cisco: 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam page, checked November 5, 2026
- Cisco Learning Network: 200-901 CCNAAUTO v1.1 exam topics and weights, checked November 5, 2026
- Cisco Learning Network: a new era for Cisco certifications (DevNet to Automation), checked November 5, 2026
- Cisco: CCNAAUTO training course (recommended knowledge, CE credits), checked November 5, 2026
- Cisco Learning Network: certification roadmaps, checked November 5, 2026
- Cisco DevNet: DevNet Sandbox (free lab environments), checked November 5, 2026
Prices are published list prices we recorded on the dates shown, not quotes. How we research.