Here’s Every Major Cisco Cert Change Coming by 2026
Expect new CCNP exams, AI and CCDE specialist badges, renamed cert tracks, and DevNet’s evolution into Cisco Automation.

Nothing stays the same for very long in the world of IT, and that includes certifications. Cisco certs are no exception to the rule, so we’re here to break down the changes you can expect through the end of 2025 and heading into 2026.
Last year's Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) updates set the stage for this transition, introducing foundational topics in generative artificial intelligence (AI), cloud network management, and machine learning (ML). It’s all part of a broader shift to AI literacy and cloud readiness across Cisco’s certification portfolio.
2025 Cisco Certification Changes
1. Big Changes for Cisco CCNP
Following the release of CCNA v1.1 (200-301) in August 2024, Cisco has now turned its attention to revamping the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) level. Let’s dive into these updates.
CCNP Data Center: New Exams and Focus Areas
To earn the CCNP Data Center certification, you need to pass two exams, one core exam (350-601 DCCOR) and one concentration exam of your choice. As of May 20, 2025, Cisco has rolled out updates to this track to reflect better modern data center technologies, especially those built to support AI-driven workloads.
One major change: Cisco has retired the 300-630 DCACIA exam and its related specialist certification. The content has been folded into an updated version of the 300-620 DCACI exam: Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure.
Additionally, the 300-610 DCID exam has been renamed to Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure for Traditional and AI Workloads to reflect its broader focus. Version 1.2 of the exam includes support for high-performance networking and AI-ready design.
These are now the four current CCNP Data Center concentration exams available:
300-610 DCID: Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure
300-615 DCIT: Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure
300-620 DCACI: Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure
300-635 DCAUTO: Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions
AI and ML topics are now fully baked into the new exams. A quick perusal of the exam objectives for 300-610 DCID, for instance, shows their presence right off the bat. Objective 1.1 asks exam takers to describe AI/ML concepts, and Objective 1.2 deals with AI workloads. Domain 4.0 includes requirements for cloud orchestration. View the complete list of Cisco CCNP Data Center exam updates here.
CCNP Security: New Design-Focused Exam
The Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (350-701 SCOR) exam covers essential skills in network, cloud, and endpoint security. But it’s just the starting point. To earn the CCNP Security certification, you’ll need to pass SCOR plus one of the concentration exams.
The newest addition, 300-745 SDSI, launched on May 20, 2025. It focuses on designing scalable, secure architectures that integrate AI, automation, and DevSecOps practices, a nod to the growing complexity of today’s threat landscape. (If you’re curious about DevSecOps, check out our article on DevOps vs. SecDevOps vs. SecOps.)
There are now eight possible exams available for achieving your CCNP Security certification.
300‑710 SNCF – Securing Networks with Cisco Firewalls
300‑715 SISE – Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine
300‑720 SESA – Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance
300‑725 SWSA – Securing the Web with Cisco Secure Web Appliance
300‑730 SVPN – Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks
300‑735 SAUTO – Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions
300‑740 SCAZT – Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints
300‑745 SDSI – Designing Cisco Security Infrastructure
2. Cisco Drops a New Ethical Hacking Certificate
Cisco made a bold move into offensive security with the launch of its Certificate in Ethical Hacking, introduced on January 8, 2025. Unlike a certification, this is a certificate — meaning it’s awarded after completing a Cisco course, not by passing a proctored exam.
The course is hands-on and practical, featuring Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges and interactive labs designed to teach real-world ethical hacking techniques. It’s a great fit for IT professionals exploring offensive security for the first time or looking to strengthen their red team skills.
While it’s not a full certification like the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), it serves as a solid starting point — and a stepping stone to more advanced credentials.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into ethical hacking certs, check out our guide: OSCP vs. CEH: Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Choose?
3. Cisco Introduces New Badges
New AI Badges for Network Engineers
Certifications, certificates, and badges – there are lots of options out there. Even if you don’t put the lesser qualifications on your resume, certificates and badges can be a way to motivate yourself to master specific areas of technical study.
One of Cisco’s newest options is the AI for Network Engineers badge, launched on February 9, 2025. It’s designed for IT pros who want to understand how Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI architecture fit into modern networking.
Well, what exactly is an LLM? Think of it as an AI that can understand and generate human-like language — the kind behind chatbots, virtual assistants, and even automated incident response tools. More and more job postings are starting to call out LLM knowledge specifically, especially in roles focused on network automation, incident response, or AI-integrated infrastructure.
This badge helps you get comfortable with designing AI prompts, connecting AI to your automation workflows, and understanding how AI fits into real-world network operations. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and stand out to hiring managers, this is a smart way to do it.
New Expert-Level Badges for CCDE Pros
Four specialist badge tracks are now available that are aligned with the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification. You can earn these badges when you pass the practical exam based on the elective you choose:
Cisco CCDE Specialist – AI Infrastructure
Cisco CCDE Specialist – Large Scale Networks
Cisco CCDE Specialist – On-Prem and Cloud Services
CCDE Specialist – Workforce Mobility
The AI Infrastructure badge is a new one. As the badge says, an individual who earns one is considered an expert specialist in that particular area. Check out our article Cisco Launches New CCDE-AI Infrastructure Certification to learn more about Cisco's newest expert-level design certification.
2026 Cisco Certification Updates
While some of the changes will occur in 2025, Cisco is giving the learning community some time to prepare for some of the more significant updates on the horizon. Cisco discusses these in an article called A New Era for Cisco Certifications. Let’s look at them more closely.
1. CCNP Collaboration Gets a Cloud Upgrade
On February 3, 2026, Cisco collaboration certs will get some major upgrades along with the addition of a new specialty.
Three existing certifications are being updated to version 2.0:
300-801 CLCOR: Implementing and Operating Cisco Collaboration Core Technologies (v2.0)
300-815 CLACCM: Implementing Cisco Advanced Call Control On-Premises (v2.0)
300-820 CLCEI: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Hybrid and Cloud Technologies (v2.0)
There will also be a new collaboration cert focused on the cloud:
300-825 CLCUX: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Cloud Customer Experience
Cisco is modernizing its Collaboration track to reflect how real-world IT teams now deploy, manage, and secure voice/video systems across cloud and hybrid environments. This update brings the certs more in line with what engineers are actually doing — managing Webex, supporting hybrid teams, and focusing on end-user experience in cloud-first setups.
2. Cisco CyberOps Gets Rebranded
This next transition involves not just a change in exam content but also a matter of branding. Effective January 21, 2025, the CyberOps certifications were given new names:
Cisco CyberOps Associate is now Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate
Cisco CyberOps Professional is now Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Professional
Alongside the new names, both certifications received updated exam content to reflect real-world shifts in cybersecurity. These changes include topics like AI-powered threat detection, automation in security operations, and zero trust architecture — all designed to ensure learners are prepared for modern SOC (Security Operations Center) environments.
Then, in February 2026, these will be renamed again to align with Cisco’s tiered naming convention:
Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate will become Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cybersecurity
Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Professional will become Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cybersecurity
In this final update, the exam topics will remain the same; only the certification names will change. Active certification holders can access the updated CCNA and CCNP Cybersecurity certifications and badges from their profile on the Cisco Certification Tracking System platform.
This rebrand brings the CyberOps track in line with Cisco’s broader naming structure (e.g., CCNA, CCNP), making it easier for learners and employers to understand where these certifications fit within a professional pathway. You can view these updated exam details on Cisco’s official cybersecurity certification page.
3. DevNet Becomes Cisco Automation
The final change discussed here also takes place in February 2026. It will include updated exams, a new exam, and a branding makeover. Cisco’s DevNet certifications focus on network automation, programmability, and software development skills for network engineers and IT professionals. The renaming is as follows:
DevNet Associate now becomes CCNA Automation
DevNet Professional now becomes CCNP Automation
DevNet Expert now becomes CCIE Automation
The new CCNP Automation exam topics are expected in July 2025, with the CCIE Automation practical exam following in the same month. The certification track will take on a new focus related to AI-integrated automation infrastructure.
As organizations scale cloud infrastructure and AI-driven operations, automation is no longer optional. Cisco is putting it on equal footing with routing, switching, and security, and giving automation engineers a clearer path to career recognition.
Final Thoughts
With so many updates rolling out, it can be tough to keep everything straight. When in doubt, always check Cisco’s official Certification Roadmap for the most accurate, up-to-date information. From foundational certs to expert-level redesigns, Cisco is clearly aligning its paths with where IT is headed — AI, automation, cloud, and real-world security needs. The changes we’ve outlined should give you a solid overview of that direction.
Here’s a quick recap of what’s coming on February 3, 2026
Cisco CCNP Collaboration gets a cloud-focused update.
New exam: 300-825 CLCUX – Implementing Cisco Collaboration Cloud Customer Experience
Major updates to: 300-801 CLCOR, 300-815 CLACCM, 300-820 CLCEI (v2.0)
Cisco Cybersecurity certifications will evolve to CCNA and CCNP Cybersecurity.
Cisco DevNet certifications will evolve to CCNA Automation, CCNP Automation, and CCIE Automation.
The evolution of technology and the learning required to master it never truly ends. So, if a new topic feels overwhelming, it’s okay to pause, regroup, and come back with fresh eyes. There’s no finish line in IT, only continuous growth. And the good news is, the need for skilled IT pros isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
No matter where you are in your journey, CBT Nuggets expert-led Cisco training can help you take the next step. Start training for your next Cisco cert today.
delivered to your inbox.
By submitting this form you agree to receive marketing emails from CBT Nuggets and that you have read, understood and are able to consent to our privacy policy.