Cisco DevNet Is Now Cisco Automation: What You Need to Know

Quick Answer: Cisco Automation is the new home for everything that used to live under the Cisco DevNet umbrella. In early 2026, DevNet Associate, Professional, and Expert became CCNA Automation, CCNP Automation, and CCIE Automation.

Cisco’s DevNet certification track is now called Cisco Automation, with automation credentials now a core part of the Cisco certification structure. Beginning February 3, 2026, the DevNet tracks have been rebranded as follows:

• DevNet Associate to CCNA Automation

• DevNet Professional to CCNP Automation

• DevNet Expert to CCIE Automation

Cisco made this change because it now sees automation as a core networking skill. If you already hold a DevNet certification, you don’t need to retake any exams. Cisco has automatically updated your credentials and issued new badges.

What is Cisco Automation?

Cisco Automation is the new certification that replaces DevNet. The topics covered are the same, and the change is largely a naming shift to unify the branding of its different certifications.

For many years, DevNet certifications validated skills in automating infrastructure, using APIs with network platforms, and creating software-driven workflows. Those skills are still important to the new track; what changed is the branding.

Cisco moved these certifications under the familiar CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE certification families. These brands already carry strong recognition among employers and hiring managers. By including automation certifications in those tracks, Cisco demonstrates that automation knowledge is now part of the standard skill set expected of IT professionals.

Cisco also recognized changes in the job market. Many employers are more familiar with network automation engineers than DevNet developers. Naming certifications with the roles they support helps employers and candidates match skills to industry needs.

What Changed Across the Cisco Automation Certification Track

The former DevNet program covered three certification levels. Cisco retained the structure but renamed each cert based on the tiers.

CCNA Automation (Associate Level)

The entry-level certification previously known as DevNet Associate is now called CCNA Automation.

The exam itself remains largely unchanged except for its new name: 200-901 CCNAAUTO. You can expect the same topics and structure, so if you have already started training, your current study efforts remain relevant and valuable.

The 120-minute exam assesses your knowledge of the following foundational automation topics:

• RESTful APIs and Python

• Git and version control

• Cisco platforms and development environments

• Infrastructure automation tools such as Ansible and Terraform

• Containers and CI/CD workflows

• Networking fundamentals

CCNP Automation (Professional Level)

The most significant change in the new automation track is at the professional certification level.

The former DevNet Professional certification is now called CCNP Automation. The main difference is that the DEVCOR core exam has been replaced with the AUTOCOR exam. Candidates planning to take the professional-level certification need to prepare for AUTOCOR, as DEVCOR will no longer be offered after the transition date.

The previous DEVCOR exam mainly covered software development concepts. It introduced network engineers to the task of building applications that interact with network platforms. While those skills remain useful, Cisco made a few adjustments to the professional certification.

The new AUTOCOR exam centers on network automation engineering. Rather than treating engineers as application developers, the exam now focuses on practical automation solutions. 

The new exam still includes these topics:

• Python scripting for network automation

• API interaction with network platforms

• Infrastructure automation with tools such as Ansible and Terraform

• Automated configuration management

• Integration of network platforms and automation frameworks

The new exam coverage better suits the current use of automation in production networks. Organizations now rely more on automated provisioning, infrastructure-as-code, and programmable network interfaces. Cisco’s revised certification path places those practices at the center of the professional-level exam.

CCIE Automation (Expert Level)

At the expert level, the change is primarily a rebrand, with the lab structure unchanged.

Many in the networking industry readily recognize the CCIE brand. By attaching automation expertise to that brand, Cisco increases the visibility of automation specialists in the job market. Employers already associate the CCIE designation with expert technical skill, and the new CCIE Automation name shows that the same level of expertise now applies to programmable infrastructure.

Retired Automation Certifications

Along with the new automation track, Cisco retired the following specialist certifications:

• SAUTO

• SPAUTO

• CLAUTO

• DEVOPS

These certifications ceased last February and were not transferred to the new track. If you previously held these certifications, you need to retake CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE Automation to update your status.

What Happens if You Already Have a DevNet Certification?

If you already hold a DevNet certification, your credentials have automatically migrated to the new automation track, and you received updated badges. No further exams are needed.

You should update your LinkedIn profile, resume, and other professional documents to reflect the new titles. This will help align certification names with the terminology used in current job listings.

Exam-takers had until February 2, 2026, to complete DEVCOR before its transition to AUTOCOR. 

Why Cisco Made This Change

For years, Cisco’s certification portfolio revolved around its three brands: CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. These certifications are some of the most recognized in the networking industry.

Many developers and automation engineers trust the DevNet brand. However, current employers seeking automation talent prioritize networking credentials first. 

Automation is now more common in network operations than it was when the DevNet program first launched. Organizations increasingly rely on automated deployment, infrastructure-as-code, and programmable APIs to manage environments.

With DevNet certifications as part of the core certification structure, Cisco simplifies its lineup and integrates automation skills into traditional networking roles.

How to Train for Cisco Automation Certifications

Preparing for the Cisco Automation track requires networking knowledge and programming skills. Your study topics should include Python scripting, REST APIs, infrastructure automation tools, and programmable network platforms. 

CBT Nuggets’ CCNA Automation course covers all topics in the 200-901 exam blueprint and prepares candidates transitioning from traditional networking roles to automation. 

With CBT Nuggets, you have access to courses that cover these and more. Check the extensive Cisco training library to find everything from networking basics to advanced automation systems. Video training is just the start. CBT Nuggets gives your team hands-on labs, practice quizzes, flashcards, and more—all in one platform. See everything that’s included.

Cisco Automation Track FAQs 

What happened to my DevNet certification? 

All active DevNet certifications were automatically migrated to the new Automation track on February 3, 2026 — no retesting required. DevNet Associate became CCNA Automation, DevNet Professional became CCNP Automation, and DevNet Expert became CCIE Automation.  

What changed at the CCNP level? 

More than just the name. The old DEVCOR exam was designed to turn network engineers into application developers, while the new AUTOCOR exam focuses on real-world network automation engineering. Core concepts like Python, APIs, Ansible, and Terraform carry over, so existing study progress isn't wasted. See the updated topics on Cisco's CCNP Automation page.

How much does the CCNA Automation exam cost, and how long is it? 

CCNA Automation costs $300 USD per attempt, and you'll have 120 minutes to complete the exam. You can register through Pearson VUE and choose between an in-person testing center or an online proctored format.

What score do you need to pass the CCNA Automation exam? 

The passing score is 83, based on your overall performance across all domains—Cisco doesn't require a minimum score per individual domain. The exam covers six areas, including APIs, Python, Cisco platforms, and infrastructure automation. If you want to check your readiness before exam day, the CBT Nuggets CCNA Automation course includes practice exams built around the 200-901 blueprint.

Will my CCNA Automation certification expire? 

Yes, it will expire after three years. You can renew by retaking the 200-901 exam, earning a higher-level Cisco certification, or accumulating Continuing Education credits. Full renewal options are on Cisco's recertification page.

What certifications were retired, and is there a migration path? 

Four specialist-level certs were retired on February 2, 2026, with no migration path: SAUTO, SPAUTO, CLAUTO, and DEVOPS. If you hold one of these, there's no automatic conversion — you'll need to start fresh on the CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE Automation track. See Cisco's full announcement for details.