What is Cisco 200-901 DEVASC?

Cisco 200-901 is the DevNet Associate certification exam. It validates entry-level skills in software development and automation for Cisco-based networks, including APIs, Python, application deployment basics, security, infrastructure automation, and Cisco platforms.

This is not a pure networking exam like CCNA and not a pure software engineering exam either. It sits in the middle: you need to understand how developers interact with modern infrastructure. If you want to work with network automation, APIs, cloud-connected infrastructure, or Cisco programmability tools, DEVASC is one of Cisco’s most relevant entry-level certifications.

Who should take the Cisco 200-901 exam?

Cisco 200-901 is best for network engineers moving into automation, developers working with infrastructure, DevOps engineers, and early-career IT professionals who want to prove API and programmability skills in a Cisco environment.

It fits people who already know basic networking and want to add Python, REST APIs, JSON, automation workflows, and controller-based infrastructure to their skill set. If your goal is traditional routing and switching administration only, CCNA is usually the better first step. If your goal is network automation or programmable infrastructure, DEVASC is a strong fit.

What topics are on the 200-901 DEVASC exam?

The exam covers software development and design, APIs, Cisco platforms and development, application deployment and security, infrastructure and automation, and network fundamentals. Cisco’s published blueprint includes Python basics, JSON/XML/YAML, REST APIs, version control, CI/CD concepts, containers, security practices, and automation tools.

Expect questions on Cisco DNA Center, Meraki, Webex, UCS, and other Cisco developer platforms. You also need enough networking knowledge to understand IP services, HTTP, DNS, and controller-based architectures. The exam is broad rather than deeply specialized, which is why many candidates find scope management harder than any one topic.

How many questions are on Cisco 200-901 and how long is the exam?

Cisco does not guarantee a fixed number of questions, but candidates typically see around 90–110 questions in 120 minutes. Question types can include multiple choice, multiple select, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based items.

Cisco can change the exact count by exam form, so prepare for a range rather than a single number. The practical takeaway is time pressure: two hours goes quickly if you spend too long on code snippets or API scenarios. Train with timed practice so you can read logs, JSON output, and REST examples quickly.

What is the passing score for 200-901 DEVASC?

Cisco has commonly listed the passing score for 200-901 around 825 out of 1000, but Cisco also states that passing scores can change without notice. Treat 825 as the benchmark most candidates use, not a forever-guaranteed number.

More importantly, Cisco uses scaled scoring, so you should not think in simple percentages. Some questions may carry different weight, and exam versions can vary. The safest strategy is to aim well above the line by being comfortable with APIs, Python basics, security concepts, and Cisco platforms rather than trying to calculate a minimum raw score.

How much does the Cisco 200-901 exam cost?

The standard price for Cisco 200-901 is typically USD $300, not including local taxes or any Pearson VUE fees that may apply by region. Pricing can vary slightly by country and currency.

Before booking, check Cisco’s official certification pages or Pearson VUE because regional pricing and tax rules can change. Also factor in prep costs: official training, labs, books, and practice questions can easily exceed the exam fee. For many candidates, the real cost is not the voucher but the time needed to build enough hands-on familiarity with APIs, Python, and Cisco developer tools.

Are there any prerequisites for Cisco DEVASC 200-901?

No, there are no formal prerequisites for 200-901. You can register and take the exam without holding another Cisco certification.

That said, Cisco recommends familiarity with basic programming concepts, Python, understanding of software development, and foundational networking knowledge. In practice, candidates without networking basics struggle with controllers, APIs in infrastructure, and security topics. Candidates without coding exposure struggle with Python logic, data formats, and automation use cases. You do not need to be an experienced developer, but going in completely cold on both networking and scripting usually makes this exam much harder than it looks.

How hard is Cisco 200-901 DEVASC?

Cisco 200-901 is moderately difficult, and it feels harder than many people expect because it mixes two skill sets: networking and software. If you are strong in only one of those areas, the exam exposes the gap quickly.

Most candidates find the hardest part is not advanced coding; it is switching between API concepts, Cisco platform knowledge, Python basics, JSON payloads, security, and infrastructure automation in one sitting. If you already know CCNA-level networking and basic Python, it is very manageable. If you are new to both, it can be a rough first Cisco exam. Broad coverage is the real challenge.

How long should I study for 200-901?

Most candidates need 6 to 12 weeks of focused study, or roughly 80 to 150 hours, depending on background. If you already know Python and networking fundamentals, you may be ready faster. If both are new, expect a longer runway.

A realistic plan is to split prep into four tracks: networking review, Python and data formats, APIs and HTTP methods, and Cisco platform-specific topics. Leave time for labs and timed practice. Reading alone is not enough for DEVASC. You should actually make API calls, parse JSON, and review sample code. Hands-on repetition shortens study time more than memorization does.

What are the best study resources for Cisco 200-901 DEVASC?

The best resources are Cisco’s official exam blueprint, Cisco U. or official training, the DevNet Associate Official Cert Guide, Cisco DevNet learning labs, and hands-on API practice. Those give you the most direct alignment to the exam.

For practical prep, use Cisco’s developer sandboxes and work with REST APIs, Postman, Python requests, JSON, and token-based authentication. Build small scripts instead of just watching videos. Practice questions help with pacing, but they should not replace labs. Since Truekia lists 557 practice questions for this certification, large question banks can help identify weak areas, but you still need hands-on work to pass confidently.

Does 200-901 have labs or hands-on tasks in the exam?

No, Cisco 200-901 does not have a separate lab exam the way some performance-based certifications do. It is a written exam with scenario and knowledge-based questions, though some items can still test practical understanding through code snippets, API outputs, and troubleshooting scenarios.

That means you will not be configuring a live environment during the test, but hands-on practice still matters a lot. Candidates who only memorize terms often struggle with Python syntax, REST behavior, HTTP status codes, or JSON structures. The exam rewards applied understanding even without a formal lab component.

Where can I take the Cisco 200-901 exam?

You can take Cisco 200-901 through Pearson VUE, either at an authorized test center or, where available, through online proctoring. Availability depends on your country and current Cisco/Pearson VUE delivery options.

When scheduling, check ID requirements, system compatibility for online testing, and exam policies carefully. Online delivery is convenient, but it is stricter than many people expect: room scans, no interruptions, and no unauthorized materials. If your internet or testing space is unreliable, a test center is often the safer choice. Either way, book early if you want a specific date.

How does Cisco 200-901 compare to CCNA?

DEVASC is better for automation and programmability; CCNA is better for core networking fundamentals. If you want a traditional network engineering baseline, CCNA usually has broader recognition. If you want to work with APIs, Python, controllers, and network automation, 200-901 is more directly aligned.

The two certifications complement each other well. CCNA teaches how networks work; DEVASC teaches how software interacts with them. For many employers, CCNA still carries stronger general name recognition. But for roles involving automation, infrastructure as code, or Cisco developer platforms, DEVASC can be the more relevant differentiator.

Cisco 200-901 vs CompTIA Network+ or Security+: which is better?

It depends on your target role. Network+ is broader and more vendor-neutral for basic networking. Security+ is stronger for entry-level security roles. DEVASC is better if you specifically want automation, APIs, and Cisco-oriented infrastructure programmability.

If you are trying to enter IT with no clear specialization, Network+ or Security+ may be easier to explain to general recruiters. If you already know you want network automation, DevOps-adjacent infrastructure work, or Cisco ecosystems, 200-901 is more specialized and more relevant. DEVASC is not a replacement for Security+ if your goal is compliance-heavy or security analyst work.

Cisco 200-901 vs AWS Certified Developer Associate: which should I choose?

Choose 200-901 if your work centers on network automation, Cisco APIs, and infrastructure programmability. Choose AWS Certified Developer Associate if your work centers on building and deploying applications on AWS.

These certifications overlap in API and development concepts, but the job focus is different. DEVASC is infrastructure-facing and network-aware. AWS Developer Associate is cloud application-facing and much more AWS service-specific. If you work in enterprise networking, managed services, or Cisco-heavy environments, DEVASC is the better fit. If you are a cloud developer building on Lambda, DynamoDB, and AWS SDKs, AWS is the better choice.

Is Cisco 200-901 worth it in 2026?

Yes, Cisco 200-901 is worth it if you want to work in network automation, programmable infrastructure, or Cisco-centric environments. Its value is strongest when paired with practical skills and, ideally, another cert or experience in networking or cloud.

On its own, DEVASC is more niche than CCNA, so it may not open as many general IT doors. But for employers trying to automate operations, integrate APIs, or manage controller-based infrastructure, it shows a useful blend of skills that many traditional network engineers still lack. The ROI is best for candidates targeting automation-focused roles rather than generic help desk or pure software development positions.

How long is the Cisco DevNet Associate certification valid, and how do I renew it?

Cisco DevNet Associate is valid for three years. You can renew it by passing a qualifying recertification exam, earning enough Cisco Continuing Education (CE) credits, or using a combination of both, depending on Cisco’s current recertification rules.

Cisco has moved toward more flexible renewal options across certification tracks, so always verify the latest policy on Cisco’s official recertification page. The key point is that 200-901 does expire; it is not a lifetime certification. If you work actively in the field, CE credits can be a practical route. If you want to level up, earning a higher Cisco certification can also renew lower-level ones.

What should I do after passing Cisco 200-901?

After passing, the best next step is to use the certification to build a visible automation portfolio. Put your badge on LinkedIn, update your resume, and add GitHub projects that show API calls, Python scripts, Postman collections, or simple network automation workflows.

For progression, many candidates pair DEVASC with CCNA, a cloud cert, or move deeper into Cisco automation and specialist tracks. The cert proves baseline knowledge, but hiring managers usually want evidence you can apply it. Even two or three small practical projects can make the certification much more valuable than the digital badge alone.