How to pass the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) Certification Exam?

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The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC 200-901) certification exam is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in developing and maintaining applications built on Cisco platforms. This certification validates the proficiency of developers, network engineers, and software professionals in managing and automating Cisco infrastructure using programming and software development methodologies.

Preparing for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC) test might seem scary, but with the right strategy and help, you can definitely do it. This blog is here to give you the important advice and tools you need to ace the DEVASC exam. We’ll help you with things like understanding the test and what’s on it, creating a study plan, and more, so you’re well-prepared to succeed.

If you’re an experienced developer aiming to improve your skills or a beginner wanting to kickstart a career in Cisco DevNet, this blog will provide you with the information and self-assurance required to pass the DEVASC exam and become a certified Cisco DevNet Associate.

About the Exam:

The Cisco DevNet Associate certification is for both network experts and software creators. It helps them enhance their skills and create applications for new networks while selecting the technology skills they want to improve. Achieving the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) certification shows that a candidate, like you, has the ability to build and maintain applications on Cisco platforms. To earn this certification, you need to pass an exam covering the basics of software development and design for Cisco platforms.

Now, let’s explore why this certification can be beneficial for you.

Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) Glossary

  1. API (Application Programming Interface): A set of protocols, routines, and tools that define how software components should interact with each other.
  2. Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user or system.
  3. Authorization: The process of determining whether a user or system has the necessary permissions for performing a specific action or access a particular resource.
  4. CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment): A set of practices and tools used to automate the building, testing, and deployment of software.
  5. Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, over the internet.
  6. Containerization: A method of packaging software code and dependencies into a single unit, called a container, that can run consistently across different environments.
  7. DevOps (Development Operations): A set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to improve the speed and quality of software delivery.
  8. Docker: An open-source platform for containerization that enables developers to build, package, and deploy applications as containers.
  9. Git: A distributed version control system used to manage source code and track changes over time.
  10. Kubernetes: An open-source system for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.
  11. Microservices: An architectural style that structures an application as a collection of small, independently deployable services that work together to provide the overall functionality of the application.
  12. REST (Representational State Transfer): A software architectural style that defines a set of constraints for creating web services.
  13. SDK (Software Development Kit): A collection of tools, libraries, and documentation that developers use to create software applications for a specific platform or operating system.
  14. Serverless: A cloud computing execution model in which the cloud provider manages the infrastructure and automatically allocates resources as needed to run and scale applications.
  15. Source Code: The human-readable code that programmers write to create software applications.
  16. Test Driven Development (TDD): A software development process that emphasizes writing automated tests before writing the code to implement the functionality.
  17. Version Control: The process of managing changes to software code over time, including tracking changes, identifying differences, and merging changes made by multiple developers.

Exam Preparation resources for Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) Exam

here are some official resources provided by Cisco to help you prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) exam:

  1. Exam Topics: Cisco provides a detailed list of topics that will be covered in the exam. It is essential to go through the topics to get a clear understanding of the exam’s content. You can find the list of exam topics on the official Cisco website: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/current-list/devasc-200-901.html#~topics
  2. Study Material: Cisco offers a range of study materials to help you prepare for the exam. These include:
  1. Training Courses: Cisco offers a range of training courses to help you prepare for the exam. These include:
  1. Exam Preparation Resources: Cisco offers various exam preparation resources that can help you prepare for the exam. These include:

I hope these resources help you prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) exam. Good luck!

Expert tips for Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) Exam

here are some expert tips to help you prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) exam:

  • Know the Exam Content: The first step to success in any exam is to know what you will be tested on. Read the exam blueprint and understand the objectives and topics covered in the exam.
  • Understand Network Fundamentals: It’s important to have a solid understanding of network fundamentals such as OSI model, TCP/IP, routing and switching protocols, VLANs, and subnets. These concepts form the foundation of networking and are essential for the DevNet Associate exam.
  • Familiarize Yourself with Cisco Platforms and APIs: The exam tests your knowledge of Cisco platforms and APIs such as IOS XE, IOS XR, Cisco DNA Center, REST APIs, and NETCONF. Familiarize yourself with these platforms and APIs and learn how to interact with them programmatically.
  • Know Python Programming: The DevNet Associate exam tests your programming skills, particularly in Python. You should be comfortable with Python syntax, data types, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice: The most effective method to get ready for the test is to practice coding and lab activities. Cisco provides learning labs and sandboxes where you can practice using Cisco systems and APIs. Make the most of these tools and practice your coding skills.
  • Read Official Documentation: Cisco provides comprehensive documentation on their platforms and APIs. Read the official documentation and use it as a reference when practicing coding exercises.
  • Join DevNet Community: Become a part of the Cisco DevNet community, where you can connect with fellow developers, seek answers to your questions, and receive assistance with coding difficulties. Additionally, you’ll have access to study groups and materials tailored for the DevNet Associate exam.
  • Take Practice Exams: Finally, take practice exams to gauge your readiness for the actual exam. Cisco offers practice exams, and you can also find other practice exams online. Analyze your performance and identify areas where you need to improve.

In summary, to prepare for the DevNet Associate exam, you need to have a solid understanding of network fundamentals, be comfortable with programming in Python, practice coding and lab exercises, read official documentation, and join the DevNet community. Good luck!

Knowledge You Should Have

Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) exam is constructed for those who can accomplish a developer part.

  • Candidates before putting up with the exam should formulate a basic understanding of computer literacy and good abilities in PC operating system navigation.
  • Also, they should have basic Internet usage skills and hands-on experience with a programming language (specifically Python).

Exam Details

  • You will be given 120 minutes to finish the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) exam. The test can contain various types of questions, including Multiple-Choice single response, Multiple-Choice question answer, Drag and Drop Fill-in-the-Blank, and Testlet, among others.
  • However, Cisco doesn’t share the exact passing scores because both the questions and passing scores may change without warning.
  • This exam is available in both English and Japanese. It costs $300 USD, and once you pass, the certification is valid for three years.

Course Outline: 200-901 DEVASC

The most important step in clearing an exam like Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) is to go through its course outline and understand every aspect of the exam. Let’s begin:

Domain 1: Software Development and Design
  • Pertaining to data formats (XML, JSON, and YAML)
  • Then, characterizing parsing of common data format (XML, JSON, and YAML) to Python data structures
  • Describing the concepts of test-driven development
  • Also, distinguishing software development methods (agile, lean, and waterfall)
  • Further, clarifying the add methods/functions code into methods/functions, classes, and modules
  • Specifying the benefits of common design structures (MVC and Observer)
  • In addition, illustrating the objectives of version control
  • Using formal version control operations with/pulled
    • Add/remove
    • Commit
    • Push/pull
    • Branch
    • Merge and handling conflicts
    • diff
Domain 2: Understanding and Using APIs
  • Firstly, composing a REST API proposal to perform a task given API documentation
  • Secondly, depicting common usage patterns pertained to webhooks
  • Also, recognizing the constraints when consuming APIs
  • Then, deciphering common HTTP response codes correlated with REST APIs
  • Further, troubleshooting a problem given the HTTP response code, request and API documentation
  • In addition, observing the parts of an HTTP response (response code, headers, body)
  • Subsequently, employing common API authentication mechanisms: basic, custom token, and API keys
  • To include, distinguishing familiar API styles (REST, RPC, synchronous, and asynchronous)
  • Lastly, establishing a Python script that calls a REST API using the requests library
Domain 3: Cisco Platforms and Development
  • Establishing a Python script that uses a Cisco SDK given SDK documentation
  • Defining the abilities of Cisco network management platforms and APIs (Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, and NSO)
  • Characterizing the potentials of Cisco compute management platforms and APIs (UCS Manager, UCS Director, and Intersight)
  • Elucidating the capacities of Cisco collaboration platforms and APIs (Webex Teams, Webex devices, Cisco Unified Communication manager including AXL and UDS interfaces, and Finesse)
  • Describing the abilities of Cisco security platforms and APIs (Firepower, Umbrella, AMP, ISE, and ThreatGrid)
  • Interpreting the device level APIs and dynamic interfaces for IOS XE and NX-OS
  • Noticing the reasonable DevNet aid for a given scenario (Sandbox, Code Exchange, support, forums, Learning Labs, and API documenmodel-drivenelating notions of model-driven programmability (YANG, RESTCONF, and NETCONF) in a Cisco environment
  • Designing code to perform a special operation based on a set of ordinances and given API reference documentation such as these:
  • Receiving a list of network devices by utilizing Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, or NSO
  • Operating spaces, participants, and messages in W clients/hosting a list of clients/hosts seen on a network using Meraki or Cisco DNA Center
Domain 4: Application Deployment and Security
  • Defining usefulness of edge computing
  • Also, observing attributes of different application deployment models (private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and edge)
  • Recognizing the characteristics of these application deployment types
    • Virtual machines
    • Bare metal
    • Containers
  • Further, formulating elements for a CI/CD pipeline in application deployments
  • Building a Python unit test
  • Interpreting contents of a Dockerfile
  • Subsequently, utilizing Docker images in a local developer environment
  • Observing application security problems related to secret protection, encryption (storage and transport), and data handling
  • In addition, explaining how firewall, DNS, load balancers, and reverse proxy in application deployment
  • Describing top OWASP threats (such as XSS, SQL injections, and CSRF)
  • Utilizing Bash commands (file management, directory navigation, and environmental variables)
  • Identifying the principles of DevOps practices
Domain 5: Infrastructure and Automation
  • Distinguishing controller-level to device-level management
  • Interpreting the use and roles of network simulation analyst tools (such as VIRL and plats)
  • Explaining the components and benefits of CI/CD pipeline in infrastructure automation
  • Describing principles of infrastructure as code
  • Clarify the capabilities of automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, and Cisco NSO
  • Identifying the workflow being automated by a Python script that uses Cisco APIs including ACI, Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, or ESTCONF
  • Specifying the workflow being automated by an Ansible playbook (management packages, user management related to services, basic service configuration, and start/stop)
  • Observing the workflow being automated by a bash script (such as file management, app install, user management, directory navigation)
  • Interpreting the results of a RESTCONF or NETCONF query
  • Explain basic YANG models
  • Inferring a unified diff
  • Characterizing the principles and benefits of a code review process
  • Interpreting the sequence diagram that includes API calls
Domain 6: Network Fundamentals
  • Describing the purpose and usage of MAC addresses and VLANs
  • Describing the purpose and usage mask/prefixes, routes, subnet mask/prefix, and gateways
  • Explaining the function of common networking components (such as switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers)
  • Interpreting a basic network topology diagram with elements such as switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, and port values
  • Describing the function of management, data, and control planes in a network device
  • Clarify the functionality of these IP Services: DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP, NTP
  • Recognizing common protocol port values (such as SSH, Telnet, HTTP, Hythe TTPS, and NETCONF)
  • Identifying the cause of application connectivity issues (NAT problem, Transport Port blocked, proxy, and VPN)
  • Explaining the impacts of network constraints on applications.

Preparatory Guide for Cisco 200-901 DEVASC Exam

Below are the preparation steps which are essential in order to successfully pass the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) exam. Follow these steps and achieve your goals.

Study guide for Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC)

1. Cisco Official Website 

The first and most important step in preparing for an exam like Cisco Certified DevNet Associate is to go to the Cisco official website (200-901 DEVASC). The official site has a wealth of useful information and resources for anyone studying for the exam. Study guides, sample papers, whitepapers, documentation, faqs, and other resources are available. All of this information is available on the official page for the contender.

2. Download the Study Guide 

The study guide is the next step in the preparation guide for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) exam. You can locate the study guide for the 200-901 DEVASC exam on Cisco’s official website. The Exam Outline is very important for any certification exam, as mentioned before. You can also find the exam outline in the study guide. Additionally, it’s important to check if there are any important updates posted because you should be aware of any new changes.

The significant topics in the exam include:

  • 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%)

3. CISCO Training Program 

Training programs are a very essential stride inas preparation for such exams as Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC). CISCO offers its own training programs on its various examinations and certifications. For the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC)exam, it offers:

Developing Applications and Automating Workflows using Cisco Platforms (DEVASC)

This course will help you:

  • When implementing applications to meet corporate needs, take advantage of the network.
  • Learn the fundamentals of application development, automation, and Cisco platforms.
  • Prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification exam, the 200-901 DEVASC.

4. Private Group Training

Cisco attracts candidates by offering Private group training that allows candidates to gain Cisco classroom expertise in any setting, whether it’s an office or an offsite location of their choice. This can transmit any Cisco course in this configuration, from certification classes to the latest technology and business transformation training. Moreover, Private group training is a convenient, cost-effective intention for groups with many people who all need the same training. 

5. Cisco Learning Library

Cisco provides a Learning Library for applicants to advance their core knowledge and abilities for all network requirements. However, this new library encompasses the Cisco Platinum Learning Library and Cisco Technical Knowledge Library for a great price. Cisco Learning Library for DevNet is an online DevNet certification training program that helps candidates to explore new opportunities in application design, software development, and automation. Moreover, this comprehensive technical training library includes full-length interactive DevNet certification courses, with labs, and thousands of reference materials.

In addition, it gives candidates access to the Cisco Technical Knowledge Library that comes with best practices, design guides, and live webinars.

6. Books and Guides 

Books and study guides should be the following stage in the preparation process. The aspirant must seek for books that are full of useful knowledge. Finding a decent book, on the other hand, may be tough, but the candidate must discover, read, and comprehend in order to gain the necessary knowledge and abilities. The following are some suggestions:

7. Practice Test 

Taking practice tests is the best way for a candidate to gauge their preparation level. These tests help applicants pinpoint their weak points, allowing them to concentrate on getting better in those areas. Nowadays, candidates have various online practice test to choose from. Additionally, there is a practice test included in the Testprep course.

Final Words

The Cisco DevNet Associate certification is aimed at individuals who conduct a developer position and have one or more years of hands-on occurrence developing and conserving applications that are assembled on top of Cisco platforms. Furthermore, we at Testprep Training aim to assist on your DevNet Associate certification self-study plan. 

Here are some tips for bright students like you:

  • Explore study resources and tools
  • Learn and engage with your community
  • Plot through exam topics and understand them well.

Hope this piece of work helps you in become the Cisco DevNet Associate. 

Make your resume stand out and become a Cisco DevNet Associate. Try free practice tests here!

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