Cisco DevNet Associate Exam Update: What’s New in v1.1?
Preparing for the Cisco DevNet Associate (200-901) exam without knowing the latest updates can cost you time, effort, and—most importantly—your chance at passing.
Many candidates make the mistake of studying outdated topics, focusing on tools like Puppet and VIRL, which are no longer part of the exam. Others miss out on new technologies like Terraform or Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), which now play a critical role.
With the rapid growth of network automation, DevOps, and Cisco’s evolving product line, staying updated is no longer optional—it’s a must. The exam has shifted to reflect real-world industry demands, and ignoring these changes means you risk falling behind in both the exam and your career.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about the DevNet Associate v1.1 update. You’ll learn what’s been added, what’s been removed, and how these changes impact your exam prep.
From product name updates to new automation tools and security technologies, this guide will help you focus your study efforts where it matters most— so you’re ready for both the exam and the job market.
First, let's look at the reasons behind Cisco’s decision to update the DevNet Associate (DEVASC) certification exam.
Why Did Cisco Update the DevNet Associate (DEVASC) Exam?
Cisco updated the DevNet Associate (DEVASC) exam to version 1.1 to keep the certification aligned with the fast-evolving world of network automation, DevOps practices, and Cisco’s latest technologies. The update started in January 2024 to match the latest industry trends and best practices.
While the exam's six core domains remained the same, Cisco refined the technologies within those domains. Outdated tools like Puppet and Chef were removed, while popular tools like GitLab were added to better match real-world industry usage.
The update also supports Cisco’s broader strategy of focusing on network programmability and intent-based networking.
By revising the exam, Cisco helps professionals develop skills that are in high demand— such as Python programming, API integration, automation with Ansible, and working with Cisco platforms like Meraki, DNA Center, and SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network).
Ultimately, this update reflects Cisco’s commitment to keeping the DEVASC certification relevant and valuable, ensuring that certified professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills that today’s job market demands.
Key Technologies in DEVASC v1.1
| Category | Technology/Concept | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Programming | Python | Core language for network automation |
| Version Control | Git | Essential for code management and collaboration |
| Data Formats | XML, JSON, YAML | Common formats for data exchange |
| APIs | REST, HTTP | Fundamental for interacting with network devices and services |
| Cisco Platforms | Meraki, DNA Center, ACI, SD-WAN, NSO | Key Cisco solutions for network management and automation |
| Automation Tools | Ansible, GitLab | Tools for automating network tasks and workflows |
| DevOps | CI/CD, Docker | Practices for efficient and scalable application deployment |
| Security | OWASP Threats, Encryption | Principles for securing applications and network interactions |
Key Changes in the Cisco DevNet Associate Exam (v1.1 vs. v1.0)
The Cisco DevNet Associate exam (200-901) update from v1.0 to v1.1 includes important changes. Core domains and weightage stay the same, but topics are updated to match new technologies and Cisco products.
Key changes include renaming Webex Teams to Webex, adding XDR and Secure Malware Analytics, and removing UCS Director. Terraform is added as a new automation tool, while Puppet and Chef are no longer listed.
The exam now includes new topics like RESTCONF/NETCONF, YANG models, code review, unified diffs, and API call diagrams. Candidates should study the updated v1.1 materials and focus on these new areas.
The table below highlights the key differences between v1.0 and v1.1 of the DevNet Associate exam:
| Domain | Topic (v1.0) | Topic (v1.1) | Change Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Platforms and Development | Webex Teams (in describing collaboration platform capabilities) | Webex (in describing collaboration platform capabilities) | Product name update |
| Cisco Platforms and Development | ThreatGrid (under security platforms) | XDR, Secure Malware Analytics (under security platforms) | Updated list of security platforms |
| Cisco Platforms and Development | UCS Director (in compute management platforms) | UCS Manager, Intersight (in compute management platforms) | UCS Director removed |
| Cisco Platforms and Development | Manage spaces, participants, and messages in Webex Teams | Manage spaces, participants, and messages in Webex | Product name update in task description |
| Infrastructure and Automation | VIRL (as a network simulation tool) | Cisco Modeling Labs (as a network simulation tool) | Replacement of the simulation tool example |
| Infrastructure and Automation | Ansible, Cisco NSO (as automation tools) | Ansible, Terraform, Cisco NSO (as automation tools) | Terraform added as an automation tool |
| Infrastructure and Automation | Not explicitly present | Interpret RESTCONF/NETCONF queries | New topic |
| Infrastructure and Automation | Not explicitly present | Interpret basic YANG models | New topic |
| Infrastructure and Automation | Not explicitly present | Interpret unified diffs | New topic |
| Infrastructure and Automation | Not explicitly present | Explore principles of code review | New topic |
| Infrastructure and Automation | Not explicitly present | Interpret sequence diagrams with API calls | New topic |
| Infrastructure and Automation | Puppet, Chef (as automation tools) | Ansible, Terraform, Cisco NSO (as automation tools) | Puppet and Chef are no longer explicitly mentioned for the Associate level |
| Weightage | All domains retain their original weightage | All domains retain their original weightage | No change in domain weightage |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | No change in exam duration |
| Number of Questions | 90-110 | Information not explicitly available | Potential change requires further official confirmation |
| Study Materials | Official Cert Guide (published 2020), Learning Labs, etc. | Updated Learning Matrix available, likely updated Official Cert Guide and other resources | Candidates should prioritize v1.1 specific official resources |
Cisco DevNet Associate Product Name Changes (v1.0 to v1.1)
As part of the DevNet Associate (DEVASC) exam update, Cisco made many product name changes to align with its latest branding and improve clarity. These updates help match the terms used in Cisco's current platforms and security tools.
| Old Name | New Name | Why? | Change Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webex Teams | Webex | To ensure consistency with Cisco’s full collaboration suite. | Updated all mentions of "Webex Teams" to "Webex" in exam tasks and topics. |
| AMP (Advanced Malware Protection) | Secure Endpoint | To align with Cisco’s modern security branding. | References to AMP are now updated to Secure Endpoint, reflecting its role as Cisco’s endpoint protection. |
| ThreatGrid | Secure Malware Analytics | To create a unified security terminology across Cisco products. | ThreatGrid is now called Secure Malware Analytics in the exam. |
DevNet Associate Exam Content Updates
**1. UCS Director Removed, Focus on UCS Manager & Intersight The **UCS Director has been removed in favor of Cisco UCS Manager and Intersight for compute management and automation.
**2. Terraform Added to DevNet Associate Exam Topics ** Terraform is now included alongside Ansible and Cisco NSO as a key network automation tool.
**3. Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Replaces VIRL in Network Simulation Topics **Cisco has retired VIRL in favor of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) for network testing and simulation.
The table below summarizes these key content updates.
| Topic Area | v1.0 Content | v1.1 Content | Brief Description of Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compute Management & Automation | Included Cisco UCS Director as a compute management platform (along with Cisco UCS Manager and Cisco Intersight) | Cisco UCS Director removed; focuses on Cisco UCS Manager and Cisco Intersight for compute management | UCS Director was removed from the exam blueprint to emphasize modern Cisco compute management via UCS Manager and Intersight . |
| Automation Tools | Automation tool examples included Ansible, Puppet, Chef, and Cisco NSO (Terraform was not included) | Terraform was added as a listed automation tool alongside Ansible and Cisco NSO (Puppet and Chef were removed) | Terraform (a popular Infrastructure-as-Code tool) was introduced in v1.1, replacing older config management tools (Puppet/Chef) to reflect current industry practices . |
| Network Simulation & Testing | Network simulation/testing tools included Cisco VIRL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab) as an example platform, along with Cisco pyATS | Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) replaced VIRL as the network simulation platform example (pyATS remains included) | Cisco updated the exam to use Cisco Modeling Labs instead of the now-renamed VIRL, aligning the blueprint with Cisco’s current network simulation tool offering . |
How to Prepare for the Updated DevNet Associate (200-901) Exam
To prepare well for the updated DevNet Associate (v1.1) exam, you should first make sure you’re studying from the latest materials that cover all the new topics added in this version.
Cisco’s updated Official Cert Guide, Learning Labs, and the Learning Matrix are good places to start. These will help you understand what has changed and what you need to focus on.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of Terraform as a network automation tool. It’s important to learn how Terraform works because it’s now part of the exam. You should understand its basic commands, how it helps automate networks, and how it’s used alongside other tools like Ansible and Cisco NSO.
Keep in mind that older tools like Puppet and Chef are no longer included, so spending time on Terraform is important.
Another change is in the network simulation tools. Earlier, the exam included VIRL, but now, Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) has replaced it. So, if you’re practicing network simulation, use CML instead of VIRL. Get comfortable with creating network topologies, testing configurations, and simulating real-world network scenarios in CML.
Also, focus on learning Cisco UCS Manager and Intersight for compute management. The older tool, UCS Director, has been removed from the exam. So, you need to understand how UCS Manager and Intersight work to manage servers and automate tasks in data centers.
Learning these new topics and practicing regularly will prepare you well for the exam and for real-world tasks in network automation jobs.
Preparation Resources:
- Cisco Learning Network: Cisco Learning Network provides resources and guidance for exam preparation
- CBT Nuggets: CBT Nuggets provides resources and insights into the DevNet Associate certification
- Cisco U: Cisco offers training and certification information
- Cisco’s updated Official Cert Guide: Cisco Cert Guide provides official certification guides and supplemental updates to help candidates prepare for the latest exam topics.
- Cisco Learning Labs: Cisco Learning Labs offers hands-on practice environments to build real-world skills and reinforce exam concepts.
- Cisco Learning Matrix: The Cisco Learning Matrix outlines key exam topics and maps them to recommended learning resources for targeted preparation.
Pro Tip: To make your preparation easier and more structured, check out the updated Cisco DevNet Associate course from CBT Nuggets. Their training covers all the v1.1 updates and will help you stay confident and ready on exam day!
Conclusion
The Cisco DevNet Associate (200-901) exam was updated to version 1.1 in January 2024 to keep pace with the latest trends in network automation, programmability, and security.
While the six core domains and their weightage remain unchanged, several important updates were made to the technologies and tools covered in the exam.
Key updates and changes to the DevNet Associate include:
- Product Name Changes: Webex Teams → Webex, AMP → Secure Endpoint, ThreatGrid → Secure Malware Analytics.
- Compute Management: UCS Director removed; focus shifted to Cisco UCS Manager and Intersight.
- Automation Tools: Terraform was added as a key tool; Puppet and Chef were removed.
- Network Simulation: Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) replaces VIRL for hands-on simulation and testing.
- New Topics: RESTCONF/NETCONF, YANG models, code review, unified diffs, and API call sequence diagrams were added.
These updates reflect Cisco’s focus on ensuring that certified professionals are equipped with in-demand skills like Python, API integration, automation, DevOps practices, and network programmability using the latest Cisco platforms.