

Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms (200-901 CCNAAUTO)
Course Overview
The 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam is different from a traditional networking exam. Alongside networking knowledge, it tests whether you can read code, use APIs, understand data formats, and apply automation tools. Preparing well means writing scripts and calling APIs yourself, not just reading about them. The Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms (200-901 CCNAAUTO) course combines clear instruction with hands-on labs to build that practical confidence.
In the software development modules, you will write Python scripts, parse JSON, XML, and YAML, use Git to manage your code, and practice unit testing and common design patterns. Each lab is linked to network use cases, such as collecting interface data or generating configuration from templates.
In the API modules, you will use tools such as Postman and Python to call REST APIs, handle authentication and pagination, and work with webhooks. You will then apply these skills to Cisco platforms including Meraki, Catalyst Center, Cisco ACI, Intersight, and Webex, using Cisco developer sandboxes for safe, realistic practice.
In the infrastructure automation modules, you will configure devices with NETCONF, RESTCONF, and YANG, run Ansible playbooks, explore Terraform, test networks with pyATS, and build simple Docker-based deployments with CI/CD concepts. Network fundamentals and application security topics are reviewed alongside, so you cover the full scope of the CCNA Automation exam while building skills you can use at work.
Course Objectives
By completing this course, you will be able to:
- Review the full scope of the 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam and connect each topic to hands-on lab tasks.
- Write Python scripts that parse JSON, XML, and YAML and generate configuration from templates.
- Use Postman and Python to call REST APIs, handle authentication, pagination, and webhooks.
- Automate Cisco platforms such as Meraki, Catalyst Center, Cisco ACI, Intersight and Webex using developer sandboxes.
- Configure devices with NETCONF, RESTCONF and YANG, and automate with Ansible and Terraform.
- Test network state with pyATS and describe Docker, CI/CD, and secure application practices.
- Apply networking fundamentals, including IP addressing, VLANs, routing, NAT, DNS, and DHCP, to automation scenarios.
Target Audience
- Network engineers who want to replace repetitive manual configuration with automation.
- Network administrators managing growing numbers of devices and sites.
- Software developers building applications that interact with Cisco infrastructure.
- DevOps and NetDevOps engineers integrating networks into CI/CD and infrastructure-as-code workflows.
- Systems and cloud engineers who need to understand network APIs and automation.
- IT professionals pursuing CCNA Automation through the 200-901 exam.
Course Content
6 modules · 74 topics0115% 1.0 Software Development and Design15 topics
- 1.1 Compare data formats (XML, JSON, and YAML)
- 1.2 Describe parsing of common data format (XML, JSON, and YAML) to Python data structures
- 1.3 Describe the concepts of test-driven development
- 1.4 Compare software development methods (agile, lean, and waterfall)
- 1.5 Explain the benefits of organizing code into methods / functions, classes, and modules
- 1.6 Explain the advantages of common design patterns (MVC and Observer)
- 1.7 Explain the advantages of version control
- 1.8 Utilize common version control operations with Git
- 1.8.a Clone
- 1.8.b Add/remove
- 1.8.c Commit
- 1.8.d Push / pull
- 1.8.e Branch
- 1.8.f Merge and handling conflicts
- 1.8.g diff
0220% 2.0 Understanding and Using APIs9 topics
- 2.1 Construct a REST API request to accomplish a task given API documentation
- 2.2 Describe common usage patterns related to webhooks
- 2.3 Describe the constraints when consuming APIs
- 2.4 Explain common HTTP response codes associated with REST APIs
- 2.5 Troubleshoot a problem given the HTTP response code, request, and API documentation
- 2.6 Interpret the parts of an HTTP response (response code, headers, body)
- 2.7 Utilize common API authentication mechanisms: basic, custom token, and API keys
- 2.8 Compare common API styles (REST, RPC, synchronous, and asynchronous)
- 2.9 Construct a Python script that calls a REST API using the requests library
0315% 3.0 Cisco Platforms and Development12 topics
- 3.1 Construct a Python script that uses a Cisco SDK given SDK documentation
- 3.2 Describe the capabilities of Cisco network management platforms and APIs (Meraki, Cisco Catalyst Center, ACI, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, and NSO)
- 3.3 Describe the capabilities of Cisco compute management platforms and APIs (UCS Manager and Intersight)
- 3.4 Describe the capabilities of Cisco collaboration platforms and APIs (Webex, Webex devices, Cisco Unified Communications Manager including AXL and UDS interfaces)
- 3.5 Describe the capabilities of Cisco security platforms and APIs (XDR, Firepower, Secure Connect, Secure Endpoint, ISE, and Secure Malware Analytics)
- 3.6 Describe the device level APIs and dynamic interfaces for IOS XE and NX-OS
- 3.7 Describe the appropriate DevNet resource for a given scenario (Sandbox, Code Exchange, support, forums, Learning Labs, and API documentation)
- 3.8 Apply concepts of model driven programmability (YANG, RESTCONF, and NETCONF) in a Cisco environment
- 3.9 Construct code to perform a specific operation based on a set of requirements and given API reference documentation such as these:
- 3.9.a Obtain a list of network devices by using Meraki, Cisco Catalyst Center, ACI, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, or NSO
- 3.9.b Manage spaces, participants, and messages in Webex
- 3.9.c Obtain a list of clients / hosts seen on a network using Meraki or Cisco Catalyst Center
0415% 4.0 Application Deployment and Security15 topics
- 4.1 Describe the benefits of edge computing
- 4.2 Describe the attributes of different application deployment models (private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and edge)
- 4.3 Describe the attributes of these application deployment types
- 4.3.a Virtual machines
- 4.3.b Bare metal
- 4.3.c Containers
- 4.4 Describe components for a CI/CD pipeline in application deployments
- 4.5 Construct a Python unit test
- 4.6 Interpret contents of a Dockerfile
- 4.7 Utilize Docker images in local developer environment
- 4.8 Describe application security issues related to secret protection, encryption (storage and transport), and data handling
- 4.9 Explain how firewall, DNS, load balancers, and reverse proxy in application deployment
- 4.10 Describe top OWASP threats (such as XSS, SQL injections, and CSRF)
- 4.11 Utilize Bash commands (file management, directory navigation, and environmental variables)
- 4.12 Describe the principles of DevOps practices
0520% 5.0 Infrastructure and Automation14 topics
- 5.1 Describe the value of model driven programmability for infrastructure automation
- 5.2 Compare controller-level to device-level management
- 5.3 Describe the use and roles of network simulation and test tools (such as Cisco Modeling Labs and pyATS)
- 5.4 Describe the components and benefits of Cl/CD pipeline in infrastructure automation
- 5.5 Describe the principles of infrastructure as code
- 5.6 Describe the capabilities of automation tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and Cisco NSO
- 5.7 Identify the workflow being automated by a Python script that uses Cisco APIs including ACI, Meraki, Cisco Catalyst Center, and RESTCONF
- 5.8 Interpret the workflow being automated by an Ansible playbook (management packages, user management related to services, basic service configuration, and start/stop)
- 5.9 Interpret the workflow being automated by a bash script (such as file management, app install, user management, directory navigation)
- 5.10 Interpret the results of a RESTCONF or NETCONF query
- 5.11 Interpret basic YANG models
- 5.12 Interpret a unified diff
- 5.13 Describe the principles and benefits of a code review process
- 5.14 Interpret a sequence diagram that includes API calls
0615% 6.0 Network Fundamentals9 topics
- 6.1 Describe the purpose and usage of MAC addresses and VLANs
- 6.2 Describe the purpose and usage of IP addresses, routes, subnet mask / prefix, and gateways
- 6.3 Describe the function of common networking components (such as switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers)
- 6.4 Interpret a basic network topology diagram with elements such as switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, and port values
- 6.5 Describe the function of management, data, and control planes in a network device
- 6.6 Describe the functionality of these IP Services: DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP, NTP
- 6.7 Recognize common protocol port values (such as, SSH, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, and NETCONF)
- 6.8 Diagnose application connectivity issues (NAT problem, Transport Port blocked, proxy, and VPN)
- 6.9 Explain the impacts of network constraints on applications
Schedule Dates
4 upcoming batches| Batch Dates | Duration | Batch Options | Language | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 December 2026 - 18 December 2026 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English / Arabic | |
| 15 March 2027 - 19 March 2027 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English / Arabic | |
| 21 June 2027 - 25 June 2027 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English / Arabic | |
| 27 September 2027 - 01 October 2027 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English / Arabic |
Can’t find a suitable date? Request a schedule that fits your team.
Request More InformationFor IT professionals in Tanzania looking to move beyond manual network configuration, the CCNA Automation certification is an excellent next step. Our 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam preparation course combines expert instruction with hands-on labs in Python, REST APIs, Cisco platform APIs, NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG, Ansible and pyATS. Available to individual learners and corporate teams across telecommunications, banking, government, and enterprise sectors, this Cisco automation training builds practical skills and prepares you with confidence for the 200-901 exam.
FAQs
What is included in the 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam preparation course?
The course covers software development and design, APIs, Cisco platforms, application deployment and security, infrastructure automation and network fundamentals, with hands-on labs throughout.
Does the course include hands-on labs?
Yes. Labs cover Python scripting, data parsing, Git, REST API calls, Cisco platform APIs, NETCONF, RESTCONF, Ansible and pyATS, using developer sandboxes and simulation tools.
Who would benefit most from this course?
CCNA Automation candidates, network engineers, software developers, network administrators, students and corporate IT teams.
What should I know before attending?
Basic networking knowledge and some familiarity with Python or another programming language will help you get the most from the labs.
How long is the 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam?
The exam is 120 minutes long. Check Cisco’s official exam page for the latest exam topics and registration details before you book.
How should I prepare for the CCNA Automation exam?
Combine structured training with regular hands-on practice: write scripts, call APIs in sandboxes and review the official exam topics. Practical experience makes code-based questions much easier to understand.
Is CCNA Automation the same as DevNet Associate?
The 200-901 exam was previously the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC) exam. Passing it now earns the CCNA Automation certification.
Will this course help my professional development?
It builds practical automation skills and prepares you for a recognized Cisco certification. How these support your career depends on your experience and how you apply them.
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