Welcome to our CCNA Automation learning path (formerly known as DevNet Associate). It is a collection of multiple courses covering all the automation topics you need to pass the latest 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam successfully. Each course covers a specific technology, starting from the basics up to the level of understanding required for the CCNA Automation certification.
We focus on WHY
As with every one of our learning paths, we start from the basics and focus on understanding the fundamentals behind every automation concept. In today’s world of AI, tools and scripts can handle repetitive tasks faster than ever. That’s why it’s far more important to understand why automation is needed by organizations, what problems it solves, and how it makes networks more efficient and more reliable.
Knowing the “why” helps you design more innovative solutions instead of just using ready-made scripts. Each topic begins with the purpose behind the technology — why it was created, what challenges it solves for network engineers, and how it improves modern IT operations. After that, we break down how it actually works under the hood and what it looks like in real practice through hands-on configuration and coding examples.
Let’s take an example with network automation:
- WHY: Why do we need automation in the first place? Why rely on APIs and scripts instead of manual CLI configuration?
- HOW: How do tools like Python, REST APIs, and Ansible communicate with devices to gather data or push configurations?
- WHAT: Write and run a Python script, use Ansible playbooks to configure routers, and verify results automatically across the network.
What you'll learn
- Python for network engineers: Write scripts to collect data, automate configurations, and simplify daily tasks.
- Software design fundamentals: Learn how to structure your code, use APIs, and apply reusable design patterns.
- Virtualization and containers: Build consistent labs using virtual machines and containers like Docker.
- Network programmability: Use REST APIs, NETCONF, and telemetry to interact with real network devices.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Automate network deployment using tools like Ansible and declarative templates.
Skills you'll gain
Who is this for?
This path is for CCNA students and engineers who want to move from manual configuration to programmable infrastructure. CCNA is a prerequisite.
How the learning path works
The path is structured to help you grow step by step. Each course combines short theory lessons, examples, and hands-on labs where you apply everything you learn.
You start with Python fundamentals, then progress to software design and containerization. Next, you explore APIs and network programmability. Finally, you build real-world projects using Infrastructure as Code.
Labs use virtual network devices and container-based environments. You can run them locally or in the cloud, making it easy to experiment and practice automation safely.
Outcomes
By the end of this learning path, you’ll be able to automate network tasks confidently, create and manage containers, and interact with devices through APIs. You’ll understand Infrastructure as Code and use tools like Ansible to deploy configurations at scale. You’ll be fully prepared for the Cisco DevNet Associate exam and ready to apply automation in real network environments.
