Introduction

In the dynamic world of information technology, Cisco certifications like CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and DevNet have become pivotal for professionals aiming to advance their careers. These certifications not only validate your skills but also open doors to numerous opportunities. Choosing the right certification, however, can be daunting. This article aims to demystify CCNA and DevNet, helping you make an informed decision for your career.

What is CCNA?

CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, is an entry-level certification focusing on network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. As a cornerstone of Cisco’s certification program, CCNA lays a solid foundation for networking professionals. This certification is ideal for network administrators, network support engineers, and data center operations professionals. With CCNA, you gain essential skills for managing and optimizing modern networking environments, making it a valuable asset in a network-centric IT world.

What is DevNet?

DevNet, Cisco’s Developer Network, takes a different approach. This certification program is designed for software developers and network professionals who develop software for Cisco platforms. It focuses on understanding and using Cisco APIs, Cisco’s automation framework, application development, DevOps, and security. DevNet certifications are highly regarded in roles such as network automation engineer, DevOps engineer, and software developer, providing a competitive edge in the intersection of networking and software.

CCNA vs DevNet, What is the Difference?

While CCNA is rooted in traditional networking technologies and practices, DevNet incorporates the principles of software development and network programmability. The choice between CCNA and DevNet should be guided by your career goals. If you’re inclined towards network infrastructure, CCNA is your go-to. Conversely, if your interests lie in the realm of network automation and software development, DevNet is more suitable.

DevNet or CCNA? How to Choose?

Consider your career objectives and the specific job roles you are targeting. CCNA is ideal for those seeking to solidify their foundation in networking, while DevNet is tailored for professionals focusing on network innovation through software.

Is CCNA Still Relevant in 2023?

Absolutely. Despite the evolving IT landscape, the fundamentals of networking remain crucial. CCNA’s inclusion of automation and programmability ensures its relevance in modern network environments.

Why is DevNet Important?

DevNet fills a critical gap in the industry, blending networking with software. As networks become more programmable, the skills validated by DevNet certifications are increasingly sought after.

DevNet Certification Path

The DevNet certification path includes Associate, Specialist, and Professional levels, catering to different expertise levels in software development and network automation.

DevNet Associate

This is the entry-level certification focusing on the fundamentals of Cisco platforms, APIs, application development, and automation.

DevNet Specialist

At the Specialist level, you can choose from various domains like Webex, IoT, and DevOps, offering a more focused expertise.

DevNet Professional

The highest level of DevNet certification, this involves mastering network automation and application development on Cisco platforms.

Prerequisites

For CCNA, a basic understanding of networking concepts is recommended, while for DevNet, familiarity with software development and Python programming is beneficial.

Benefits

Both certifications offer significant career benefits. CCNA establishes your credibility in network operations, whereas DevNet opens opportunities in the innovative fields of network automation and DevOps.

Answering Related Searches

• Which certification is better, DevNet or CCNA? Depends on your career focus – networking or software.
• What are the components of Cisco DevNet? It encompasses APIs, Cisco platforms, automation, and application development.
• Which Cisco DevNet certification should I choose? Base this on your interest in specific DevNet domains.
• Is DevNet exam hard? It can be challenging, requiring both networking and programming knowledge.
• Does DevNet renew CCNA? Yes, higher-level certifications can renew lower-level ones.
• What are DevNet skills? They include software development, API usage, automation, and understanding Cisco platforms.

Conclusion

Both CCNA and DevNet are valuable Cisco certifications tailored for different career paths. Your choice should align with your professional aspirations, whether in traditional networking (CCNA) or in the innovative intersection of software and networking (DevNet).

resources

For CCNA: Visit Cisco’s page dedicated to CCNA (www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/associate/ccna.html).
For DevNet: The official DevNet page on Cisco (www.developer.cisco.com/certification/) is your best resource.