Cisco has taken a decisive step in 2026 by transforming its DevNet certification track into a fully integrated automation-focused pathway. This is not just a branding update—it reflects a deeper shift in how networking roles are evolving. The traditional separation between networking and software development is disappearing, and Cisco’s certification ecosystem now mirrors that reality. Automation is no longer a secondary skill; it has become central to how modern networks are designed, managed, and scaled.
Why Did Cisco Make This Change?
Cisco did not make this move randomly. The industry has been shifting toward software-defined infrastructure for years, and DevNet as a separate identity was starting to feel disconnected from real job roles. Organizations are no longer looking for isolated “DevNet professionals.” Instead, they want engineers who can manage networks and automate them efficiently.
Modern infrastructure depends heavily on APIs, scripting, and automation frameworks. Manual configurations are increasingly seen as inefficient and error-prone. Cisco recognized that automation is not a niche capability anymore—it is a baseline expectation. By integrating automation into its main certification ladder, Cisco has aligned its learning paths with real-world demands.
What is the Updated Cisco Certification Structure?
The transition officially took place on February 3, 2026, when Cisco replaced the DevNet track with the new Automation certification structure. Previously, DevNet certifications were positioned as developer-oriented credentials, which created confusion among employers and candidates. By embedding automation into the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE hierarchy, Cisco has clarified the path and made these skills more accessible and recognizable.
Under the new structure, DevNet Associate has become CCNA Automation, DevNet Professional has evolved into CCNP Automation, and DevNet Expert is now CCIE Automation. This alignment removes the disconnect between networking and programmability, presenting a unified career progression.
One of the greatest improvements is the simplified certification roadmap. The earlier distinction between networking and development tracks often confused learners. Now, everything is streamlined into a single progression that clearly defines growth from entry-level to expert.
| Level | Previous Certification | New Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | DevNet Associate | CCNA Automation |
| Professional | DevNet Professional | CCNP Automation |
| Expert | DevNet Expert | CCIE Automation |
This structured approach makes it easier for candidates to plan their careers and for employers to understand the value of these certifications without ambiguity.
What are the Changes in Exam Focus and Content?
This is not just a renaming exercise; the exam content has shifted from "Pure Development" to "Practical Automation." The 2026 Cisco updates introduce several key changes:
- Associate Level (CCNA Automation): While changes are relatively minor, there is a continued and heavier emphasis on foundational concepts such as Python basics, APIs, and introductory automation.
- Professional Level (CCNP Automation): This has undergone the most significant transformation. The previous DEVCOR exam has been replaced with a more automation-centric core exam, focusing on infrastructure automation, deployment pipelines (CI/CD), and scalable network design.
- Expert Level (CCIE Automation): The structure remains familiar for now, but Cisco is expected to introduce more advanced automation and AI-driven networking concepts in future updates.
To stay relevant, engineers must now master the following:
- Automation Tools: Ansible and Terraform for Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
- Programming: Advanced Python scripting for network environments.
- Modern Connectivity: Working with REST APIs and multi-platform cloud integration.
Impact on Existing DevNet Certification Holders
Cisco has ensured a smooth transition for those who already hold DevNet certifications. Existing credentials have been automatically migrated to their corresponding automation equivalents without requiring additional exams. This means that professionals do not lose the value of their previous efforts and can continue leveraging their certifications under the new naming structure.
For example, a DevNet Professional certification holder is now recognized as a CCNP Automation-certified professional. This approach maintains continuity while aligning everyone with the updated framework.
Career Impact and Industry Relevance
Cisco has removed several specialist certifications that no longer fit into the new structure. These included niche automation and DevOps-focused exams that were either outdated or redundant. The removal of these certifications signals Cisco’s intention to focus on broader, more impactful credentials rather than fragmented specializations. Candidates are now encouraged to follow the main automation track instead of pursuing isolated certifications that may not hold long-term value.
The impact of these changes goes beyond certifications and directly affects career trajectories. Networking roles are evolving rapidly, and automation is becoming a mandatory requirement rather than an optional skill. Employers are actively seeking professionals who can design, deploy, and manage automated systems at scale.
Roles such as Network Automation Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, and DevOps Engineer are becoming more prominent. Cisco’s updated certifications now align closely with these roles, increasing their relevance in hiring processes. Professionals who adapt to this shift will find themselves in a stronger position, both in terms of opportunities and salary potential.
Final Thoughts
The Cisco certification update is a clear signal that the industry has fully transitioned into an automation-first era. The separation between networking and development has effectively disappeared, and professionals are expected to operate at the intersection of both.
Ready to start your Cisco certification journey? For all the updated exams, including CCNA Automation and CCNP Automation, Official Cisco exam vouchers are now available.
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