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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Cisco
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Skills this practice test covers
- Turn XML, JSON and YAML documents into Python data structures and extract the values a task needs.
- Construct REST API requests from documentation and fix failed calls from the HTTP response code.
- Script tasks in Python with Cisco SDKs and the Meraki, Cisco DNA Center and Webex APIs.
- Read YANG models and interpret the results of RESTCONF and NETCONF queries.
- Interpret a Dockerfile, a unified diff and the workflow that an Ansible playbook automates.
- Trace an application's connectivity problem to NAT, a blocked port, a proxy or a VPN.
Explore related topics
200-901 exam content
6 domains · 77 topics · 250 of 328 questions sorted by domain
Software Development and Design15%44 questions
This domain covers the habits of a working developer: picking a data format, structuring code, following a development method and using version control. Git gets the most detail, from clone and commit to merge conflicts and diff output.
Skills tested
- Compare XML, JSON and YAML, and parse each one into Python data structures.
- Explain the test-driven development cycle, and when agile, lean or waterfall fits a project.
- Organize code into functions, classes and modules, and recognize the MVC and Observer patterns.
- Clone, add, commit, push, pull, branch and merge with Git, and resolve a merge conflict.
Questions by topic
- Utilize common version control operations with Git12
- Describe parsing of common data format (XML, JSON, and YAML) to Python data structures9
- Compare software development methods (agile, lean, and waterfall)4
- Explain the benefits of organizing code into methods/functions, classes, and modules4
- Identify the advantages of common design patterns (MVC and Observer)6
- Explain the advantages of version control1
- Describe the concepts of test-driven development2
- Compare data formats (XML, JSON, and YAML)5
- Explain the benefits of organizing code1
Understanding and Using APIs20%42 questions
This is one of the two largest domains. Candidates build REST requests from documentation, read each part of the response, and choose between basic authentication, custom tokens and API keys.
Skills tested
- Build a REST request with the right HTTP method, headers and body from API documentation.
- Read response codes, headers and bodies, and use them to fix a failing request.
- Compare webhooks with polling, REST with RPC, and synchronous with asynchronous APIs.
- Write a Python script with the requests library that handles errors and API constraints.
Questions by topic
- Troubleshoot a problem given the HTTP response code, request and API documentation2
- Describe common usage patterns related to webhooks6
- Construct a Python script that calls a REST API using the requests library3
- Utilize common API authentication mechanisms: basic, custom token, and API keys3
- Compare common API styles (REST, RPC, synchronous, and asynchronous)4
- Identify the parts of an HTTP response (response code, headers, body)2
- Construct a REST API request to accomplish a task given API documentation5
- Explain common HTTP response codes associated with REST APIs5
- Utilize common API authentication mechanisms4
- Identify the constraints when consuming APIs4
- Construct a Python script that calls a REST API1
- Compare common API styles3
Cisco Platforms and Development15%38 questions
This domain surveys Cisco's programmable platforms for networking, compute, collaboration and security. Candidates describe what each platform's API offers, then write code from API documentation, such as listing devices with Meraki or managing Webex spaces.
Skills tested
- Describe the APIs of Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN and NSO, and choose one for a task.
- Match UCS Manager, Intersight, Webex devices, AXL and the security platforms to their uses.
- Apply YANG, RESTCONF and NETCONF to IOS XE and NX-OS devices.
- Pick the right DevNet resource, such as Sandbox, Code Exchange or Learning Labs.
- Construct a Python script with a Cisco SDK from its documentation.
Official topics
- Construct a Python script that uses a Cisco SDK given SDK documentation
- Describe the capabilities of Cisco network management platforms and APIs (Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, and NSO)
- Describe the capabilities of Cisco compute management platforms and APIs (UCS Manager and Intersight)
- Describe the capabilities of Cisco collaboration platforms and APIs (Webex, Webex devices, Cisco Unified Communication Manager including AXL and UDS interfaces)
- Describe the capabilities of Cisco security platforms and APIs (XDR, Firepower, Umbrella, Secure Endpoint, ISE, and Secure Malware Analytics)
- Describe the device level APIs and dynamic interfaces for IOS XE and NX-OS
- Identify the appropriate DevNet resource for a given scenario (Sandbox, Code Exchange, support, forums, Learning Labs, and API documentation)
- Apply concepts of model driven programmability (YANG, RESTCONF, and NETCONF) in a Cisco environment
- Construct code to perform a specific operation based on a set of requirements and given API reference documentation
Application Deployment and Security15%48 questions
This domain follows an application from a developer's laptop into production. It covers deployment models and types, CI/CD pipelines, Docker and Python unit tests, then the protection of secrets and data and the top OWASP threats.
Skills tested
- Compare private, public, hybrid and edge deployments, and virtual machines, bare metal and containers.
- Interpret a Dockerfile and run Docker images in a local developer environment.
- Construct a Python unit test and place it in a CI/CD pipeline.
- Explain XSS, SQL injection and CSRF, and how to protect secrets in storage and transport.
- Use Bash commands to manage files, move between directories and set environment variables.
Questions by topic
- Interpret contents of a Dockerfile5
- Describe top OWASP threats (such as XSS, SQL injections, and CSRF)3
- Identify application security issues related to secret protection, encryption (storage and transport), and data handling4
- Construct a Python unit test4
- Utilize Bash commands (file management, directory navigation, and environmental variables)4
- Explain how firewall, DNS, load balancers, and reverse proxy in application deployment7
- Describe components for a CI/CD pipeline in application deployments2
- Identify the attributes of these application deployment types (Virtual machines, bare metal, containers)2
- Utilize Docker images in local developer environment2
- Identify application security issues related to secret protection3
- Describe components for a CI/CD pipeline2
- Utilize Bash commands2
- Describe top OWASP threats2
- Identify the principles of DevOps practices2
- Identify application security issues1
- Describe benefits of edge computing2
- Identify attributes of different application deployment models (private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and edge)1
Infrastructure and Automation20%50 questions
The other largest domain is about automating networks instead of configuring each device by hand. Candidates compare controller-level and device-level management, describe Ansible, Terraform and Cisco NSO, and read the scripts, playbooks, YANG models and diffs that automation work produces.
Skills tested
- Explain what model-driven programmability and infrastructure as code add to manual CLI changes.
- Describe how Cisco Modeling Labs and pyATS help test a change before it goes live.
- Identify the workflow behind a Python script, an Ansible playbook or a bash script.
- Interpret RESTCONF and NETCONF results, basic YANG models and a unified diff.
- Read a sequence diagram of API calls and describe the steps of a code review.
Questions by topic
- Interpret basic YANG models6
- Identify the workflow being automated by an Ansible playbook4
- Interpret a unified diff3
- Interpret the results of a RESTCONF or NETCONF query6
- Describe the use and roles of network simulation and test tools (such as Cisco Modeling Labs and pyATS)2
- Describe the value of model driven programmability for infrastructure automation2
- Describe principles of infrastructure as code4
- Compare controller-level to device-level management1
- Identify the workflow being automated by a Python script that uses Cisco APIs including ACI, Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, or RESTCONF2
- Describe the components and benefits of CI/CD pipeline in infrastructure automation2
- Describe the capabilities of automation tools4
- Describe the value of model driven programmability2
- Describe the use and roles of network simulation and test tools1
- Describe the capabilities of automation tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and Cisco NSO4
- Identify the workflow being automated by a Python script2
- Interpret sequence diagram that includes API calls3
- Identify the workflow being automated by a bash script (such as file management, app install, user management, directory navigation)1
- Identify the workflow being automated by a bash script1
Network Fundamentals15%28 questions
This domain gives developers the network knowledge their applications rely on. It covers addressing, VLANs, routes, device planes, IP services and port values, and asks what causes an application's connectivity problems.
Skills tested
- Describe MAC addresses, VLANs, IP addresses, subnet masks, routes and gateways.
- Explain the management, data and control planes of a network device.
- Describe DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP and NTP, and recognize the ports of SSH, HTTPS and NETCONF.
- Explain how latency, bandwidth and other network constraints affect an application.
Questions by topic
- Identify cause of application connectivity issues6
- Describe the function of management, data, and control planes in a network device2
- Interpret a basic network topology diagram with elements such as switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, and port values2
- Describe the functionality of these IP Services: DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP, NTP3
- Describe the purpose and usage of IP addresses, routes, subnet mask / prefix, and gateways3
- Describe the purpose and usage of MAC addresses and VLANs3
- Describe the function of common networking components2
- Describe the functionality of these IP Services2
- Describe the function of management, data, and control planes1
- Identify cause of application connectivity issues (VPN)1
- Explain the impacts of network constraints on applications2
- Recognize common protocol port values (such as, SSH, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, and NETCONF)1
Requirements
- No formal prerequisites: anyone can book the exam.
- Recommended: at least a year of hands-on work developing and maintaining applications on Cisco platforms.
- Recommended: basic Python programming, familiarity with REST APIs and an understanding of networking fundamentals.
About the 200-901 exam
200-901 checks whether a developer or network engineer can automate Cisco networks with code. Candidates call REST APIs, parse JSON and YAML, write Python against Cisco SDKs, and work with model-driven tools such as YANG, NETCONF and RESTCONF. The six domains also cover software design and Git, containers and application security, and the network basics that scripts rely on. Passing it earns the CCNA Automation certification at Cisco's associate level.
Infrastructure and Automation has the most questions in the PlanetCert practice test, and Git operations have more questions than any other single topic. The explanations go through code and API replies line by line, for example why a request returns 401 instead of 403, or what a minus sign marks in a unified diff. Study Mode suits the questions that show a Python script, an Ansible playbook or a bash script. Flashcard Mode helps with HTTP response codes and protocol port values. Brainy AI Assistant can trace a YANG model leaf by leaf, or explain what a Meraki API call returns.
How to earn the certification
- Earns
- CCNA AutomationAssociate
CCNA Automation is valid for three years and renews through qualifying Cisco exams or Continuing Education credits.
- After
- 350-901 Designing, Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems (AUTOCOR)
The core exam for CCNP Automation at Cisco's professional level. One concentration exam completes the certification.
- 350-901 Designing, Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems (AUTOCOR)
How to prepare for 200-901
- 1
Set up Python, Git and Docker
Install Python with the requests library, Git and Docker on one machine. Then clone, branch, commit, merge and diff until each Git command feels routine, since the blueprint lists them one by one.
- 2
Call real APIs in a DevNet Sandbox
Reserve a DevNet Sandbox and call its API with the requests library, using basic, token and API key authentication. Record each response code, header and body, because the APIs domain asks candidates to troubleshoot from them.
- 3
Trace YANG data through RESTCONF
Infrastructure and Automation is one of the two largest domains. Pull an interface model from an IOS XE device with RESTCONF and NETCONF, then match each leaf in the reply to its place in the YANG model.
- 4
Containerize a small Python app
Write a Dockerfile for a short Python script, build the image and run it locally. Add a unit test, then list where the app's secrets would be at risk in storage and in transport.
- 5
Finish with timed mixed practice
Take the 200-901 practice test in Timed Mode once each domain feels solid. Review every wrong answer, and ask Brainy AI Assistant to walk through a script or an API reply line by line.
Start a timed 200-901run
Cisco's course for this exam is Developing Applications and Automating Workflows using Cisco Platforms (DEVASC), offered as instructor-led training, as e-learning and as a Cisco U. learning path.
Who 200-901 is for
- Network engineers who want to replace repetitive CLI work with scripts and APIs.
- Software developers who build tools and integrations on Cisco platforms.
- DevOps and site reliability engineers who manage network infrastructure as code.
- Systems engineers who connect applications to Cisco collaboration, compute or security products.
Typical job titles: Network automation engineer · Junior DevOps engineer · Software developer · Site reliability engineer · Network engineer
200-901 glossary
19 terms from the exam objectives and the vendor's official material, each defined in a sentence.
- Ansible
- An agentless automation tool that runs tasks from YAML playbooks on remote systems, usually over SSH.
- AXL
- The Administrative XML interface of Cisco Unified Communications Manager, which applications use to read and change its configuration.
- CI/CD pipeline
- An automated chain of steps that builds, tests and delivers every code change, so faults show up early and releases repeat reliably.
- Cisco Modeling Labs
- Cisco's network simulation platform, which runs virtual routers and switches so that topologies and automation can be tested without hardware.
- Cisco NSO
- Cisco Network Services Orchestrator: software that pushes service-based configuration to many devices, including devices from other vendors.
- CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery)
- An attack that makes a signed-in user's browser send a request the user never intended, such as a password change on a trusted site.
- Dockerfile
- A text file of instructions, such as FROM, COPY and CMD, that Docker follows to build a container image.
- Edge computing
- Processing data close to where it is produced, such as in a branch or a factory, instead of in a distant data center or cloud.
- Infrastructure as code
- Keeping infrastructure definitions in version-controlled files that a tool applies, instead of making changes by hand.
- MVC
- Model-View-Controller: a design pattern that keeps an application's data, its display and the logic between them in separate parts.
- NETCONF
- A network management protocol that reads and changes device configuration as XML, structured by YANG models, usually over SSH.
- Observer
- A design pattern in which one object keeps a list of subscribers and notifies each of them when its state changes.
- pyATS
- Cisco's Python test framework, used to check network devices and compare their state before and after a change.
- RESTCONF
- A protocol that gives HTTP access to YANG-modeled device data, with methods such as GET, PUT, PATCH and DELETE and JSON or XML bodies.
- Reverse proxy
- A server in front of application servers that receives client requests and passes them on, often adding TLS, caching or load sharing.
- Test-driven development
- A way of working in which a developer writes a failing test first, then writes just enough code to pass it, then cleans the code up.
- Unified diff
- A text format for the changes between two versions of a file, with removed lines marked by a minus sign and added lines by a plus sign.
- Webhooks
- HTTP callbacks: a service sends a request to a registered URL when an event happens, so the receiving application does not have to poll.
- YANG
- A data modeling language that describes how a device's configuration and state data are structured, so that tools can read and change them.
Related practice tests
- 300-535Automating and Programming Cisco Service Provider Solutions (SPAUTO)
- 200-201CCNA Cybersecurity (CyberOps Associate)
- 200-301Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- 300-420Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks (ENSLD)
- 300-410Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI)