Passing the Cisco DevNet Associate Exam
🚀 How I Passed the Cisco DevNet Associate Exam: My Study Strategy and Takeaways
Passing the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam (DevAsc) was a major milestone on my journey into network automation and programmability. I want to share my study process in hopes it can help others approaching this certification.
🧠 My Study Approach: Structured Learning with Iterative Quizzing
1. Starting with CBT Nuggets
I began by diving into the CBT Nuggets course titled Cisco DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC). This course was comprehensive and provided a solid foundation on the key concepts of network automation and programmability. It covered topics like:
- Cisco platforms (e.g., Intersight, DNA Center, Meraki, NSO)
- Automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Netmiko, Python)
- APIs (REST, SOAP, AXL, CTI in CUCM)
- Authentication mechanisms (OAuth 2.0, Basic Auth, Bearer)
- Network protocols (SNMP, MDT)
- CI/CD practices and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Unit testing and more
This course gave me a good theoretical foundation, but I knew I needed to test my knowledge more rigorously.
2. Taking the Kaplan Practice Test
Next, I took a practice test provided by Kaplan, which was included as part of the CBT Nuggets course. This gave me a solid gauge of where I stood in terms of readiness. The only downside was that it created a quiz based on a question bank of only 200 questions, which I quickly went through. However, I was able to pinpoint the areas where I needed further improvement. This step was crucial in tailoring the next phase of my study plan.
3. Using ChatGPT for Targeted Learning and Quizzes
Once I identified the areas I struggled with, I turned to ChatGPT for deeper explanations and to create custom quizzes. ChatGPT helped me dig deeper into topics like:
- API request methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
- JSON, YAML, YANG, and NETCONF
- Ansible vs. Python scripting
- SD-WAN and Meraki comparisons
- Authentication methods (OAuth vs. Basic Auth)
ChatGPT quizzes were incredibly helpful as they allowed me to test my understanding of specific concepts. Initially, I started with standard multiple-choice questions but quickly wanted a more challenging approach. Instead of simply receiving a question with answer choices, I asked ChatGPT to provide the question alone. I would then explain my reasoning and how I arrived at my answer. ChatGPT would confirm whether my response was correct and offer additional context to help solidify my understanding.
If I got a question wrong, I would take the time to pause the quizzing and do a quick deep dive on that specific topic to reinforce my understanding. This process of revisiting areas where I was weak allowed me to improve steadily and get comfortable with even the trickier concepts.
4. Expanding to a General Overview with ChatGPT Quizzes
After successfully improving in the targeted areas, I broadened my review with more general DevNet exam questions. ChatGPT provided quizzes that spanned the entire exam, covering topics from APIs to CI/CD, and everything in between. The quizzes helped me solidify my knowledge and ensure I was prepared for any part of the exam.
🔁 Learning by Iteration
One of the biggest takeaways for me was the power of active learning. Rather than just reading through material, I actively engaged by taking quizzes, working through problems, and using ChatGPT to clarify difficult concepts. By iterating on what I had learned, I gained a much stronger grasp of the material.
📘 Exam Tips
Here are some of the key things I recommend you focus on when studying for the DevNet Associate exam:
- Cisco platforms: Be able to compare and contrast them (e.g., when to use NSO vs. Meraki).
- HTTP methods: Know the difference between
GET,POST,PUT,DELETE, and where they fit in REST APIs. - Data formats: Understand the ins and outs of JSON, YAML, YANG, and NETCONF.
- CI/CD pipelines: Be familiar with concepts around Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery.
- Version control: Understand how Git works and its role in collaboration.
- Authentication mechanisms: Differentiate between OAuth 2.0 and Basic Auth.
- Unit testing: Know when to use unit testing frameworks like
unittestand how they fit into the DevNet workflow.
📋 My Exam Experience
I’ve gotten into the habit of taking exams in a testing center instead of at home. This helps me focus and ensures I’m in the right mindset as well as removing any potential distractions and worries that I have my work area all set up. Since I started taking exams in testing centers (knock on wood), I haven’t failed any of the exams I’ve taken there.
When I first sat down for the exam, I’ll admit, I was nervous. However, once I got into the groove of answering the questions, those nerves started to fade away. The ChatGPT quizzes were incredibly helpful, and there were at least two questions that were directly related to my learning there. Otherwise, there was never a point where I felt completely thrown off. All of the questions were in line with the practice quizzes I had taken, and I felt prepared for what came my way.
Of course, there were a few questions where I didn’t know the exact answer or wasn’t sure about the reasoning behind the options, but what would a quiz be without a few challenges?
💬 Final Thoughts
Passing the DevNet Associate exam wasn’t just about memorizing concepts; it was about actively engaging with the material, testing my knowledge, and iterating until I was confident. By combining the CBT Nuggets course, Kaplan practice tests, and ChatGPT quizzes, I was able to build a strong foundation and thoroughly prepare for the exam.