In 2020, I joined Cisco contemporary out of school, which simply so occurred to align with the inaugural yr of the Cisco DevNet certification observe. It was the identical yr Cisco consolidated all of its CCNA certification tracks into one foundational certification. The CCNA was (and nonetheless is) a part of our on a regular basis language, due to its immense recognition, nevertheless it was the all-new DevNet expertise observe I discovered most intriguing.
Cisco DevNet certifications give attention to integrating community infrastructure with software program functions, automation, and programmability. DevNet certification savored each my style in software program improvement and networking. Little did I do know that occasion would go away such an incredible mark on my profession.
Child steps into the DevNet world
On the time they had been introduced, there have been two certification ranges, Affiliate and Skilled, earlier than including the DevNet Skilled certification. I used to be focusing on passing my DevNet Affiliate certification examination, 200-901 DEVASC, earlier than the tip of my internship. Going by way of the blueprint was overwhelming because of the huge quantity of Cisco applied sciences and the breadth of matters listed.
The official DevNet Affiliate course got here to my rescue. I went by way of the course twice and handed my examination in June 2020.
It was certainly euphoric to attain my first official Cisco certification, making entry into the DevNet Class of 2020… nevertheless it left me wanting extra!
I hadn’t meant to cease with my DevNet Affiliate certification. My objective was to progress additional by acquiring the DevNet Skilled certification, which entails passing two Skilled-level exams: the DevNet core and a focus examination. I saved the momentum going and began getting ready for my DevNet core (350-901 DEVCOR) examination.
The DevNet Affiliate examination uncovered me to the testing atmosphere and the tough nature of the questions, however I used to be effectively conscious that the DEVCOR examination could be a tricky nut to crack and would require extra self-discipline and onerous work. Finishing the official course, together with a number of foundational programs on Cisco applied sciences, considerably boosted my confidence.
I handed my DEVCOR in November 2021 and earned the Cisco Licensed DevNet Specialist – Core certification. Passing the DEVCOR examination marked a major milestone, particularly as a result of it’s required for DevNet Skilled certification and is a prerequisite for the DevNet Skilled certification. (Earlier than taking a Cisco Skilled-level sensible examination, candidates must cross the core examination in that expertise observe.)
DevOps: Specialised expertise to Specialist certification
DevNet opens up the automation and programmability realms, however data of the underlying Cisco merchandise is essentially necessary in creating revolutionary options. As soon as I spotted that, my focus shifted towards studying the nitty-gritty of Cisco merchandise, instruments, and options.
On account of DevOps’ sheer relevance within the technological world, I selected it as my specialization, taking the 300-910 DEVOPS examination to finish my DevNet Skilled focus requirement. In flip, passing that examination would additionally earn me a Cisco DevNet Specialist certification: the Cisco Licensed DevNet Specialist – DevOps certification.
Given the brief nature of the examination, the room for error was marginally small. I maintained a scientific research plan and adopted three key methods:
- Learn the fabric at the very least twice.
- Practice muscle reminiscence by doing a ton of hands-on workouts.
- Revise the fabric usually.
And finally, the long-awaited day arrived.
I sat down for my examination, feeling slightly nervous, however I held onto my self-belief. Simply earlier than submitting the final query, I paused for a minute, considering of how far I’ve come on this journey and what a healthful studying expertise it has been. I submitted my examination in anticipation and was left numb after seeing a message saying, “Congratulations…” That unknown way of thinking didn’t enable me to learn the message utterly. I felt immensely relieved to see all of the onerous work repay, reaching what I had lengthy dreamt of.
Token of Gratitude
They are saying, “If you find yourself surrounded by 5 clever folks, you grow to be the sixth.” I’ve been over blessed to be surrounded by not 5—however 5 hundred—clever folks within the Cisco Studying & Certifications household. I’m immensely grateful for the help and studying I’ve acquired from the leaders and engineers who impressed me to attain these feats.
Suggestions and Sources
Lastly, that can assist you get began in your DevNet studying and certification journey, listed below are my prime suggestions:
Put together for DevNet Affiliate certification and earn 16 Cisco Persevering with Schooling credit without cost.
Understanding Cisco Community Automation Necessities | DEVNAE Studying Path on Cisco U.
Develop the automation and community programmability data to start a profession as an entry-level community automation engineer.
Join Cisco U. | Be a part of the Cisco Studying Community.
Observe Cisco Studying & Certifications
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