In 2020, I joined Cisco recent out of school, which simply so occurred to align with the inaugural 12 months of the Cisco DevNet certification monitor. It was the identical 12 months 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, because of its immense recognition, nevertheless it was the all-new DevNet expertise monitor I discovered most intriguing.
Cisco DevNet certifications concentrate on 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 a fantastic mark on my profession.
Child steps into the DevNet world
On the time they have been introduced, there have been two certification ranges, Affiliate and Skilled, earlier than including the DevNet Knowledgeable certification. I used to be concentrating on passing my DevNet Affiliate certification examination, 200-901 DEVASC, earlier than the tip of my internship. Going via 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 via 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 supposed 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 making ready for my DevNet core (350-901 DEVCOR) examination.
The DevNet Affiliate examination uncovered me to the testing setting and the tough nature of the questions, however I used to be properly conscious that the DEVCOR examination could be a tricky nut to crack and would require extra self-discipline and exhausting 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 Knowledgeable certification. (Earlier than taking a Cisco Knowledgeable-level sensible examination, candidates have to go the core examination in that expertise monitor.)
DevOps: Specialised abilities to Specialist certification
DevNet opens up the automation and programmability realms, however information of the underlying Cisco merchandise is essentially vital in creating progressive options. As soon as I noticed that, my focus shifted towards studying the nitty-gritty of Cisco merchandise, instruments, and options.
As a result 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 quick nature of the examination, the room for error was marginally small. I maintained a scientific examine plan and adopted three key methods:
- Learn the fabric no less than twice.
- Prepare muscle reminiscence by doing a ton of hands-on workout routines.
- Revise the fabric often.
And ultimately, the long-awaited day arrived.
I sat down for my examination, feeling a little bit 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 mind-set didn’t enable me to learn the message utterly. I felt immensely relieved to see all of the exhausting work repay, reaching what I had lengthy dreamt of.
Token of Gratitude
They are saying, “If you end up surrounded by 5 clever individuals, you develop into the sixth.” I’ve been over blessed to be surrounded by not 5—however 5 hundred—clever individuals 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 here are my high suggestions:
Put together for DevNet Affiliate certification and earn 16 Cisco Persevering with Training credit at no cost.
Understanding Cisco Community Automation Necessities | DEVNAE Studying Path on Cisco U.
Develop the automation and community programmability information 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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