Explanation of Cisco DevNet certifications
The enterprise network is going through a fundamental transformation from manually to automatically operated, from tightly managed to disperse over SaaS, multi-cloud widely, and remote work.
Network specialists must improve the network's capabilities to support digital transformation and extend existing functionality across those contexts. A network with SPOTO must be made more intelligent, observable, secure, scalable, and agile to achieve this.
A completely new skill set centered on software development is necessary for network managers, engineers, and architects who want to stay ahead of the technology curve, promote their careers, and bring value to the company.
Describe SDN.
Cisco, which already provides a wide range of networking, security, and cloud certifications, has developed a certification track dubbed DevNet in response to these shifting dynamics. According to Joe Clarke, a renowned engineer at Cisco, "Cisco Certified DevNet engineers are enabled to think about difficult networking problems and offer solutions at scale via automation."
In 2020, Cisco introduced the first three DevNet certifications: DevNet Associate, DevNet Professional, and DevNet Specialist. The DevNet Expert certification track was also added by Cisco this year, with the first exams starting in May.
Basics of DevNet certification
Candidates should have prior work experience working in a Cisco shop as these certifications are Cisco-specific. For the entry-level certification, Cisco advises candidates to have at least one year of experience, while the Expert certification is intended for individuals with 5-7 years of experience.
Exist any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for obtaining any DevNet certificates, but Cisco advises that potential candidates have a firm grasp of the subjects before sitting for any tests.
Who conducts the examinations?
The testing corporation Pearson gives the tests, which can be done online or in person at a physical location.
How do I get ready for a test?
The DevNet certifications community, webinars, training videos, and other training materials are good sources of information.
How much time is the certification good for?
All Cisco DevNet credentials are valid for three years, and existing holders can recertify by passing tests, finishing continuing education requirements, or doing both at once.
What advantages does a DevNet certification offer?
Workers with particular certificates will receive premium payments from employers, which entails additional compensation above and above the base rate. According to Mike Connelly, an analyst at Foote Partners, "that whole category of skills premiums for network and communications on average is earning what would be the equivalent of about 5% of base pay." The research was based on information from more than 90,000 tech workers who receive skills premiums at just over 4,000 employers in the US and Canada.
The DevNet certificates boost your earning potential and demonstrate your commitment to skill development. According to the author, the goal of DevNet or DevOps, which is equal to network infrastructure inside DevOps, is to be as multi-skilled as possible. People that work in DevOps and have a variety of talents and perspectives to bring to the table do far better than those who do not.
According to Connelly, firms now place a high value on network management, network security, network virtualization, and DevOps, especially in light of the widespread use of remote work. More and more employees are staying away from the office, he claims. The amount of network design, security, and networking infrastructure that needs to be taken care of increases as more workers work remotely.
According to Clarke, the concept of absolute observability—knowing that all your services are operating normally and how those applications are doing—is a hot topic. It will be more crucial to have network engineers who can create centralized policies so that all users can have the same experience as we move more toward the cloud and remote workers.
The vice president of cloud and distributed systems of Cisco, Vijoy Pandey, makes the following longer-term prediction: "In a few years, nobody will configure networking; they will just set up applications. We desire self-sufficient, programmable, autonomous networks. Learn software development skills if you wish to work in the network industry in the future.
The four certifications available on the DevNet track are described as follows:
Associate with DevNet
The DevNet Associate certification, according to Cisco, verifies a person's fundamental understanding of using apps, Cisco platforms, programmability strategy, and APIs. An introduction to the knowledge required for numerous vocations, such as network automation engineer, software developer, and system integration programmer, is provided through a DevNet Associate certification.
Experience level: Developers with at least one year of practical experience creating and maintaining applications based on Cisco platforms are advised to pursue this certification.
Pay range: The CCNA or Cisco Certified Network Associate credential and the DevNet Associate certification are similar. PayScale estimates that this amounts to 8200 pounds annually.
Premium: According to Connelly of Foote Partners, the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate is precisely in line with the network and communications average skills premium of 5%. Some may offer you the equivalent of 3% to 7%, but he claims many people are settling around 5%.
Cost and duration: The $300 DevNet Associate Exam v1.0 (200-901) has 120 minutes.
How to prepare: DevNet Associate Fundamentals with SPOTO is a good way for candidates to prepare for the test.
Conclusion
You can seek assistance from SPOTO if you want to fully prepare for the SDN and strengthen your competitive edge in the IT sector. SDN offers helpful online courses that can help you prepare for your certification. Kindly click it!
