How Long to Study for the DevNet Professional Core Exam
by Ross Heintzkill | Published on January 27, 2025
The Cisco DevNet Professional core exam (350-901 DEVCOR) blends software development with networking, making it a unique credential. Curious about the study time required? We polled certified professionals via social media and email to get their insights on how to prepare for the DEVCOR test.
Their experiences might help your own study plans. As with any certification exam, preparation times can vary. Generally speaking, you’ll need more time to study for the DEVCOR exam if you’re new to the material. Read on to determine how long you’ll need to prepare for Cisco DevNet Professional core exam required for the DevNet Professional certification.
What is the DevNet Professional?
Cisco’s DevNet Professional certification is designed for network professionals who want to combine their knowledge of network infrastructure with software development and automation skills. DevNet Professional's core exam, 350-901 DEVCOR, is made to show individuals who are already familiar with networking how to shift toward more development-focused roles like DevOps engineer, network automation engineer, or software developer.
It focuses on essential skills related to APIs, network automation, software development, and infrastructure as code. Employers are interested in Cisco DevNet professionals because they bring the ability to automate and optimize network operations, helping businesses innovate and reduce operational costs through automation.
The DevNet Professional has a core exam and 6 concentration exams. Everyone takes the core exam, which is the 350-901 DEVCOR, and at least one concentration exam. The DEVCOR exam will set you back $400, and which of the 6 concentration exams you take is up to you, but they each cost $300-$350.
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How Long Does it Take to Study for the DevNet Professional?
The Cisco DevNet Professional core exam is hard. Our survey shows that the vast majority of people needed more than 6 weeks to prepare for the 350-901 DEVCOR, and two-thirds needed more than 3 months. Only 9% of respondents studied for less than 6 weeks — rushing won't be a viable option for most people. Less than a third of respondents (30%) prepared for the 350-901 DEVCOR in under 3 months, reflecting the depth and complexity of the material.
The largest group of respondents (34%) spent between 3 and 5 months preparing for the DevNet core exam, with another 32% needing more than 5 months. This nearly even split shows that it takes most people at least 3 months of focused study to be ready for 350-901 DEVCOR, and for many, the preparation period extends well beyond that. The difficulty likely comes from balancing the software development and networking knowledge required for this certification, making it a tough challenge even for experienced professionals.
Given that the majority of people needed more than 3 months to study for the 350-901 DEVCOR, candidates should plan for a long, steady preparation process. The material is broad, covering both DevOps and network automation concepts, so using high-quality study resources, hands-on labs, and structured practice will be essential. Relying on a thorough, consistent study routine will help keep you on track for success, whether you need three months or more to feel ready.
What's on the DevNet Professional Test?
The DevNet Professional test is 350-901 DEVCOR, a 120-minute exam that covers skills related to software development and design, like using APIs, Cisco platforms, application deployment and security, and infrastructure and automation. An online Cisco course is the best way for DevOps professionals to learn the skills and knowledge on the exam, which is divided into the following five sections:
Software Development and Design
Using APIs
Cisco Platforms
Application Deployment and Security
Infrastructure and Automation
The DevNet Professional exam focuses on developing applications for network automation, working with APIs, managing software releases, and using tools to speed up application deployments. You should know how to work with Git for version control, manage software dependencies, and handle releases effectively. You'll also need to interpret diagrams and create flows for applications that interact with APIs.
Another significant part of 350-901 DEVCOR is API management. You'll want to know how to handle errors, use caching to improve performance and navigate API security with methods like OAuth2. The test emphasizes practical skills, like working with Cisco-specific APIs to retrieve data or configure devices. Understanding how to create custom dashboards and automate network insights with those APIs is also likely on the test.
The DEVCOR exam also focuses on containerization and continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows. You should know how to troubleshoot CI/CD pipelines, integrate with Docker and Kubernetes, implement security practices and application logging, and handle common security threats.
There are dozens of individual DevOps skills you should learn before attempting the DEVCOR exam, which bundles them all together and tests if you can build, secure, and deploy scalable applications that can manage and automate complex network environments effectively.
Preparing for the 350-901 DEVCOR takes most people at least 3 months, but online Cisco training can help make sure you use your time as efficiently as possible. A DevNet Professional course covers every subject on the test, from network automation to APIs, helping you stay focused and on track. They also come with real-world labs and guided practice exercises that let you build practical skills more quickly, reducing your study time.
The Case for Earning Your DevNet Professional
It may take some time to prepare for the exam, but the Cisco DevNet Professional is worth the investment for anyone who's looking to combine networking and automation in a powerful way. Network engineers and DevOps engineers who want to master network automation or infrastructure-as-code tools will find this cert to be a great addition to their toolkit. It can lead to promotions and new jobs — even as high as leading company-wide DevOps rollouts.
On average, the DevNet Professional core exam takes a little over three months of prep, which is a hefty time commitment. But you’ll learn key skills in API usage, Python, and automation on Cisco platforms. This certification is ideal if you’re moving towards DevOps roles that merge software and networking, setting you up for an increasingly in-demand field.
How to Earn the DevNet Professional Faster
Tools like online courses and virtual labs can help you stay on track and keep your DEVCOR study timeline realistic. Here are some tips from DevNet-certified pros who’ve taken the test before.
Tip #1: Find the Best DEVCOR Training Available
Finding high-quality, structured resources for the DevNet Professional certification on your own can be hit-or-miss. CBT Nuggets offers a complete course that’s organized around the 350-901 DEVCOR topics, from automation basics to advanced network programmability. With expert instruction at your fingertips, you can focus on learning efficiently rather than piecing together different resources, cutting down your study time significantly.
Tip #2: Use Virtual Labs to Test Your Skills
Practice is essential when it comes to automation and programming. Virtual labs allow you to test out your skills in a hands-on setting. Plan to experiment with Cisco APIs, automate tasks, and troubleshoot in a sandbox environment — getting real experience with the technologies you’ll need to master without any setup hassle. This direct practice with network automation speeds up your learning and strengthens your skills.
Tip #3: Test Your DevNet Knowledge Using Practice Exams
The 350-901 DEVCOR covers a lot, and using practice exams can help you focus on the topics that need more attention ahead of test day. Practice tests provide insight into your strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring you go into the exam prepared and familiar with its structure. Save time by focusing on areas that need reinforcement, and take the exam with confidence and clarity.
Tip #4: Learn Network Automation From the Experts
Learning network automation can be daunting without expert guidance. Instructors like John McGovern and Knox Hutchinson offer real-world insights and make complex topics like APIs and programming accessible. This expert-led approach saves you from hours of confusion, helping you quickly understand and apply advanced concepts. With training that’s engaging and practical, you’ll gain skills that set you apart, all while reducing study time. The DevNet Professional certification can open doors to advanced roles in network automation, which is well worth the several months of preparation some people have to put in. With in-depth lessons and expert teachers, the CBT Nuggets DevNet Professional course ensures you’re studying effectively and efficiently. Cut down on the time it takes to prepare while gaining skills you can apply immediately in automation-focused jobs.