The Cisco CCIE DevNet track is transforming! Cisco has announced a landmark change: the DevNet Expert certification is being rebranded as CCIE Automation (DevNet), with major transitions going live on February 3, 2026.
Here’s what this means for network professionals and Octa Networks candidates.
What’s Changing?
1) DevNet is now Automation: The familiar DevNet track will officially become “Automation” at every level. The CCIE DevNet Expert becomes CCIE Automation (DevNet). All DevNet certifications shift to Automation – making skills in APIs, scripting, and programmable networks front and center.
2) No abrupt blueprint overhaul: The CCIE Automation (DevNet) lab blueprint remains largely unchanged for now. Candidates can expect the same focus on software-driven networking, Python, APIs, CI/CD, automation, and infrastructure-as-code.
3) Professional Level Updates: CCNP DevNet Professional moves to CCNP Automation. The core exam 350-901 DEVCOR becomes 350-901 AUTOCOR (new blueprint in July 2025, effective by February 2026), emphasizing automation, AI, and cloud programmability.
4) Retirement of specialist exams: Exams like SAUTO, CLAUTO, SPAUTO, and DEVOPS (covering security, collaboration, service provider, and DevOps automation) retire by February 2, 2026. Automation concepts from these exams will now be consolidated into wider blueprints.
Why These Changes Matter?
1) Industry alignment: The move reflects the critical demand for automation engineers, NetDevOps experts, and programmable network specialists in today’s job market.
2) Credentials clarity: The new “Automation” branding makes career pathways and certification titles unmistakable for employers and candidates worldwide.
3) No recertification required: Your DevNet Expert certification automatically becomes CCIE Automation (DevNet) after the transition – no retest, no loss of credential.
4) Skill set evolution: Expect future blueprints to highlight infrastructure-as-code, cloud-native architecture, AI-driven automation, and multi-vendor programmability.
Key Dates
July 2025: Release of new blueprints for CCNP and concentration exams.
February 2, 2026: Last chance to attempt retired specialist exams.
February 3, 2026: Rollout of CCIE Automation (DevNet) and updated exams.
Are you Ready for your next move?
Octa Networks encourages all candidates to upgrade their skills for the automated networks era – APIs, Python, end-to-end programmability, and orchestration will define the experts of tomorrow.
If you’d like more clarity on this, get in touch with us now.
CAREER WARNING: Read This Before It’s Too Late
If you wait until 2026, it could be the biggest risk of your life.
And this isn’t just because of the harder exam – it’s about the months or even years of career momentum you’ll lose. Once CCIE Automation (DevNet) goes live, there will be a rush for talent in automation, APIs, and programmable networks.
Employers will be looking for certified experts immediately, and those who already hold the CCIE DevNet v1.1 credential will grab those positions first.
By the time you finish struggling through the new automation blueprint, those doors will be closed. You won’t just be behind—you’ll be invisible in a market that rewards early movers.
Don’t give the competition a one-year head start on your dream job.
Earn your CCIE DevNet now while the exam is predictable and opportunities are still wide open.
Why Top CCIE DevNet v1.1 Experts Train at Octa Networks?
1) Expert Mentor-Led Training:
Learn directly from seasoned CCIEs who specialize in automation, APIs, Python, and network programmability.
2) Hands-On Real-World Labs:
Practice on dedicated lab setups designed to replicate the exam environment.
3) Personalized Coaching & Feedback:
Get one-on-one guidance and detailed performance reviews so you know exactly where to improve before the exam.
5) Exam-Focused Roadmap:
Follow a structured, step-by-step preparation plan that aligns perfectly with Cisco’s official blueprint.
6) Confidence to Pass & Lead:
Pass CCIE DevNet v1.1 exam not just as a certified professional but as a future-ready DevNet expert trusted by the industry.
| Enroll to Learn CCIE DevNet v1.1 Now! |
