Designing Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems (350-901 AUTOCOR) Certification Exam Guide

The Designing Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems certification exam is the core concentration exam for professionals pursuing the Cisco DevNet Professional certification. The official 350-901 AUTOCOR exam consists of approximately 90–110 questions, has a duration of 120 minutes, is delivered through Pearson VUE testing centers and online proctoring, and is available in English and Japanese. Cisco recommends candidates have several years of experience with network automation, software development, APIs, infrastructure automation, and Cisco enterprise technologies before attempting the exam.

Exam Overview

• Certification Name: Designing Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems

• Exam Code: 350-901 AUTOCOR

• Provider: Cisco

• Certification Track: Cisco DevNet Professional

• Category: Networking

• Exam Format: Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, Drag and Drop, Scenario-Based Questions

• Recommended Experience: Professional

• Primary Focus: Network Automation, Infrastructure Programmability, APIs, Security, DevOps

Certification Details

Why This Certification Matters

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Cisco network automation technologies.

• Validates expertise in programmable infrastructure and automation frameworks.

• Confirms proficiency with APIs, Python automation, and DevOps workflows.

• Supports career growth in enterprise networking and cloud networking.

• Aligns with modern infrastructure automation and software-defined networking practices.

• Enhances credibility for professionals working with Cisco enterprise environments.

Skills Measured

Candidates preparing for the Designing Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems certification should understand:

• Network automation architecture

• Python programming fundamentals

• REST APIs and API integrations

• Cisco platforms and programmability

• Infrastructure as Code concepts

• Automation security

• Configuration management

• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

• Version control using Git

• Network monitoring and telemetry

• Automation testing

• Container technologies

• DevOps workflows

• Model-driven programmability

• Automation troubleshooting

Detailed Exam Objectives

The 350-901 AUTOCOR exam evaluates a candidate's ability to:

• Design scalable network automation solutions.

• Deploy automation frameworks across enterprise environments.

• Develop automation workflows using APIs.

• Implement infrastructure programmability.

• Secure automation applications.

• Integrate automation with cloud services.

• Automate network device configuration.

• Use Cisco automation platforms effectively.

• Monitor automated network operations.

• Troubleshoot automation deployments.

Official Exam Domains Breakdown

• Network Automation Architecture

• Software Development Fundamentals

• APIs and Programmability

• Infrastructure Automation

• DevOps Methodologies

• Security and Authentication

• Automation Testing

• Network Monitoring and Telemetry

• Configuration Management

• Deployment and Troubleshooting

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the AUTOCOR certification exam. However, Cisco recommends candidates have:

• Understanding of enterprise networking

• Experience with Cisco platforms

• Knowledge of Python programming

• Familiarity with REST APIs

• Understanding of Linux fundamentals

• Knowledge of Git version control

• Experience with automation tools

• Familiarity with DevOps concepts

Recommended Experience

Candidates are encouraged to have:

• Three to five years of networking experience

• Experience with Cisco Enterprise technologies

• Knowledge of automation frameworks

• Practical API integration experience

• Understanding of cloud networking

• Experience deploying automated infrastructure

• Familiarity with software development practices

Career Opportunities

Professionals earning the Cisco AUTOCOR certification may pursue roles including:

• Network Automation Engineer

• Network Software Engineer

• DevNet Engineer

• Network Infrastructure Engineer

• Enterprise Network Engineer

• Network Architect

• Cloud Network Engineer

• Automation Consultant

• Infrastructure Automation Engineer

• DevOps Engineer

Salary Insights

Certified professionals often qualify for competitive salaries depending on experience, location, and employer.

Typical roles associated with Cisco Network Automation certification frequently offer:

• Strong demand across enterprise organizations

• Competitive mid-level and senior-level compensation

• Career advancement into architecture and automation leadership roles

• Opportunities within cloud, networking, and infrastructure teams

Certification Renewal Information

The certification can be maintained through Cisco's continuing education program or by successfully completing qualifying Cisco certification requirements before expiration.

Candidates should:

• Monitor Cisco certification policies.

• Earn continuing education credits when applicable.

• Complete qualifying certification activities before renewal deadlines.

• Review the latest renewal requirements published by Cisco.

Exam Registration Process

• Create a Cisco account.

• Sign in to your Cisco Certification profile.

• Register through Pearson VUE.

• Select the 350-901 AUTOCOR exam.

• Choose a testing center or online proctored option.

• Select an available exam date.

• Complete payment.

• Receive exam confirmation.

Preparation Resources

Effective preparation includes:

• Official Cisco exam blueprint

• Cisco documentation

• Cisco developer resources

• API documentation

• Python programming practice

• Network automation labs

• Git repositories

• Infrastructure automation projects

• CI/CD implementation exercises

• 350-901 practice test resources

• Cisco network automation practice questions

Study Strategy

A structured preparation approach can improve exam readiness.

• Review every objective in the official exam blueprint.

• Build strong Python programming skills.

• Practice REST API development.

• Learn Cisco automation platforms.

• Configure programmable network devices.

• Study authentication and security concepts.

• Practice automation troubleshooting.

• Review version control workflows.

• Complete hands-on automation projects.

• Reinforce learning with regular practice questions.

Common Challenges

Candidates commonly encounter challenges with:

• API authentication methods

• Python scripting logic

• Infrastructure automation workflows

• DevOps integration concepts

• Automation security

• Cisco platform programmability

• Troubleshooting automation failures

• Understanding telemetry concepts

Frequently Tested Topics

Important topics include:

• REST APIs

• Python automation

• JSON and YAML

• Infrastructure as Code

• Cisco DNA Center APIs

• Model-driven programmability

• NETCONF

• RESTCONF

• YANG models

• OAuth authentication

• Git workflows

• CI/CD pipelines

• Automation security

• Container technologies

• Network telemetry

Exam-Day Tips

• Review Cisco documentation before exam day.

• Read every question carefully.

• Identify key technical requirements.

• Manage time effectively.

• Eliminate incorrect options.

• Review flagged questions if time permits.

• Stay focused throughout the exam.

• Answer every question before submission.

Related Certifications

Professionals interested in expanding their Cisco DevNet credentials may also consider:

• Cisco DevNet Associate

• Cisco DevNet Professional

• Developing Applications Using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs

• Implementing DevOps Solutions and Practices Using Cisco Platforms

• Implementing Cisco Collaboration Automation and Programmability

• Developing Applications for Cisco Webex and Webex Devices

Latest Exam Updates

Cisco periodically reviews certification objectives to reflect evolving networking technologies.

Candidates should:

• Review the latest official exam blueprint.

• Check for objective updates.

• Verify current exam policies.

• Confirm registration requirements.

• Review supported technologies before scheduling the exam.

Career Roadmap After Certification

Earning the Designing Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems certification can support progression toward advanced networking and automation roles.

Potential career paths include:

• Network Automation Engineer

• Senior Network Engineer

• Infrastructure Automation Specialist

• Enterprise Network Architect

• Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

• DevOps Engineer

• Solutions Architect

• Technical Consultant

• Automation Practice Lead

Industry Demand Analysis

Organizations continue adopting programmable infrastructure and automated network management to improve operational efficiency.

Industry demand is driven by:

• Enterprise digital transformation

• Cloud networking adoption

• Infrastructure automation initiatives

• API-driven network management

• Software-defined networking

• Hybrid cloud deployments

• Automation-first operations

• Secure infrastructure management

Real World Use Cases

Knowledge gained from the Cisco automation certification is valuable for:

• Automating network device deployment

• Managing enterprise network configurations

• Implementing API-driven infrastructure

• Monitoring programmable networks

• Integrating automation into CI/CD pipelines

• Securing automation workflows

• Managing large-scale enterprise environments

• Streamlining network operations

Hiring Trends

Employers increasingly seek professionals with expertise in:

• Network programmability

• Python automation

• Cisco APIs

• Infrastructure automation

• Cloud networking

• DevOps collaboration

• Enterprise automation

• Network security automation

Certification Comparison

Success Stories

Professionals who earn the 350-901 AUTOCOR certification often report benefits such as:

• Improved technical confidence

• Expanded automation knowledge

• Better understanding of Cisco APIs

• Enhanced enterprise networking skills

• Increased professional recognition

• Greater career advancement opportunities

Conclusion

The Designing Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems (350-901 AUTOCOR) certification is an excellent choice for networking professionals who want to validate their expertise in network automation, infrastructure programmability, APIs, and modern DevOps practices. As organizations continue to adopt automation-driven network operations, professionals with Cisco Network Automation Systems skills are increasingly valuable across enterprise, cloud, and service provider environments.

Preparing thoroughly for the Designing Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems exam by understanding the official objectives, gaining hands-on experience, and regularly practicing with 350-901 practice test resources and Cisco network automation practice questions can significantly improve your confidence and exam readiness. Successfully earning the Cisco AUTOCOR certification demonstrates your ability to design, deploy, and manage automated network solutions while supporting your progress toward the Cisco DevNet Professional certification and advancing your networking career.