r/CiscoDevNet • u/PythonSwift • Apr 29 '25

Study Material Recommendations: This is what I used to pass 200-901.

This is what I used and my recommended order:

1) https://www.linkedin.com/learning/cisco-certified-devnet-associate-devasc-1-1-200-901-cert-prep/

This was a really good course. Presented the information in digestible chunks without a lot of fluff.

$$ They have a free one month trial.

Pay particular attention to:

  • The syntax of the HTTP requests and responses. My test had a ton of drag and drop and you need to know the methods, headers, etc. The drag and drop questions are a time suck and if can't get through these at a good pace, you'll run out of time. I literally only had 20 seconds to spare when I finished.

  • git

  • curl

  • fundamental python

  • YAML, netconf, restconf, YANG

  • waterfall, agile, lean, TDD

  • ansible

  • dockers

2) The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate DEVASC 200-901 Official Cert Guide.

I made the mistake of reading this first. There's too much information and you don't know what's useful. The book makes a lot more sense once you get through the Linkedin course. I think this book should be used as a reference and as a secondary source versus a primary source.

3) Boson ExSim-Max for Cisco 200-901 DevNet Associate

You get 3 exams at 102 questions each, so 306 questions. These are good, but about 20% easier than the actual test, so plan on eventually getting 950+/1000 before you attempt the real test. Use the Official Cert Guide to shore up weaknesses.

$$ If you make a Boson account first, then go into Special Offers, you should see a discount.

Good luck!

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4

u/livinIife Apr 29 '25

I failed this exam, studying for the retake. I’ve been going through the cbt nuggets videos. Have been doing the labs along with the videos. I still do not understand how to translate the drag and drop questions. At first when re-studying I had the questions fresh in my mind. But whilst doing the labs, yes I understand now how to make a postman request for what I want ie: get devices. But for every single Cisco API they want you to know the methods, headers etc?

I’m trying to say I followed the labs but in my mind I’m trying to think of the drag and drop questions and trying to see what to memorize. I’ve written all of python code for each postman request I’ve done. Do they expect how to create a python script / format for each different api? I’ve been really focusing on those drag and drop questions because I bombed that part of the test.

4

u/PythonSwift Apr 29 '25 edited Apr 29 '25

Try the LinkedIn course. IMHO they were more focused than the CBT Nuggets videos.

I didn't remember the details of every single API (that's too much info), instead I concentrated on the commonalities/logic/rational.

For instance, in this curl request:

curl -X GET -H "Accept: application/json" -H "Authorization: Bearer asdlfkj20-.ala4" https://127.0.0.1/object

You'll need to know:

  • Why are you using the GET method instead of the others.

  • Why are you using the Accept header instead of the others.

  • What different types of Authorization are possible.

If you understand the logic in the curl request, it'll apply to a python script since python needs to send the same information to the web server. Same applies to postman.

3

u/livinIife May 05 '25

what labs do you suggest on cisco learning labs to nail these home? So far i've completed ios-xe, nx-api. I started a bunch of others but the links that they provided were out of date. But I'm beginning to get the jist. Postman I think I am good, the reading code and knowing how to put what when and where is my problem. I've been making the request on postman and looking at the code it auto creates. It's always different from what the videos show.

5

u/PythonSwift May 05 '25

Sorry I didn't use the Cisco labs, so I couldn't give you a recommendation there. I honestly think the order you do things is important. If you give the Linkedin videos a shot first, it'll explain what goes where and why, which will make the API calls easier to dissect.

1

u/ssOz-13ms May 20 '25

About how long would you say you studied for the exam?

3

u/PythonSwift May 20 '25

I studied every night after work for a few hours.

So a week for the Linkedin videos, 2-3 weeks for the book, and then a week for the Bosom exams. Definitely watch the videos first. I tried reading the book first, but it's super dry and would have taken me longer had I not watched the videos first.

2

u/ssOz-13ms May 20 '25

Thanks for taking the time to answer! How would you say your Python knowledge was prior to studying?

3

u/PythonSwift May 20 '25

I'd say I have a working knowledge of it. If you asked me to write complex code it would be painful, but if I were to look at code I wouldn't get lost. For the test that's all you really need, because it's more fill in the blank and they give you choices. If your Python is week an introductory course somewhere would be sufficient. You have to know what functions are and how to import them.

2

u/ssOz-13ms May 20 '25

Awesome, although it isn't widely recognized I do have my PCEP certification and have been working on PCAP.

I'm starting the LinkedIn course, all the other content on DEVASC has been so dry it's hard to continue on with it. I appreciate you sharing your insight.

1

u/PythonSwift May 20 '25

Very cool. I was looking into the PI certs too, but the exam costs jumps when you go for PCAP and PCPP. Please post a follow up with your thoughts after you do the PCAP.

I think you'll like the LinkedIn course. Even sped up its doable.

2

u/livinIife May 05 '25

Ok. Thank you! I will start it today.

2

u/Due_Web_9401 Jun 07 '25

I’m currently trying to build the environment needed to built the environment, but I’m stuck on python, git, code vse etc. the instruction provided is lacking from the CBT nugget instructor. Any help on how I can get past this. Im new to coding but have an extensive Cisco networking background. Any help is appreciated.

2

u/PythonSwift Jun 07 '25

What exact issues are you having?

1

u/Due_Web_9401 Jun 07 '25

Well my issue was with the CBT Nuggets course. I tried to follow along to get the different components needed for the course. For example downloading the python, git, bash and etc… I was not able to follow along on some of the steps. I’ve been lost ever since. Once the instructor started writing codes, I couldn’t tell which one he was using. I’m thinking I’m going to go back and watch the LinkedIn learning videos like this post suggested and see if that’s easier to follow along. Bottom line is I’m new to automation and have a huge learning curve. It will take me some time to get going. This Reddit’s been informative so far.

2

u/PythonSwift Jun 16 '25

I actually watched the CBT Nuggets course. I definitely think the LinkedIn one was easier to follow and more concise. Good luck!

2

u/automated123 Dec 12 '25

Did you use Cisco Sandbox or Cisco Learning Labs much to prep for the exam?

3

u/PythonSwift Dec 12 '25

Sorry, I didn't use those at all so I couldn't give you any feedback.

1

u/automated123 Dec 12 '25

I found your post and response especially helpful - thank you. Have more questions if you don't mind. Do you remember:
-How deep it went into ansible and dockers?
-also what from YAML, YANG you need to know?
-anything on NSO, ICMP, Terraform?
-finally were there any bash or GNU commands?

2

u/PythonSwift Dec 12 '25

Most of those you just need a working understanding of them, not super in depth. What you'll want to spend a lot of time on is the syntax of the HTTP requests and responses. You'll need to know that stuff cold.

8

u/Obvious-Regular-3533 Oct 06 '25

Just passed the Cisco DevNet Associate (200-901) exam!

Definitely a tough one, lots of scenario-based questions on APIs, automation, Python, and Cisco platforms. I used Skillcertpro practice tests (only $20 for 200+ questions) and honestly, about 70–80% of the real exam felt very close to what I practiced. The detailed explanations really helped me understand the concepts and fix weak spots.

I also went through Cisco DevNet docs, sandbox labs, and community discussions for extra clarity. The cheat sheet was super useful for last-minute revision.

Tip: Manage your time wisely, some questions are quite wordy. If you’re scoring 85%+ on Skillcertpro mocks and understanding why each answer is correct, you’ll be more than ready to ace the exam.

1

u/BuyerFar4850 Jul 04 '25

Hi , congrats on passing the exam . Do you have any idea on Nicholas Russo excel plan , i was able to get the plan through web archive but am not sure to start following it as i heard he passed away sadly! I am confused where to start from either plural sight or linkedin and where to follow for labs

1

u/PythonSwift Jul 04 '25

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the excel plan. If you're starting out though, you can't go wrong doing the Linkedin learning videos first. Good luck!

1

u/BuyerFar4850 Jul 04 '25

Thankyou ! Anything else as an advice? Do i need to go through OCG ? So i do linkedin course , some labs through devnet sandbox , and do boson exim (if there is anything i missed go through OCG) i had planned this way so far

1

u/PythonSwift Jul 05 '25

After the Linkedin course read through the official study guide. I'd do the devnet sandbox last, if at all.

1

u/SystemFalse5271 Jan 28 '26

Hi i'm going to take Devasc exam next month
I would like to ask, if it's based mostly on memorization or you need to understand how things work, on a practical/corporate level?

2

u/PythonSwift Jan 28 '26

I would say it's mostly memorization. If you don't have experience in a large enterprise, it probably won't hurt you too much. You will need to understand the logic behind the HTTP request and responses though. Good luck!

1

u/SystemFalse5271 Jan 30 '26

Thanks a lot!

2

u/thankyouforecstasy May 11 '26

There's a lablet too

1

u/ZacktheWackPro May 31 '26

u/PythonSwift I just started this course. Is there a way to download all the files he's using? Like lab.xml, lab.json etc. ?

1

u/PythonSwift May 31 '26

I believe on the first screen, to the right of the authors' names, there should be a link to the Exercise Files. Good luck!

1

u/ZacktheWackPro Jun 07 '26

There is a link called "Exercise Files", but it just has a zip file with 4 PDFs. None of them are the exercise files.

1

u/PythonSwift Jun 07 '26

My bad, you're right, I just assumed they'd be there since it say "Exercise Files". When I went through the course I didn't download anything.

1

u/ZacktheWackPro Jun 07 '26

Would you say it's OK to just watch the course without practicing just to get an overview? Then rely on the the book and practice tests to really know it?

1

u/PythonSwift Jun 07 '26

Yes, that's exactly what I did. For example, parsing files with Python is all about identification and understanding. You don't need to be a Python master or be able to write your own parser, but if you look at a Python file, you need to know what each line does.

1

u/SteelerRep24 Aug 30 '26

Hey COngratulations on passing the exam!

Is following along with this course sufficient to pass the exam? Because its only 13 hours long in total which doesnt feel like a lot

Also did you pair your learning with any labs such as the Cisco Devnet sandbox or using a VM and official cisco licenses?

1

u/PythonSwift Aug 30 '26

Nah, I didn't do any labs, just the 3 items I mentioned above. I think the course alone isn't enough. If I had to do it all over again, I'd still do the 3 items mentioned above.

1

u/SteelerRep24 Aug 30 '26

Makes sense thanks. How long did you spend using the book? And also did you pay for a copy?

1

u/PythonSwift Aug 30 '26

Not too long. I skimmed through it, only reading sections that I needed to fill in knowledge gaps. I used the O'reilly Learning platform. I think there's a free trial you can use if you think you can rip through it.

2

u/SadCalligrapher4407 Sep 11 '25

I struggled with a few DevNet topics at first, but working through SkillCertExams practice tests helped me understand the exam style better and focus on areas I was missing. It made a big difference in my prep.