Cisco Revamps CCNP Automation: AUTOCOR Replaces DEVCOR

Expect more changes ahead regarding Cisco’s automation program. Starting February 2026, the DevNet Professional Certifications will transition to Cisco Automation Certifications, and the DEVCOR exam will be rebranded to AUTOCOR. Cisco is making this change to match the overhaul of its naming styles.

The new exam shows how Cisco wants automation to be front and center in enterprise IT. Engineers now do more than write scripts. They manage whole networks and scale them using automation tools.

What are the CCNP Automation Certifications? 

The Cisco Automation Certifications provide a clear path for IT professionals seeking to advance their careers by working with large networks through automation. The AUTOCOR exam builds on DEVCOR but shifts its focus toward the skills companies currently need. It better aligns with the work engineers face every day.

DEVCOR’s lean has been more toward building apps. For the AUTOCOR exam, the focus shifts to executing networks. IT professionals preparing for it will work with tools like Ansible or Terraform. They also need to script in Python and connect their work to CI/CD pipelines. 

If you’re looking for hands-on practice, the CBT Nuggets’ Cisco courses offer training that mirrors real-world job scenarios.

Why Cisco Made the Switch

Cisco launched DevNet to provide developers with a way to connect their apps with Cisco tools. As network engineers took on more automation work, Cisco adjusted the program to fit their role better. 

This change follows a big shift in IT. Automation has become a necessary part of daily network tasks. Engineers now work with Infrastructure as Code, protect pipelines, and watch systems in real time. AI tools are also entering the mix, so engineers need to know how to use them safely and responsibly.

By transitioning from DEVCOR to AUTOCOR, Cisco maintains the readiness of its certifications for modern challenges. For engineers, CCNP Automation helps them stand out as ready for the next stage of enterprise networking.

Realigning with Naming Conventions

Cisco renamed the DevNet professional track to CCNP Automation and placed it alongside CCNA and CCIE as part of a unified family. The new name points directly to the most relevant work: engineers are coding, deploying, and running automated networks.

Exam Changes in AUTOCOR

Cisco has updated the exam structure from five domains to four, allowing learners to focus on fewer areas with greater depth. AUTOCOR moves past development-only work and focuses on putting automation into action in real enterprise networks.

The four domains of study are:

• Network Automation with multi-platform tools like Python, Ansible, and Terraform

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with GitOps, Cisco Modeling Labs, and CI/CD pipelines

• Operations with telemetry, secrets management, and ongoing reliability

• AI in Network Automation, covering the safe use of AI models and risk management

The exam topics now list which Cisco platforms count. Learners can zero in on what’s most relevant and skip spending time on tech that won’t be tested. For those looking to start, the CBT Nuggets’ Cisco certification training will help you prepare well for the new exam scope.

What Carries Over From DEVCOR

Not everything from DEVCOR will be changed. Some of the most important skills will remain, including the following:

• Python programming for network tasks

• REST APIs and model-driven programmability

• Git for version control

• Automation best practices for Cisco platforms

Transition Timeline for AUTOCOR

On Feb. 3, 2026, the AUTOCOR exam starts, and DEVCOR ends. Learners still on DEVCOR can finish it before the cutoff or move their efforts to AUTOCOR. The change will not take place right away, and you’ll have plenty of time to prepare and transition to AUTOCOR. Meanwhile, other certification levels will change in name only. 

Other Cisco Certification Changes

At the entry level, DevNet Associate becomes CCNA Automation. At the expert level, DevNet Expert becomes CCIE Automation. These are just new names, as their coverage remains the same. The professional track is the only one with significant changes.

Start Preparing for AUTOCOR

With DEVCOR about to retire, now is a good time to shift attention to the CCNP Automation track. AUTOCOR sets a new standard, and starting early gives you a competitive edge.

Want to learn more about Cisco Training Courses? The CBT Nuggets’ Cisco Training Courses are a great place to start. These programs are designed to cover the updated exam domains while maintaining a practical and engaging training approach. Visit now and start learning the skills you need to grow.

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