The New CCNP: How Automation is Reshaping Network Engineering
The world of network engineering is undergoing a seismic shift. The days of configuring devices one by one through a command-line interface (CLI) are fading. Today, the demands for scale, speed, and consistency require a new approach—one rooted in automation and programmability. Recognizing this trend, Cisco has fundamentally evolved its prestigious CCNP Enterprise certification, placing automation skills front and center.
If you’re a network professional, understanding this evolution isn’t just about passing an exam; it’s about future-proofing your career.
Why the Change? The Move from Manual to Automated
For years, network management relied on manual processes. While effective for smaller networks, this approach simply doesn’t scale in the modern enterprise. Manual configuration is slow, prone to human error, and inefficient for managing hundreds or thousands of devices.
The industry has moved towards models driven by software-defined networking (SDN), intent-based networking, and cloud integration. These architectures depend on automation to function. Consequently, the modern network engineer is expected to be more than just a CLI expert; they need to understand how to use code, APIs, and automation tools to manage the network as a programmable system.
The Modern CCNP Enterprise Structure
The new CCNP certification framework reflects this new reality. To achieve the CCNP Enterprise certification, you must pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam of your choice.
- The Core Exam (ENCOR 350-401): This mandatory exam covers the fundamental knowledge required for enterprise networking roles. It tests your skills in dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, and security. Crucially, it also includes a significant section on automation.
- A Concentration Exam: After passing the core exam, you choose one concentration exam that aligns with your specific career goals or technical interests. These exams take a deep dive into topics like advanced routing, SD-WAN, network design, or—most relevant to this discussion—enterprise automation.
The key takeaway is that automation is no longer an optional, niche skill. It is now a foundational component of the core CCNP Enterprise curriculum.
Automation in the Core (ENCOR) Exam
You cannot earn a CCNP Enterprise certification without demonstrating a solid understanding of automation fundamentals. The ENCOR exam specifically tests your ability to:
- Interpret basic Python scripts.
- Understand data formats like JSON, XML, and YAML.
- Grasp the concepts behind REST APIs, including how they function and are used in network operations.
- Recognize the roles of configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef.
This means that even if you don’t choose the automation concentration, you must have foundational programmability skills to be considered a certified professional at the CCNP level.
Deep Dive: The Enterprise Automation (ENAUTO 300-435) Exam
For those who want to specialize and become true automation experts, the Implementing Enterprise Automation Solutions (ENAUTO) exam is the ideal concentration. This exam goes far beyond the basics covered in the core curriculum and validates your ability to develop and deploy real-world automation solutions.
Key topics in the ENAUTO exam include:
- Advanced Python Programming: Using libraries like
requestsandnetmikoto interact with network devices. - Managing APIs: Working with the APIs of major platforms like Cisco DNA Center, Meraki, and SD-WAN.
- Data Modeling: Utilizing YANG, NETCONF, and RESTCONF for structured network device management.
- Automation Tools: Implementing solutions with Ansible for automated configuration and deployment.
Passing the ENAUTO exam certifies that you possess a deep, practical skill set for automating complex enterprise networks, making you a highly valuable asset in any modern IT organization.
Actionable Tips for Success
Whether you’re just starting your CCNP journey or updating your skills, here’s how to prepare for the automation-focused landscape:
- Master the Fundamentals: Don’t forget that automation builds upon a strong foundation. A deep understanding of routing, switching, and IP services is still essential.
- Learn Python: If you’re new to coding, start now. Focus on Python syntax, data types (strings, lists, dictionaries), and basic scripting. You don’t need to be a software developer, but you must be comfortable reading and writing simple scripts.
- Get Hands-On with APIs: Use tools like Postman to interact with public APIs. This will help you understand the request/response model of REST APIs without needing a full lab environment.
- Build a Virtual Lab: Use platforms like Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), EVE-NG, or GNS3 to practice both networking and automation concepts together. There is no substitute for hands-on experience.
The evolution of the CCNP Enterprise certification sends a clear message: automation is the future of networking. By embracing these new skills, you not only prepare yourself for certification success but also position yourself as a leader in the next generation of network engineering.
Source: https://feedpress.me/link/23532/17112628/views-from-an-insider-on-the-ccnp-automation-track-autocor-edition
