Your Guide to the Updated CCNP Data Center Automation (DCNAUTO 2.0) Exam
The world of data center management is undergoing a seismic shift, moving away from manual configuration and towards a fully automated, API-driven future. Reflecting this industry evolution, the Cisco CCNP Data Center certification track has received a significant update, particularly with the new Implementing Cisco Data Center Automation and Orchestration v2.0 (300-635 DCNAUTO) exam.
This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s a fundamental realignment that emphasizes the modern skills network engineers need to thrive. If you’re pursuing your CCNP Data Center certification, understanding these changes is critical for your success. Let’s break down what’s new, what’s gone, and how you can prepare for this next-generation exam.
The Core Philosophy: From Specific Tools to Foundational Skills
The biggest change in DCNAUTO 2.0 is the philosophical shift from focusing on specific, high-level automation tools to mastering the underlying technologies that power them. The new blueprint is built on the premise that a modern automation engineer must be proficient with APIs, data models, and scripting.
This move recognizes that while tools may come and go, a deep understanding of Python, REST APIs, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles provides a durable and adaptable skill set. The exam now tests your ability to interact directly with network controllers and devices programmatically, which is the cornerstone of modern DevOps and NetDevOps practices.
What’s Out: A Farewell to Legacy Abstraction
To make room for new content, several topics from the previous version have been removed. This streamlining is a clear indicator of where the industry is heading. Key departures include:
- UCS PowerTool: The focus has shifted from PowerShell-based tooling to the more universal Intersight API.
- UCS Director: This comprehensive orchestration platform has been de-emphasized in favor of more flexible, code-based solutions like Terraform.
- Ansible for ACI and NX-OS: This may be surprising, but it aligns with the new philosophy. Instead of testing knowledge of pre-built Ansible modules, the exam now focuses on your ability to use Python libraries and direct API calls to interact with these platforms, which is the skill that underpins those modules.
What’s In: Mastering the Modern Automation Stack
The DCNAUTO 2.0 blueprint is packed with technologies that are essential for today’s data center professionals. Success on this exam requires hands-on proficiency in these key areas.
1. Network Programmability Foundation
This is the bedrock of the new exam. You must have a solid grasp of Python scripting for network automation, including working with libraries like requests. You will also be expected to understand and manipulate common data formats such as JSON, XML, and YAML, as well as work directly with REST APIs and YANG data models.
2. Controller-Based Networking APIs
The focus here is on programmatic interaction with Cisco’s core data center platforms. You will need in-depth, hands-on knowledge of the APIs for:
- Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI)
- Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC), the evolution of DCNM
- Cisco Intersight
This means moving beyond the GUI and learning how to perform configuration, data collection, and troubleshooting tasks by making API calls to these controllers.
3. Data Center Compute and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
This is perhaps the most significant new addition. Terraform is now a major topic on the exam. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to use Terraform to provision and manage data center compute resources, specifically Cisco UCS and HyperFlex, through the Intersight API. This commitment to IaC reflects the industry-wide adoption of declarative tools for managing infrastructure lifecycle.
4. Automation and Orchestration Concepts
The exam now officially incorporates modern software development and operations concepts. You’ll need to understand the fundamentals of CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipelines and the role of version control systems, particularly Git. Furthermore, the blueprint includes an important section on automation security, emphasizing the need to secure credentials, manage secrets, and protect API endpoints.
Actionable Strategy for Success
Navigating this new exam requires a focused study plan. Here are actionable tips to guide your preparation:
- Build a Strong Python and API Foundation: Don’t just read about it. Write Python scripts that connect to device APIs (even in a lab environment), parse JSON data, and make configuration changes. Use tools like Postman to explore and understand how REST APIs work.
- Embrace Terraform: Install Terraform and start practicing. The best way to learn is by doing. Work through tutorials on provisioning infrastructure, focusing on how the Intersight provider works to manage UCS and HyperFlex resources.
- Get Hands-On with Controller APIs: If you have access to ACI, NDFC, or Intersight, spend significant time exploring their API browsers and making calls. Understand the object model and how to construct the correct API requests to achieve a specific outcome.
- Understand DevOps Principles: You don’t need to be a full-stack developer, but you must understand the “why” behind CI/CD and Git. Learn the basic Git workflow (clone, add, commit, push) and grasp how automated pipelines can be used to test and deploy network changes safely.
The updated DCNAUTO 2.0 exam is undeniably more challenging, but it is also far more relevant to the real-world skills required of a modern data center engineer. By mastering these foundational automation and programmability skills, you are not just preparing for an exam—you are investing in the future of your career.
Source: https://feedpress.me/link/23532/17185819/views-from-an-insider-on-the-ccnp-automation-track-dcnauto-2-0-edition
