CCNA Automation

Certilum focus

For CCNA Automation, Certilum ensures you understand the business value of automation via scenario‑based practice questions – automating VLAN deployments via API, validating network changes, and building simple Python‑based dashboards. Our quizzes bridge certification and real‑world automation engineering.

Cognitive load

Moderate to High – The combination of traditional networking concepts (routing, switching, security) with new automation topics (Python, JSON, REST APIs) requires dual cognitive processing. Learners must switch between network theory and hands-on coding, which can be demanding for non-programmers.

Study strategy

Focus on hands-on labs using Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or physical gear for traditional topics. For automation, use DevNet Sandboxes and Postman to practice REST API calls. Write short Python scripts leveraging the requests library. Allocate 60% of study time to automation and programmability domains since they carry the most weight and are less familiar to traditional network engineers. Review JSON and YAML data formats thoroughly.

Skills measured

• Python scripting for network tasks
• REST API consumption (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
• JSON and XML data parsing
• Ansible/Chef/Puppet automation basics
• VLAN/trunking and inter-VLAN routing
• NAT/DHCP/DNS troubleshooting
• Network security with ACLs and AAA
• NTP/SNMP/syslog configuration
• Network device management and monitoring
• Subnetting and IPv6 addressing

Mandatory preconditions

• Basic understanding of IPv4/IPv6 addressing and subnetting
• 6 months of hands-on experience with Cisco IOS or IOS-XE devices
• Familiarity with at least one scripting language (Python recommended)