DevNet Associate (DEVASC) Exam Practice Questions and Answers

DevNet Associate (DEVASC) Exam Preparation Questions

The DevNet Associate (DEVASC) certification is designed to validate foundational knowledge in software development, automation, and network engineering. For anyone aspiring to build a career in network automation, cloud-native development, or infrastructure-as-code, mastering the core topics of this exam is essential.

This exam prep material is thoughtfully structured to mirror real-world scenarios and job roles. It goes beyond surface-level learning by integrating software development principles with practical network automation strategies. Whether you’re transitioning from traditional networking or entering from a software development background, this study resource will provide the clarity and hands-on familiarity needed to excel.

From RESTful APIs to model-driven programmability and from DevOps fundamentals to application deployment, every critical subject area is covered in depth. Each practice question is crafted to assess your understanding in real-world contexts, focusing not just on memorization, but on applying knowledge across development and operations workflows. The explanations that accompany every answer also help strengthen your grasp of key concepts, so you understand why each answer is correct.

What You’ll Learn

This resource offers detailed exposure to the core components of the DEVASC blueprint. You’ll explore:

• Software Development and Design: Dive into fundamental programming concepts, version control with Git, and modern development methodologies like Agile and CI/CD pipelines.
• Understanding and Using APIs: Gain practical experience in interacting with REST APIs, handling JSON and XML data formats, and automating repetitive tasks.
• Cisco Platforms and Development: Learn how Cisco’s platforms support automation and programmability, including DNA Center, Meraki, and Webex APIs.
• Application Deployment and Security: Get familiar with containerization, virtualization, and basic security principles that align with today’s modern infrastructure.
• Infrastructure and Automation: Develop insight into network operations automation using Python scripts, Ansible, and model-driven telemetry.
• Network Fundamentals: Brush up on key networking concepts, addressing schemes, IP routing, and transport layer protocols — all through the lens of programmability.

These practice materials reflect the real-world challenges and workflows you’ll encounter in a DevNet Associate role. They are especially useful for those aiming to move beyond theory into applied knowledge and job-readiness.

Why This Exam Prep Works

Unlike traditional resources, this study aid has been designed for retention and comprehension, not just exam cramming. It reinforces learning with scenario-based questions that simulate actual professional environments. You’ll not only learn how to code, automate, and analyze, but also understand how to integrate these skills into daily network operations.

Each concept is broken down in a structured and digestible manner, making it easier to absorb even for beginners. Whether you’re studying after work, during lunch breaks, or over weekends, this prep tool is ideal for flexible self-paced learning.

Success in the DevNet Associate (DEVASC) exam opens the doors to a new era of network engineering — one where automation, development, and innovation come together. Investing your time in thorough, strategic preparation is the first step to unlocking that potential.

This exam prep is the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be in your IT career. With the right guidance and comprehensive practice, you’re not just preparing for an exam — you’re preparing for the future of networking.

Sample Questions and Answers

Which protocol does REST API primarily use for communication?
A) FTP
B) HTTP
C) SMTP
D) SSH

Answer: B) HTTP
Explanation: REST APIs commonly use HTTP as the transport protocol for communication, leveraging standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.

What is the purpose of the JSON data format in network automation?
A) To encrypt data
B) To provide a lightweight, human-readable way to exchange data
C) To compress files
D) To execute commands on routers

Answer: B) To provide a lightweight, human-readable way to exchange data
Explanation: JSON is used in network automation to structure data in an easy-to-read and lightweight format that APIs commonly consume and produce.

Which Python library is commonly used for making REST API calls?
A) NumPy
B) Pandas
C) Requests
D) Matplotlib

Answer: C) Requests
Explanation: The Requests library is popular in Python for sending HTTP/HTTPS requests to REST APIs in an easy and user-friendly way.

What does the command netmiko.ConnectHandler() do in network automation?
A) Opens a connection to a device using SSH
B) Sends an email notification
C) Parses JSON files
D) Starts a local web server

Answer: A) Opens a connection to a device using SSH
Explanation: Netmiko is a Python library to simplify SSH connections to network devices; ConnectHandler() is used to establish the SSH session.

Which Cisco DevNet Sandbox environment would you use for testing IOS XE devices?
A) IOS XR Sandbox
B) IOS XE Sandbox
C) NX-OS Sandbox
D) Catalyst 9000 Sandbox

Answer: B) IOS XE Sandbox
Explanation: Cisco DevNet provides sandbox environments that simulate real devices; for IOS XE software, the IOS XE Sandbox is specifically designed for testing.

What type of authentication does OAuth 2.0 provide for REST APIs?
A) Basic Authentication
B) Token-based Authentication
C) IP Whitelisting
D) Password Authentication

Answer: B) Token-based Authentication
Explanation: OAuth 2.0 uses tokens to allow secure and delegated access to APIs without sharing passwords.

In Python, what data type is best suited to parse JSON data?
A) Tuple
B) List
C) Dictionary
D) Set

Answer: C) Dictionary
Explanation: When JSON data is loaded in Python using json.loads(), it is converted into a dictionary, which maps key-value pairs.

Which protocol is primarily used by NETCONF for device communication?
A) HTTP
B) SSH
C) Telnet
D) FTP

Answer: B) SSH
Explanation: NETCONF typically uses SSH as the secure transport protocol to communicate with network devices.

What is the purpose of Cisco DNA Center in network automation?
A) Physical cabling design
B) Centralized network automation and assurance platform
C) Hardware firewall configuration
D) IP address allocation

Answer: B) Centralized network automation and assurance platform
Explanation: Cisco DNA Center provides a centralized platform to automate and assure network operations including device provisioning and policy management.

Which HTTP method is used to update an existing resource via a REST API?
A) GET
B) POST
C) PUT
D) DELETE

Answer: C) PUT
Explanation: PUT is typically used in REST APIs to replace or update a resource with the provided data.

What does the acronym “IaC” stand for in network automation?
A) Infrastructure as Code
B) Internet and Cloud
C) Internal Access Control
D) Integrated Automation Controller

Answer: A) Infrastructure as Code
Explanation: IaC is the practice of managing and provisioning computing infrastructure through code instead of manual processes.

Which Cisco API allows you to interact programmatically with network devices running IOS XE?
A) RESTCONF
B) SNMP
C) FTP
D) Telnet

Answer: A) RESTCONF
Explanation: RESTCONF is a REST-like protocol used to interact with network devices that support YANG data models, including IOS XE devices.

What is the main function of Ansible in network automation?
A) Packet sniffing
B) Configuring and managing network devices using playbooks
C) Hardware diagnostics
D) Performance monitoring

Answer: B) Configuring and managing network devices using playbooks
Explanation: Ansible uses playbooks, which are YAML files, to automate configuration management across devices.

Which data format is typically used for YANG models in network automation?
A) XML
B) CSV
C) TXT
D) DOC

Answer: A) XML
Explanation: YANG models often use XML format for configuration data and device communication, although JSON is also supported.

In DevNet learning, what is the main benefit of using SDKs (Software Development Kits)?
A) To provide ready-made libraries to interact with APIs efficiently
B) To design hardware components
C) To create graphic interfaces
D) To monitor network traffic

Answer: A) To provide ready-made libraries to interact with APIs efficiently
Explanation: SDKs simplify development by offering pre-built functions and classes to work with APIs.

Which port does the REST API usually listen on by default?
A) 22
B) 80
C) 443
D) 161

Answer: C) 443
Explanation: REST APIs over HTTPS typically use port 443 for secure communication.

Which Python module helps in scheduling repeated tasks or running scripts at intervals?
A) time
B) sched
C) threading
D) socket

Answer: B) sched
Explanation: The sched module in Python can be used to schedule periodic tasks and automate repetitive processes.

What type of device data is typically retrieved using SNMP?
A) Configuration files
B) Performance statistics and device status
C) API keys
D) User passwords

Answer: B) Performance statistics and device status
Explanation: SNMP is widely used for monitoring network devices by querying statistics like CPU load and interface traffic.

What is the key benefit of using Python in network automation?
A) Python is hardware-specific
B) Python is widely supported with rich libraries and simple syntax
C) Python requires complex installation
D) Python is only used for web development

Answer: B) Python is widely supported with rich libraries and simple syntax
Explanation: Python’s popularity and vast ecosystem make it ideal for automating network tasks efficiently.

What is a common use of Cisco Meraki APIs?
A) Configure local routers only
B) Manage and monitor cloud-managed Meraki devices
C) Encrypt network traffic
D) Backup router configurations

Answer: B) Manage and monitor cloud-managed Meraki devices
Explanation: Cisco Meraki APIs enable interaction with cloud-managed networks for automation and monitoring.

Which HTTP status code indicates a successful GET request?
A) 404
B) 500
C) 200
D) 403

Answer: C) 200
Explanation: Status code 200 means the request was successful and the server has returned the requested data.

What is the purpose of using virtual environments (venv) in Python for network automation projects?
A) To run multiple Python versions simultaneously
B) To isolate project dependencies and avoid conflicts
C) To improve Python performance
D) To write code faster

Answer: B) To isolate project dependencies and avoid conflicts
Explanation: Virtual environments help manage packages on a per-project basis without affecting the global Python installation.

What is Cisco OnePK?
A) A type of router
B) A Python-based network programming SDK
C) A firewall software
D) A VPN solution

Answer: B) A Python-based network programming SDK
Explanation: Cisco OnePK allows developers to program network devices via Python APIs.

What is the role of Webhooks in network automation?
A) To schedule commands
B) To allow real-time notifications triggered by events
C) To monitor SNMP traps
D) To configure devices manually

Answer: B) To allow real-time notifications triggered by events
Explanation: Webhooks are HTTP callbacks that notify a system when specific events occur, enabling automation workflows.

Which of the following is NOT a network automation tool?
A) Ansible
B) Puppet
C) Docker
D) Chef

Answer: C) Docker
Explanation: Docker is a containerization platform, not primarily a network automation tool.

What does the “Cisco DevNet” platform provide?
A) Only software downloads
B) Developer resources including sandboxes, learning labs, APIs, and SDKs
C) Hardware for sale
D) VPN services

Answer: B) Developer resources including sandboxes, learning labs, APIs, and SDKs
Explanation: Cisco DevNet offers resources for developers to learn and build network automation solutions.

What command would you use to install the Requests library in Python?
A) pip install requests
B) install requests
C) get requests
D) python add requests

Answer: A) pip install requests
Explanation: pip is Python’s package manager; pip install requests downloads and installs the Requests library.

Which HTTP method is idempotent, meaning multiple identical requests have the same effect as one?
A) POST
B) GET
C) PUT
D) DELETE

Answer: C) PUT
Explanation: PUT is idempotent because multiple identical requests will update the resource to the same state.

In API testing, what tool is commonly used for sending HTTP requests and inspecting responses?
A) Wireshark
B) Postman
C) Nmap
D) Cisco Packet Tracer

Answer: B) Postman
Explanation: Postman is a widely used tool for testing and debugging APIs by sending requests and viewing responses.

Which data serialization format is commonly used in REST APIs besides JSON?
A) YAML
B) XML
C) TXT
D) CSV

Answer: B) XML
Explanation: XML is another common data format for API communication, especially in older or enterprise systems.

What command in Python is used to convert a Python dictionary into a JSON string?
A) json.dumps()
B) json.loads()
C) json.stringify()
D) json.tojson()

Answer: A) json.dumps()
Explanation: json.dumps() serializes a Python dictionary into a JSON formatted string.