Are your networking skills keeping pace with the rise of AI, automation, and cloud? If you’re feeling the pressure to upskill and stay relevant, you’re not alone. The tech landscape is evolving at warp speed, and traditional certifications may not be enough to prepare you for the challenges ahead.
That’s why Cisco is launching a series of updates across learning and certifications, beginning with our new name: Learn with Cisco.
We recognize that at the heart of our digital future are the people who build, secure, and evolve it. Learn with Cisco encompasses all Cisco-related training, elevating digital skills at every level and enabling global economic opportunity with industry-recognized certifications. No matter where you live in the world or where you are in your professional life, Learn with Cisco empowers you to expand your career prospects with consistently updated, continuous learning.
This rebrand and our certification updates are designed to help you build an AI-ready skill set, grow your expertise, and navigate the complexity of modern IT environments—all while simplifying the certification journey and expanding your workforce opportunities.
Better aligned with the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE brand you know and love
Starting February 3, 2026, we’re updating and simplifying certifications to better align with your career goals. We’re bringing more clarity to the certification framework by focusing on the names you already trust: CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing to a specialist or expert level, you’ll find a clear path forward that matches your goals. Here’s how DevNet and Cybersecurity certifications are changing.
How DevNet certification is changing
With AI-driven networking comes the need for deep skills in automation, software development, and application design. To meet that demand, we’re launching a new automation certification track built on the success of our DevNet program.
On February 3, 2026, the DevNet certification track will be rebranded as CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE Automation.
These updated certifications feature major updates to the exams and training materials with an even greater focus on automation and AI-ready networking skills.
New Cisco Automation certifications will launch on February 3, 2026:
- CCNA Automation
- CCNP Automation
- CCIE Automation
These certifications will replace our current DevNet certification track and are designed to give you a competitive edge in a multi-vendor environment, preparing you to lead in a world where network automation and AI are no longer optional—it’s essential.
Mark your calendar: Exam topics will be released in July 2025. Get notified
Note: Starting February 3, 2026, anyone holding an active DevNet Associate, Professional, or Expert certification will automatically be recognized as CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE Automation certified, respectively.
New Collaboration Specialist certifications
With hybrid work now the norm, collaboration technology must evolve—and network engineers must evolve along with it. Show your employer (or potential employers) you’re ahead of the game with one of our collaboration certifications, focusing on cloud-only, hybrid, or on-premises technologies—whatever’s most relevant to your role. Any of these Collaboration exams can be taken along with a core exam to earn the CCNP Collaboration Certification.
The Cloud certification is brand new and the only one to focus solely on the cloud:
The other three Collaboration certification exams have been newly updated (v2.0):
These skills-focused certifications will help you prove your expertise, especially in high-demand areas like Webex contact center technologies and cloud.
Cybersecurity certifications, aligned with the CCNA and CCNP brand
To better reflect Cisco’s leading security portfolio, we’re also rebranding our cybersecurity certifications under the familiar CCNA and CCNP umbrella. With this change, launching in February 2026, you’ll have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or Professional-level certification in this area:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cybersecurity
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cybersecurity
You may be wondering why simple name changes and alignment shifts matter. Why mess with a good thing?
Here’s why we think it’ll make a difference:
- Enhanced recognition: Aligning with the well-known CCNA and CCNP brands instantly lends greater credibility to your cybersecurity skills. Employers recognize these certifications as benchmarks of competence.
- Clear career path: This update clearly defines your path in cybersecurity, whether you’re starting out (CCNA) or advancing your expertise (CCNP). This makes it easier to plan your career progression and identify the skills you need to acquire.
Note: If you currently hold an active CyberOps or Cybersecurity certification, you’ll automatically be recognized as a CCNA or CCNP Cybersecurity certification holder based on your current certification level once the certs go live.
Build skills for the intelligent network
Overall, we’ve decided to make these changes to ultimately better serve you and your technical needs. Whether your focus is automation, cybersecurity, or collaboration, you’ll be better equipped to:
- Become an AI and automation skills virtuoso.
- Navigate complex, hybrid environments.
- Choose a certification path that’s easier to follow and more aligned with your career goals.
Get started today—at no cost
For those eager to begin learning Generative AI Skills, leverage our Understanding AI and LLMs as a Network Engineer tutorial and earn the AI for Networking badge.
For those wanting to get started in building automation skills, utilize our Understanding Cisco Network Automation Essentials and also earn 16 Continuing Education Credits to put toward recertification.
Eager to learn cybersecurity skills – take Cisco NetAcad’s Introduction to Cybersecurity course and be on the road to earn your Cisco CCST Cybersecurity certification.
And if you are a Collaboration engineer looking to sharpen your skills ahead of the certification updates, leverage our new Collaboration tutorials series on Cisco U.
Helping you stay ahead
As networks evolve, so must network engineers. Cisco is committed to helping you lead in the era of AI and automation. Stay tuned to the Cisco Learning Network for more updates and resources.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up to stay abreast of our certification updates, and we’ll notify you automatically once they go live. Sign up for alerts
Do you think these changes will help with your technical skills and career? Let us know in the comments.
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