I’ve noticed a massive spike in "Network Automation Engineer" job titles. Since the CCNP Enterprise ENCOR 350-401 includes a 15% weight on automation, is that enough to land a role? Or do I need to go full DevNet Associate/Professional? I’m comfortable with OSPF and BGP, but I want to know if the CCNP path gives enough Python and API knowledge to actually automate enterprise workflows.
3 answers
The CCNP Enterprise gives you the "what" and the "why" of automation, but maybe not the full "how." In my experience, it teaches you to understand YANG models and how to use RESTCONF/NETCONF, which is a great start. However, to be a dedicated Automation Engineer, you’ll likely need more hands-on scripting experience than what the 350-401 requires. It’s a perfect bridge, though. If you can show you have professional-level networking knowledge plus the ability to parse JSON data, you're already ahead of most traditional candidates.
Patricia is right, but Amanda, are you planning on taking the ENAUTO 300-435 concentration exam? That specific exam dives much deeper into Python scripts for DNA Center and SD-WAN than the core ENCOR exam does. Have you looked at that blueprint yet?
CCNP Enterprise is still the primary requirement for most companies. Automation is a "plus," but they won't hire you if you don't understand the underlying routing protocols first.
Spot on, Margaret. You can't automate what you don't understand. A Network Automation Engineer is first and foremost a Network Engineer who knows how to use modern tools to scale.
To answer Richard, the ENAUTO concentration is actually a "bridge" exam that counts toward both CCNP Enterprise and DevNet Professional. It’s the perfect way to validate those skills if you want that specific job title. I’m currently studying for it and it’s very focused on real-world API implementation using Postman and Python