Cisco Just Overhauled Its Entire Certification Program: 5 Surprising Changes You Need to Know (2026 Update)
Introduction: A New Era for Cisco Certifications
The technology landscape is evolving at warp speed—and staying relevant as an IT professional is no longer optional. Cisco’s latest announcement marks one of its most significant certification shake-ups in a decade, fundamentally redefining what it means to be a Cisco-certified expert.
Beginning in 2026, Cisco will roll out sweeping changes that impact every level of its certification hierarchy—from Associate (CCNA) to Expert (CCIE). These updates are designed to align with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and cybersecurity integration, ensuring professionals are ready for the future of intelligent networking.
Let’s break down the five biggest and most surprising changes that will reshape your Cisco certification journey.
1. Wireless Goes “Back to the Future” — CCNP & CCIE Wireless Return
In a move that surprised many, Cisco is re-introducing a dedicated Wireless certification track. Beginning March 19, 2026, candidates can once again pursue the CCNP Wireless and CCIE Wireless credentials.
Why It Matters:
In 2020, Cisco retired the standalone wireless path and merged it into CCNP Enterprise, but now—thanks to advancements like Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Cisco Meraki cloud management—the complexity of wireless networking has warranted a dedicated focus once again.
The new path will be anchored by a new core exam: Implementing and Operating Cisco Wireless Core Technologies (350-101 WLCOR). The ENCOR exam will no longer include wireless topics, streamlining the Enterprise track for professionals who don’t specialize in wireless.
“We’ve had it before. Then it went away. Now it’s back again. For those of us in wireless, these shifts make it harder to plan our careers and stay current.” — Cisco Community Comment
While the decision drew mixed reactions, it underscores a key message: Cisco is listening to its community and re-aligning with market demand. Wireless specialists are back in the spotlight.
2. DevNet Retires — “Automation” Takes Its Place
Perhaps the most symbolic shift is the retirement of the DevNet brand. Starting February 3, 2026, all DevNet certifications—from Associate to Expert—will be renamed to CCNA Automation, CCNP Automation, and CCIE Automation.
This isn’t just a rename; it’s a complete strategic repositioning.
What’s Changing:
New Identity: The focus moves from “developers joining networking” to “network engineers mastering automation.”
Content Update: The DEVCOR, ENAUTO, and DCAUTO exams will include expanded coverage of AI, APIs, and network orchestration.
Auto-Migration: Holders of active DevNet credentials on February 3, 2026, will automatically be transitioned to the new Automation certifications.
This rebrand reflects Cisco’s acknowledgment that automation is now a core competency, not a niche specialization. Every network professional must be automation-literate to stay relevant in the AI era.
3. Everything Consolidates Under CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE
In a smart branding and simplification move, Cisco is consolidating all its certifications under its three flagship designations: CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE.
That means the current Cybersecurity and DevNet (soon Automation) certifications will now live under the unified Cisco umbrella.
Key Impacts:
CyberOps Associate/Professional → CCNA Cybersecurity & CCNP Cybersecurity
DevNet → CCNA/CCNP/CCIE Automation
Consistent Progression: Learners now follow a predictable and unified path from Associate → Professional → Expert.
This brand consolidation reduces confusion and strengthens recognition. Recruiters and employers immediately understand what level and area of expertise a certification represents—improving global credibility.
Why Cisco Did It:
🔹 Brand Recognition: The CCNA/P/IE names have decades of trust.
🔹 Simplified Journey: Clearer career pathways for IT professionals.
🔹 Market Relevance: Aligns with modern enterprise priorities—AI, automation, and security.
4. The Real Driver: Artificial Intelligence
Beneath all these structural changes lies the real force reshaping Cisco’s certification strategy: Artificial Intelligence.
Cisco’s VP of Learn with Cisco, Par Merat, summed it up perfectly:
“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.”
The Data Behind the Decision:
77% of companies are using or exploring AI.
The network automation market will grow from $31 billion (2025) to $88 billion (2030).
Enterprise infrastructure is increasingly self-optimizing and AI-driven.
Cisco’s revamped certifications—especially the Automation track—are designed to train engineers who can design, secure, and manage AI-enhanced networks. The future of networking isn’t just connectivity—it’s intelligence at scale.
5. Several Specialist Exams Retiring Permanently
To streamline its ecosystem, Cisco will retire multiple specialist exams as of February 2, 2026. After this date, these exams will no longer be available:
300-810 CLICA — Implementing Cisco Collaboration Applications
300-835 CLAUTO — Implementing Automation for Cisco Collaboration
300-535 SPAUTO — Implementing Automation for Cisco Service Provider Solutions
300-735 SAUTO — Implementing Automation for Cisco Security Solutions
300-910 DEVOPS — Implementing DevOps Solutions and Practices using Cisco Platforms
This “pruning” aligns with the new Automation certification track, consolidating related knowledge areas into a unified, AI-focused framework.
If you’re currently preparing for any of these exams—complete them before February 2, 2026, or transition your study plan toward the new Automation core.
Conclusion: Prepare Today, Lead Tomorrow
Cisco’s 2026 certification overhaul signals the end of the hardware-centric era and the dawn of an AI-driven, software-defined networking future.
For professionals, this means:
Re-align your career path toward Automation and AI readiness.
Update your learning plans ahead of 2026.
Leverage the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE brand clarity to plan long-term growth.
The network engineer of tomorrow isn’t just configuring routers—they’re designing intelligent, automated systems that drive business outcomes.
The message is clear:
The future is automated. The future is AI. The future is Cisco-certified.
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