Selkobase certification index

Alternatives to the Cisco CCNA Automation Certification for Network Automation Beginners

Budget-fit and hands-on assessment options for associate-level automation work

Starting out in network automation and weighing the CCNA Automation credential? The reviewed options below are grouped by reason: an HPE Juniper Networking automation credential for readers weighing budget fit, and a Red Hat credential assessed through practical tasks.

Why compare

Automation options to weigh next to CCNA Automation

CCNA Automation has options grouped by reason. An HPE Juniper Networking automation and DevOps credential is offered to readers weighing budget fit, and a Red Hat Ansible credential is there for those who prefer hands-on assessment. All are reviewed and none is ranked.

Starting point

Reference facts

CCNA Automation

Cisco
Level
Associate
Credential type
Professional certification
Exam type
Written
Study time
70-140h
Known price
$300
Full certification details

Hands-on

Hands-on alternatives to CCNA Automation

Credentials assessed through practical, lab-based, or multi-part exams, for people who want to show applied ability.

Hands-on Ansible automation assessment

Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Network Automation assesses real automation tasks on network devices, offering a performance-based test where the Cisco associate exam is written.

Who it suits

Best for people who already script or use Ansible and want to demonstrate hands-on competence, rather than those starting from software development basics.

Key differences

  • Candidates complete tasks in a live environment instead of answering written questions, which rewards practice with Ansible tooling over study of API theory.
  • Content centers on inventory, variables, and repeatable network operations across vendors, not software development fundamentals and Cisco platform programmability.
  • It sits at a more specialized tier and assumes some automation familiarity, so it is a less natural first credential.
Level
Specialty
Assessment
Practical
Study time
85-155h
Listed from
Not listed

Budget fit

Options to weigh on budget against CCNA Automation

Credentials whose currently listed exam price is lower on a comparable basis. Prices change and vary by region, so confirm with the provider.

Entry-level Junos automation with PyEZ

HPE Juniper Networking Automation and DevOps, Associate introduces NETCONF, data serialization, and Python with PyEZ for Junos devices, an entry-level automation peer outside the Cisco ecosystem.

Who it suits

Appropriate for early-career network engineers working on Juniper gear who want to add scripting and API skills at the same entry tier as the Cisco option.

Key differences

  • Coverage is built around Junos device automation and the NETCONF interface, while CCNA Automation spends more time on software development concepts and Cisco platform APIs.
  • Python appears through the PyEZ library for Junos, a narrower and more device-specific use than the general application development topics in the Cisco exam.
  • It omits application deployment and security topics that CCNA Automation includes.
Level
Associate
Assessment
Written
Study time
55-110h
Listed from
$200

Side by side

How the options compare on the record

Structured facts from each certification record, with CCNA Automation as the reference row. Prices and exam details change, so check the provider before deciding.

CertificationCompared forLevelAssessmentStudy timeListed from
Reference
AssociateWritten70-140h$300
SpecialtyPractical85-155hNot listed
AssociateWritten55-110h$200

Next steps

Narrow your choice beyond CCNA Automation

Begin with the automation tools you expect to use, then think about whether you want a conventional exam or practical tasks. Compare level and vendor fit on each detail page, and use certification search to broaden the comparison.

Compare more certifications

Put CCNA Automation in Context Before You Commit

After reviewing CCNA Automation, compare its focus on software development, APIs, application deployment, security, and infrastructure automation with related provider and role-based credentials. Look for the scope that best reflects the work you perform, the skills you need to strengthen, and the level of assessment you are ready to prepare for.