Cisco made its biggest certification changes in over a decade on February 3, 2026. The DevNet track became CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE Automation. CyberOps became CCNA and CCNP Cybersecurity. Six specialist exams retired. And CCNP Wireless relaunched on March 19, 2026 after being discontinued in 2020.
If you hold a Cisco certification, are studying for one, or are planning your next career move in networking or cybersecurity, this guide covers every change, every date, and exactly what you need to do.
What Changed in Cisco Certifications in 2026?
Here is a complete summary of every major change:
| Change | Date | What Happened |
| Specialist exams retired | February 2, 2026 | CLAUTO, CLICA, SPAUTO, SAUTO, DEVOPS retired permanently |
| DevNet rebranded to Automation | February 3, 2026 | DevNet Associate, Professional, Expert became CCNA, CCNP, CCIE Automation |
| CyberOps rebranded to Cybersecurity | February 3, 2026 | CyberOps Associate and Professional became CCNA and CCNP Cybersecurity |
| Collaboration v2.0 updates | February 3, 2026 | Three exams updated, one new specialist cert added |
| CCNP Wireless relaunched | March 19, 2026 | Standalone wireless track restored with new core exam 350-101 WLCOR |
| AI content integration | Ongoing 2026 | AI and automation topics expanded across all certification levels |
Change 1: DevNet Became CCNA Automation and CCNP Automation
On February 3, 2026, Cisco’s entire DevNet certification track was rebranded as Automation under the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE naming structure.
| Old Name | New Name |
| DevNet Associate | CCNA Automation |
| DevNet Professional | CCNP Automation |
| DevNet Expert | CCIE Automation |
This is not just a name change. The exam content was substantially updated to emphasize AI-ready networking skills, infrastructure-as-code, multi-vendor programmability, and cloud-native automation frameworks.
If you held an active DevNet certification on February 3, 2026: Your credential was automatically migrated to the equivalent Automation certification. No retesting required. No action needed. New digital badges were issued automatically.
If you were studying for DevNet: Your core content — Python, REST APIs, network programmability, data formats — carries forward into CCNA Automation. The new blueprint adds AI-integrated automation content. Review the updated exam blueprint before scheduling.
Why did Cisco make this change? The DevNet brand created market confusion. Many hiring managers did not know how DevNet compared to CCNA or CCNP in terms of level and rigor. CCNA Automation communicates level instantly. It also signals that automation is now a core networking skill, not a niche specialization.
Our full guide to this transition is in our DevNet vs CCNA Automation guide.
Change 2: CyberOps Became CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNP Cybersecurity
Also on February 3, 2026, Cisco’s CyberOps certification track was rebranded under the CCNA and CCNP naming structure.
| Old Name | New Name |
| CyberOps Associate | CCNA Cybersecurity |
| CyberOps Professional | CCNP Cybersecurity |
Exam content was also updated. The CBROPS exam moved from v1.1 to v1.2. Updates include practical AI applications in monitoring and threat analysis, reflecting how modern Security Operations Centers use AI-generated threat intelligence, automated detection and response, and machine learning-powered anomaly detection.
Exam codes stayed the same. The codes 200-201 CBROPS and 350-201 CBRCOR remain unchanged. Only the content version and certification name changed.
If you held an active CyberOps certification on February 3, 2026: Your credential was automatically migrated to CCNA or CCNP Cybersecurity. No retesting required.
If you were studying for CyberOps: Your preparation is still largely valid. Review the updated CBROPS v1.2 exam objectives to confirm you are covering the new AI-focused content additions before booking your exam.
Why did Cisco make this change? Employers already understand what CCNA means. When a candidate listed CyberOps Associate on a resume, some hiring managers were unsure how it compared to other Cisco certifications. CCNA Cybersecurity communicates the level immediately and aligns with the career hierarchy employers recognize.
Change 3: Six Specialist Exams Retired on February 2, 2026
The following specialist exams reached end of life on February 2, 2026 and are no longer available:
| Exam Code | Exam Name |
| 300-835 CLAUTO | Implementing Automation for Cisco Collaboration Solutions |
| 300-810 CLICA | Implementing Cisco Collaboration Applications |
| 300-820 CLCEI | Implementing Cisco Collaboration Cloud and Edge Solutions |
| 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 |
If you passed any of these before February 2, 2026: Your certification remains valid until its natural expiration date. Retired exams do not disappear from your Cisco transcript.
If you were preparing for any of these: The exam codes no longer exist. Redirect your preparation toward the current active track that best covers your skill area. For automation-focused exams, the CCNP Automation track is the replacement.
Change 4: Collaboration Track Updated with New Specialist Certification
Three existing Collaboration exams were refreshed to v2.0 on February 3, 2026:
| Exam | Update |
| 350-801 CLCOR | Updated to current Webex and hybrid collaboration architectures |
| 300-815 CLACC | Updated with modern call control and advanced collaboration features |
| 300-820 CLHCT | Updated for current hybrid and cloud collaboration technologies |
A brand new specialist certification was also introduced: 300-830 CLCCE — Implementing Cisco Collaboration Cloud Customer Experience. This credential focuses on Webex contact center technologies and cloud-based customer experience solutions.
If you were studying using pre-February 2026 Collaboration blueprints: Review the v2.0 exam objectives before scheduling your exam. Some content has shifted.
Change 5: CCNP Wireless and CCIE Wireless Relaunched on March 19, 2026
On March 19, 2026, Cisco reintroduced dedicated wireless certification tracks after retiring them in 2020.
New core exam: 350-101 WLCOR — Implementing and Operating Cisco Wireless Core Technologies
Why it came back: In 2020, Cisco merged wireless into CCNP Enterprise because wireless was simpler. By 2026, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and Cisco Meraki cloud management have made wireless engineering significantly more complex and strategically important. Wireless specialists deserve a dedicated credential that reflects their expertise.
Who this affects: Wireless engineers who were pursuing CCNP Enterprise specifically for wireless content can now pursue the dedicated CCNP Wireless track instead. The dedicated path validates wireless expertise more directly.
Our complete breakdown of the new wireless path is in our CCNP Wireless guide.
Change 6: AI Content Added Across All Certification Levels
The most pervasive 2026 change is not structural. It is the addition of AI and automation content throughout every level of the Cisco certification portfolio.
CCNA 200-301 v1.1 added generative AI, cloud network management, and machine learning in August 2024. The February 2026 changes deepened this across CCNP and CCIE levels.
CCNP candidates are now expected to understand AI-powered network management tools, automated configuration and troubleshooting workflows, and machine learning integration in security operations and network assurance.
This reflects a real shift. Cisco AI Network Analytics, Cisco ThousandEyes, and Cisco Catalyst Center are now mainstream components of enterprise networking. Engineers who cannot work with these tools are increasingly at a disadvantage regardless of their traditional networking expertise.
Cisco Certification Levels in 2026: Updated Overview
| Level | Certifications Available |
| Entry | CCST Networking, CCST Cybersecurity |
| Associate | CCNA, CCNA Automation, CCNA Cybersecurity |
| Professional | CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, CCNP Data Center, CCNP Collaboration, CCNP Service Provider, CCNP Automation, CCNP Cybersecurity, CCNP Wireless |
| Expert | CCIE Enterprise, CCIE Security, CCIE Data Center, CCIE Collaboration, CCIE Service Provider, CCIE Automation, CCIE Wireless |
The February 2026 changes brought everything under the unified CCNA, CCNP, CCIE naming structure. There are no longer separate naming conventions for DevNet or CyberOps tracks.
What Should You Do Based on Your Situation?
If you held an active DevNet certification
Your credential automatically became CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE Automation on February 3, 2026. Nothing to do for the credential itself. Update your LinkedIn, resume, and Credly profile to use the new Automation designation. Plan your next step based on the updated Automation track content.
If you held an active CyberOps certification
Your credential automatically became CCNA or CCNP Cybersecurity on February 3, 2026. Update your profiles. When renewal time comes, review the v1.2 CBROPS exam objectives.
If you were studying for a retired specialist exam
Those exam codes no longer exist. The CCNP Automation track covers the content from most retired automation specialist exams. Redirect your study plan accordingly.
If you are starting fresh in Cisco certifications in 2026
The new structure is actually cleaner than what existed before. Start with CCNA 200-301 for networking fundamentals. Choose your CCNP specialization based on your target role. The unified naming makes career planning significantly more straightforward.
If you are a wireless engineer
CCNP Wireless is back. Evaluate whether the dedicated wireless track is a better fit for your career than continuing on the CCNP Enterprise wireless concentration path.
If you are wondering whether CCNA is still worth it
Yes. More than ever. Our full analysis is in our Is CCNA Worth It guide.
How Cisco’s 2026 Changes Compare to Microsoft’s 2026 Changes
2026 is a landmark year for IT certification changes across all major vendors. Microsoft simultaneously retired multiple Azure and AI certifications and launched AI-focused replacements. The pattern at both companies is identical: embed AI into role-based credentials, simplify naming structures, and retire credentials that reflect outdated technology landscapes.
For professionals navigating both ecosystems, our guide to Microsoft certifications retiring in 2026 covers the Microsoft side of this industry-wide shift in the same level of detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cisco Certification Changes 2026
What is the biggest Cisco certification change in 2026?
The biggest change is the rebranding of DevNet certifications to CCNA Automation, CCNP Automation, and CCIE Automation on February 3, 2026, with automatic migration of all active DevNet holders.
Did DevNet certifications disappear in 2026?
No. They were renamed, not eliminated. DevNet Associate became CCNA Automation, DevNet Professional became CCNP Automation, and DevNet Expert became CCIE Automation. All active holders were migrated automatically.
Do I need to retake my exam after the Cisco 2026 changes?
No. If your DevNet or CyberOps certification was active on February 3, 2026, it was automatically migrated. No retesting is required.
What Cisco exams were retired in 2026?
Six specialist exams retired on February 2, 2026: CLAUTO (300-835), CLICA (300-810), CLCEI (300-820), SPAUTO (300-535), SAUTO (300-735), and DEVOPS (300-910).
What is CCNA Automation?
CCNA Automation is the new name for Cisco’s entry-level automation certification, replacing DevNet Associate. It covers Python for networking, REST APIs, network programmability, infrastructure-as-code, and AI-integrated automation.
What is CCNA Cybersecurity?
CCNA Cybersecurity is the new name for Cisco’s entry-level cybersecurity certification, replacing CyberOps Associate. The exam code (200-201 CBROPS) stays the same but content was updated to v1.2 with AI-focused additions.
When did CCNP Wireless relaunch?
CCNP Wireless relaunched on March 19, 2026 with a new core exam: 350-101 WLCOR. It had been retired in 2020 when Cisco merged wireless into CCNP Enterprise.
Is CCNA still worth getting in 2026?
Yes. CCNA remains the most widely recognized associate-level networking certification globally. The 2026 content updates added AI and automation topics that make it more relevant than ever.
Where can I find Cisco exam preparation materials?
CertEmpire offers updated preparation materials for active Cisco certifications including CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, and more. Visit our Cisco exam preparation section for current practice questions aligned with 2026 exam blueprints.
