The cited path

Path to Network Automation Engineer

A cited, evidence-ordered certification roadmap toward Network Automation Engineer — each step’s RoleMath Difficulty Score, real exam cost, and the role’s BLS pay. Click any step for its cited page; mark steps done to track your progress (saved on this device).

0 of 12 steps marked done
  1. CompTIA Network+

    Step 1 · Foundation

    Network+ can prepare learners for networking concepts before Cisco automation depth.

    Difficulty 35/100 · ModerateCost ~$399 exam
  2. Cisco Certified DevNet Associate

    Step 2 · Strong signal

    Cisco Certified DevNet Associate maps to Network Automation Engineer as a strong role signal based on its cited track token:automation signal.

    Difficulty 40/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  3. Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist - Collaboration Automation and Programmability maps to Network Automation Engineer as a strong role signal based on its cited track token:automation signal.

    Difficulty 40/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  4. Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist - Data Center Automation and Programmability maps to Network Automation Engineer as a strong role signal based on its cited name keyword:network automation signal.

    Difficulty 40/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  5. Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist - Enterprise Automation and Programmability maps to Network Automation Engineer as a strong role signal based on its cited track token:automation signal.

    Difficulty 40/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  6. Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist - Security Automation and Programmability maps to Network Automation Engineer as a strong role signal based on its cited name keyword:security automation signal.

    Difficulty 40/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  7. Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist - Service Provider Automation and Programmability maps to Network Automation Engineer as a strong role signal based on its cited name keyword:network automation signal.

    Difficulty 40/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  8. VMware Telco Cloud Automation Skills maps to Network Automation Engineer as a strong role signal based on its cited track token:automation signal.

    Difficulty 45/100 · ModerateCost ~$250 exam
  9. CCNA provides the network foundation needed before automation is meaningful.

    Difficulty 50/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  10. Cisco CCNA Automation

    Step 10 · Step

    CCNA Automation is the strongest seeded match for network automation learners with Python API and Cisco platform goals.

    Difficulty 50/100 · ModerateCost ~$300 exam
  11. Cisco Certified DevNet Professional maps to Network Automation Engineer as an advanced credential for progressing toward/within this role, not an entry signal.

    Difficulty 60/100 · HardCost ~$400 exam
  12. VMware Certified Advanced Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Automation maps to Network Automation Engineer as an advanced credential for progressing toward/within this role, not an entry signal.

    Difficulty 90/100 · ExpertCost ~$250 exam
  13. Computer Network Architects

    Destination · The role

    BLS reports a $134,050 national median for Computer Network Architects (SOC 15-1241, OEWS May 2025) — occupation-level pay set by role and location, not produced by the certificates, with entry-level below it.

How to read this

A cited sequence — not the only route, and not a guarantee

Sequence is evidence-based ordering from current RoleMath data, not a guaranteed hiring path, pass prediction, salary promise, ROI claim, or requirement that every credential be completed.

The Difficulty Scores and exam costs are cited and dated; the pay is the occupation’s median (entry-level below it), never a salary the certificates produce. Pick the order that fits your background.

The sources

Every number on this map is cited

Difficulty Scores: RoleMath cited Difficulty Score methodology. Exam fees: vendor published prices (retrieved June 2026). Sequence: RoleMath role–certification evidence ordering from role_certification_edges + cited difficulty/cost. Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (national median for Computer Network Architects, SOC 15-1241). The path is descriptive planning context, not a requirement, transition guarantee, or a salary you are promised.

Common questions

Becoming a Network Automation Engineer, answered honestly

What certifications help toward Network Automation Engineer?
By RoleMath's evidence-based ordering of cited certification data, a common sequence starts with CompTIA Network+ (Difficulty 35/100) and builds toward more advanced credentials. It is a sequence, not a requirement that you complete every one, and not a guaranteed hiring path — many people also enter through degrees, apprenticeships, and adjacent roles.
How much does Network Automation Engineer pay?
BLS reports a $134,050 national median for Computer Network Architects (SOC 15-1241, OEWS May 2025). That is occupation-level pay set by the role and location — half earn more, half less, entry-level sits below it, and it is not a salary the certificates produce.
Do I have to do every certification in order?
No. The order reflects how the credentials build on one another, but it is planning context, not a rule. Open each step for its cited detail, and pick the path that fits your background and target.

Build the plan for your situation

This is the common route. The planner tailors it to the skills you already have. RoleMath sells nothing.