The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of three parts, sometimes called CCNA 1 to 3. This module covers CCNA part 3 and DevNet1; Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) covers CCNA parts 1 and 2.
Part 1: Enterprise Networks, Security and Automation (CCNA 3)
This part describes the architecture, components and operations of routers and switches in a small network. You’ll learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this part, you’ll be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1 and RIPv2; single-area and multi-area OSPF; virtual LANs; and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
Part 2: DevNet1
Following on from the CCNA Routing and Switching content, you will explore how coding is used to automate the management of infrastructure networking technologies via the DevNet associate certification content. You will explore how application development and coding apply within network automation, use a range of developer tools and environments to solve automation challenges, apply API’s to automate network device management and set up an automated solution for a given problem.
Each part consists of ten or more segments. The segments are grouped, with checkpoint exams that count towards your module result. Each of the two parts also has a final online exam that counts towards your result.
1Cisco announced its ‘DevNet’ certification will become ‘CCNA Automation’ from February 2026 – this is a rebrand. The module content aligns with the future certification. Also, in keeping with our long-standing membership of NetAcad, you’ll have access to the latest version of the content, post-February 2026, if you wish to prepare for certification.
This module will:
You’ll learn the theory and practical elements of network addressing and management, router configuration, switch management, securing a local area network and network automation.
In addition, this module will prepare you for the industry-standard DevNet1 and CCNA examinations when taken with Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257).
You must make your own arrangements to sit the CCNA and DevNet1 certifications.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
This module has a compulsory virtual day school.
The virtual day school (offered over a period of at least a month) provides practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies using University-provided remote lab technologies. Your work on the virtual day school will contribute to your end-of-module assessment.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
TM357 is an option module in our:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You must have passed one of the following modules:
We may allow you to study TM357 without passing TM257 or T216. You must have other relevant knowledge/experience, such as:
The Cisco DevNet course, the second part of TM357, requires you to be familiar with coding, but not an expert. The module website will include a link to this free short Python Coding Course. You can revisit your coding skills, complete a refresher, or become familiar with concepts that you might have found challenging in the past.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM357 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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