Automation is becoming increasingly critical for managing and scaling collaboration solutions in the modern digital world. Cisco’s real-835 CLAUTO exam validates professionals’ skills in automating Cisco Collaboration platforms, facilitating efficient and agile environments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 300-835 certification, from the exam’s structure to preparation tips and real-world applications. Read on to learn how the CLAUTO exam can advance your automation expertise in Cisco Collaboration.
Introduction
Cisco Collaboration platforms like Webex and Cisco Unified Communications Manager underpin workplace communication and productivity. Automating repetitive tasks on these solutions through programming and APIs enhances reliability, scalability, and efficiency. As a result, network automation skills are invaluable for IT professionals working with Cisco Collaboration systems.
The real-835 CLAUTO exam specifically tests an individual’s knowledge of automating Cisco Collaboration solutions. Earning this certification validates expertise in using APIs, protocols, and tools to programmatically manage and optimize Cisco communication environments. The exam covers programming fundamentals, protocols like REST and HTTP, automation tools like Ansible and Puppet, and hands-on automation capabilities.
Mastering these skills through the CLAUTO exam enables IT professionals to boost productivity, reduce errors, and scale collaboration platforms through automation. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the exam, its objectives, preparation tips, real-world impact, and the future of Cisco Collaboration automation.
Understanding the real-835 CLAUTO Exam
Cisco designed the 300-835 certification exam to validate skills in automating Cisco Collaboration platforms. It is associated with the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification, covering automation capabilities required by DevNet professionals working with Cisco infrastructure.
Specifically, the 90 minute exam tests expertise across these key aspects of Cisco Collaboration automation:
- Programming fundamentals including Python, JSON, and YAML
- REST APIs for programmability
- Protocols like HTTP, SSH, and SSL
- Understanding Cisco Collaboration architectural concepts
- Using automation tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef
- Hands-on automation tasks through Cisco Collaboration platforms like Cisco Unified CM
Developing skills across these areas enables IT professionals to fully leverage programmability and automation to enhance the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of collaboration environments. The exam focuses on foundational knowledge needed to utilize APIs, tools, and protocols to automate workflows, configurations, and administration of Cisco Collaboration platforms.
Earning the 300-835 certification validates understanding of how to automate solutions like Cisco Webex and Cisco Unified Communications Manager. This expertise in automation is increasingly valued as organizations race to optimize IT operations through programming.
Overall, passing the CLAUTO exam demonstrates preparedness to implement automation that streamlines communication infrastructure management. It certifies professionals to programmatically control Cisco Collaboration environments using the latest APIs, protocols, and tools.
Key Topics Covered in the real-835 Exam
The 300-835 exam covers a diverse set of knowledge areas and skills related to Cisco Collaboration automation. Let’s explore the key topics that the CLAUTO certification tests in detail:
Programming Concepts
The exam validates expertise in foundational programming languages and paradigms like:
- Python fundamentals including data structures, control flow, classes, and modules
- YAML and JSON for data formats and serialization
- REST API principles, request methods, status codes, and headers
- Object-oriented programming concepts like abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism
Mastering these core programming concepts allows for seamless integration and automation of Cisco Collaboration infrastructure using APIs and tools.
APIs and Protocols
Cisco Collaboration platforms like Webex and Cisco Unified CM provide robust APIs for automation and programmability. The exam covers:
- Using REST and HTTP APIs to automate configurations, administrations, and workflows
- Webex Teams REST API for custom bot development and integration
- Cisco Unified Communications Manager APIs like AXL and UDS for call control
- Protocols like HTTP, SSH, SSL/TLS, and domain name resolution
- Postman for testing APIs
These APIs and protocols enable programatic access to provision, manage, and monitor the collaboration environment.
Automation Tools and Technologies
The exam also tests expertise on the tools and technologies for automation including:
- Ansible architecture, playbooks, roles, inventories, variables, templates, and modules
- Puppet architecture, manifests, modules, resources, node definitions, and classes
- Source control with Git and GitHub for code sharing and coordination
- Continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) principles and tools like Jenkins
- containers and microservices for automated deployment of applications
- IaC (Infrastructure as Code) practices using declarative definitions
These tools allow for automating configurations, policy enforcements, and processes on Cisco hardware and software using code.
By mastering the programming languages, APIs, protocols, and tools covered in the exam, IT professionals can truly transform how they manage and scale collaboration systems.
Preparing for the real-835 Exam
Earning the CLAUTO certification requires thorough preparation across the exam topics. Here are some tips on getting ready for the 300-835 exam:
Study Materials and Resources
Cisco provides official study materials including:
- The Automating Cisco Collaboration Solutions (CLAUTO 300-835) exam guide
- Cisco Press self-study books like CCNP and CCIE Collaboration Core CLCOR 350-801 Official Cert Guide
Additionally, training courses like Implementing and Administering Cisco Collaboration Core Technologies (CLICA) offer valuable foundations.
Beyond Cisco’s own resources, third parties like Pearson IT Certification and AsgardPress offer real-835 study guides. Online learning platforms like Udemy and Pluralsight have video courses covering the exam objectives too.
Practice and Hands-On Experience
While studying concepts is necessary, real mastery comes from practice and hands-on work. Using DevNet sandboxes and web-based labs, candidates can gain practical experience with:
- Automating workflows like user provisioning on Cisco Unified CM
- Developing custom Cisco Webex Teams bots and integrations
- Automating network infrastructure tasks on Cisco routers and switches
- Writing Ansible playbooks, roles, inventories, and modules
- Building Puppet manifests, classes, and module
- Utilizing REST APIs on Postman and writing API clients in Python
These hands-on labs allow applicants to tangibly demonstrate automation capabilities assessed in the exam.
Exam Dumps and Practice Tests
While exam dumps with questions and answers should be avoided, legitimate practice tests are useful preparation resources. Test providers like Boson offer access to hundreds of practice questions structured like the real 300-835 exam.
These help candidates gauge readiness and identify knowledge gaps to address before test day. Taking practice tests engrains the critical thinking and problem solving required on the CLAUTO certification.
With study resources, hands-on practice, and mock exams, professionals can hit the ground running when sitting for the real real-835 exam.
Real-World Applications of Automation in Cisco Collaboration
It’s one thing to learn automation concepts, but another to apply them in production environments. Some real-world applications of automation in Cisco Collaboration include:
User Onboarding/Offboarding
Automating the processes of provisioning, modifying, and deactivating user accounts on telephony platforms improves IT efficiency. Tasks that took hours can be accomplished instantly with proper APIs.
Phone Provisioning
Automatically detecting phones added to the network and loading appropriate firmware configs removes manual work for IT teams. Automation allows near real-time provisioning at scale.
Call Monitoring and Reporting
APIs enable pulling call data like volumes, performance metrics, recordings, and trends into monitoring and analytics tools for usage insights.
Chatbot Development
With the Webex Teams API, developers can rapidly build, deploy and customize AI-powered chatbots that interface with collaboration tools to assist users.
Cloud Migration
Automating the migration of on-prem PBX functionality to Webex Calling in the cloud accelerates adoption of flexible unified communications.
These examples demonstrate how automation improves the experience for both end-users and IT staff within Cisco Collaboration environments.
Overall, mastering the skills covered in the 300-835 CLAUTO exam enables you to replicate these results by unlocking the full potential of APIs, programming, and tools to enhance administration, monitoring, and innovation.
Success Stories and Tips from Certified Professionals
Don’t just take my word on the benefits of getting real-835 certified. Here are some testimonials from professionals who have passed the exam:
“Passing the CLAUTO exam validated my ability to automate Cisco call control platforms like UCM using Python and APIs. This provided a big boost for my career as a Collaboration engineer.”
“The CLAUTO certification process expanded my skills in leveraging tools like Ansible and Puppet to enhance efficiency in managing Cisco voice and video endpoints.”
“Learning automation has allowed me to make an impact in my organization by integrating our many collaboration tools using Webex Teams APIs and bots.”
Beyond these success stories, here are some tips on preparing for the exam:
- Use online learning platforms to build foundational knowledge with video courses
- Get hands-on with DevNet sandboxes to sharpen practical skills
- Leverage Cisco’s official study guides and books to learn directly from the source
- Join online study groups and forums to collaborate with others prepping for the exam
- Take practice tests to improve speed and familiarity with real exam question formats
- Make flashcards of key terms, protocols, and concepts to memorize facts
- Schedule your exam far in advance to give yourself a concrete target date
- Eat well and get plenty of rest before the exam to maximize mental focus
- Bring snacks and water so you’re energized throughout the 90 minute test
- Arrive early at the testing center so you aren’t rushed before starting the exam
- Flag questions you’re unsure of and return to them at the end to optimize time usage
- Read each question thoroughly and eliminate wrong answers before selecting the right one
- Keep calm and maintain confidence in yourself and your preparation
With diligent studying, hands-on practice, and test-taking strategies, you can absolutely succeed in getting 300-835 certified.
The Future of Automation in Cisco Collaboration
Automation is rapidly evolving within Cisco Collaboration solutions. Here are some key trends to be aware of:
- Growing adoption of cloud-based communications like Webex Calling reduces reliance on manual on-prem management
- Increased use of containers and microservices enables automation of deployments and scaling
- More advanced AI capabilities will enable chatbots to execute tasks beyond basic commands
- Expanded API support will open new integration opportunities to optimize user workflows
- Declarative IaC practices will abstract infrastructure complexities enabling simplified automation
To stay at the forefront, professionals should:
- Continuously expand your programming skills and learn new languages
- Experiment with emerging automation tools and paradigms
- Attend Cisco Live for updates on new APIs and integrations
- Pursue additional advanced certifications like the CCNP Collaboration
- Engage in the Cisco DevNet community to collaborate with other automation experts
Learning does not stop after passing the 300-835 exam. Keeping your skills sharp ensures you can utilize the latest automation technologies to their full potential.
Conclusion
Automation is key to boosting efficiency, agility, and innovation in modern Cisco Collaboration environments. The real-835 CLAUTO exam validates expertise in using programming and tools to automate provisioning, management, and monitoring of collaboration platforms.
Preparing for the exam requires learning programming fundamentals, protocols, APIs, and tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Webex Teams bots. Hands-on practice, mock tests, and studying real-world use cases takes you the rest of the way.
Earning the 300-835 certification proves you have the skills to meet automation challenges facing Collaboration systems. The future will enable even broader integration and intelligence through expanded APIs, cloud platforms, and maturing automation technologies.
Start your automation journey today by registering for the CLAUTO exam after reviewing this comprehensive guide. Equip yourself with the knowledge and abilities to programmatically enhance Cisco’s collaboration offerings. You’ll be prepared to excel in managing and innovating communication systems that make organizations more productive.
Ready to get started with automation and earn your real-835 certification? The journey to certification requires dedication but pays dividends for your career. Follow this guide’s tips to prepare, take practice tests, and walk in ready to pass the 300-835 CLAUTO exam. You got this!
