DevNet Specialization

User Guide
May 2020
DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Overview
Overview The DevNet Specialization provides a path to help you build or enhance your software development
practice, with a focus on automation and application development on top  of Cisco platforms. Achieving
Not a Cisco Partner this Specialization recognizes your expertise and ability to support customers throughout the lifecycle
with the right people, tools, and processes.
Cisco Partner This guide explains how to apply for and renew the DevNet Specialization and where to find resources.

Program Application Participation

• Open to all registered Cisco partners
Program Renewals • Two levels available, including: DevNet Specialized or Advanced DevNet Specialized
Review the requirements for more information about core training and exams necessary for each
Support
architecture track.
and Resources

Important Information Recommended Web Browsers

If a translated version of this document exists, always
refer to the English version on the DevNet Specialization
website for the most current edition. In the event of
a discrepancy between a translated version of the
document and the English version on the program
Firefox Google Chrome Microsoft Internet
website, the English version shall prevail.
Explorer 8

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Not a Cisco Partner Yet?

To apply for the specialization, you must be a Registered Cisco partner.
Overview
Here’s how to get started:

Not a Cisco Partner

Step 1: Step 2:
Register for a Cisco.com Apply to Become a Cisco Registered Partner
Cisco Partner ID and Password

Program Application This step grants you This step establishes your company’s business relationship with Cisco
entitlement and access to and your ability to enroll in programs, roles, and offers.
Cisco websites, tools, and
Program Renewals resources necessary to
For Cisco resellers: For non-resellers:
conduct business. • Refer to the • Contact the DevNet specialization
Support Partner Registration tool team devnet_specialization_team@
• Go to www.cisco.com cisco.com and request access
and Resources • Complete the required steps
• Click the Register link in as indicated to register
the upper right corner of • Review Cisco compliance • We will email you a separate link
the screen requirements (U.S. partners must to register.
supply an IRS W9 form) • Complete the required steps
• Complete the required
• Accept the Terms and as indicated
steps as indicated
Conditions document, then submit • Review Cisco compliance
• Click the Register button the application requirements (U.S. partners must
to complete registration supply an IRS W9 form)
• You will receive an email from
• An email confirmation will Cisco with your acceptance. Cisco • Accept the Terms and Conditions
be sent requesting that you approves most applications within document, then submit
30 minutes the application
verify your email address
and to activate your • You will receive an email from
Cisco account Cisco with your acceptance. Cisco
approves application within 48 hours

Important: You will automatically be assigned as your company’s Partner Administrator. This role is
responsible for managing your company’s data, authorizing tool access, renewing partner-level access,
assigning a Rebate Coordinator, and ensuring that your company appears correctly in the Partner
Locator tool. Proceed to the next section for additional administration steps.

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Cisco Partner
Review Your Preferences and Confirm Partner Administrator Role
Overview
Whether you’re a long time Cisco partner or have just become a new Cisco partner, it’s crucial to manage
your preferences and assign critical roles prior to applying for specializations. The Partner Administrator for
Not a Cisco Partner
your company is automatically assigned as Cisco’s primary contact and can:

Cisco Partner • Manage the account profile

• Associate employees to your company
Program Application • Assign other important roles (including additional partner administrators for your company)

Program Renewals Step 1:

Step 2:
Manage Account Profile and
Assign Additional Partner Administrators
Support Associate Employees
and Resources
Manage the account profile: Set up your If you prefer, you can assign another person as your
communications preferences through your partner administrator using Partner Self Service.
Cisco account profile. Refer to the Partner Interface User Guide, and
reference the Access Management section for
Associate employees to your company: Make
directions.
sure other employees are associated with your
company and have access to Cisco websites: Critical Role Management: It is essential to
ensure that all critical roles for your company are
• They need a Cisco.com user ID and password
maintained and in good standing.
first. Register here
• After the Cisco user ID is registered, each If a person designated as a partner administrator
employee will need to go to Partner Self Service should leave your company, please ensure that
to request association a new designee is assigned right away to avoid
missing important communications.
• You will receive an email to approve the
association. Within 48 hours of your approval,
employees will have access to all resources
based on your company’s access level

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Cisco Partner
Confirm Access to the Program Management and Application Tool
Overview
If you are not one of the designated Partner Administrators for your company, you will need to be granted
access to the Program Management and Application (PMA) tool to apply for, manage, and track your
Not a Cisco Partner
certifications and specializations. If you are not certain who your company’s Partner Administrator is, refer
to the Partner Self Service – User Guide and review the Access Management section. Training and help
Cisco Partner for each tool can be found by accessing the links on each tool page. Once you have access to the PMA
tool, you can begin applying for and tracking your certifications and specializations.
Program Application
Program Requirements
Program Renewals Each level of the specialization includes unique requirements around business processes, people and
organization, software offers and code examples, customer references, and the validation process. For
Support details, please review the DevNet Specialization requirements and Advanced DevNet Specialization
and Resources requirements. You’ll find a complete list of the requirements, including roles and role-sharing guidelines,
certification exams and training, application requirements and process, exam costs and duration,
and renewals.

To proceed, access the PMA tool and follow the steps outlined in the next section.Ω

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Application
Overview Initiate Program Application
1. Log into Program Management and Application: www.cisco.com/go/pma; page defaults to ‘My Programs’
Not a Cisco Partner 2. Click the Apply to Programs tab to begin the application process.

3. Review the list of specializations, then click Apply to initiate the application for DevNet Specialization or
Cisco Partner
Advanced DevNet Specialization (we’re using DevNet Specialization as the example throughout).

Program Application Click the Help and Training tab to access training videos on how to use the PMA tool.

Program Renewals

Support
and Resources

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Application
Overview Apply to Programs: Cisco’s Comments
1. Selecting the Apply button opens the application, where you will have access to information, comments,
Not a Cisco Partner and actions that are required to complete the application process.

2. The first section will display Cisco’s Comments and relevant information. This is where you’ll find any
Cisco Partner notes or requests for additional information from the program manager.

Note the progress bar which shows you each step of the application.
Program Application

Program Renewals

Support
and Resources

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Application
Overview Apply to Programs: Job Role Allocation
Select the contacts you wish to assign to a required role from the dropdown list provided. In order to assign
Not a Cisco Partner a role, someone must have completed the required training and exams noted in the DevNet Specialization or
Advanced DevNet Specialization requirements.

Cisco Partner Note: The Partner PMA administrator may select the Planning Details link to view the eligibility status of multiple candidates for the specific job role.
If you have contact(s) that are meeting requirements, but are not showing up in the Job Role Allocation dropdown list, check the following: (a) It
has been more than 3 days since all of the required exams were passed (b) Contact(s) are correctly associated to your company via Partner Self
Service (see Preferences and Role Administration (c) Contacts are not already assigned to another role (see role sharing rules). If the issue cannot
Program Application be identified through the above, please open a case (see Support and Resources section for instructions).

Program Renewals

Support
and Resources

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Application
Overview Apply to Programs: Questionnaire
1. In this section, you will need to complete and upload a questionnaire that includes all relevant
Not a Cisco Partner information about your software development practice. You can download it directly from the
application (green icon) or from the DevNet Specialization page.

Cisco Partner 2. Enter the contact information for the Software Strategy Lead, Sales Strategy Lead, and Customer
Support Lead.
Program Application 3. Enter the contact information for the person responsible to coordinate and execute the
practical demonstration.
Program Renewals
4. Complete the Company Overview section, including the practice overview and high-level
information about your offer catalog.
Support
and Resources 5. Upload the completed questionnaire to the Questionnaire heading under My Documents section
of the application.

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Application
Overview Apply to Programs: My Documents
In this section you will upload required files and additional supporting document into the application.
Not a Cisco Partner Upload any required documents as needed.

1. Identify the document category to upload your file.

Cisco Partner
2. Click on the upload icon.

Program Application 3. Upload the file by clicking on select files or drag and drop the file from your desktop, click attach.

4. Once attached the file name will display in the document column next to file.
Program Renewals
5. Scroll down to Legal Document section, where you will review and accept the program Terms
and Conditions.
Support
and Resources

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Application
Overview Apply to Programs: Legal Document
1. By clicking on the link, you will be able to view Terms and Conditions.
Not a Cisco Partner 2. Click the check-box to acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Then choose one of the following options:
Cisco Partner • Cancel the application (all information will be lost)
• Save the application (you can complete at another time)
Program Application • Click Next to submit the application. The Submit Program Application page displays
• Select the program(s) you wish to submit
Program Renewals • Click Submit and you are prompted to confirm your submission; click OK to complete
3. The My Programs tab will display.
Support
and Resources

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Application
Overview Apply to Programs: Application Status
• The status of your DevNet Specialization application will be displayed along with suggested actions.
Not a Cisco Partner • The DevNet Specialization programs have additional validation steps requiring a Cisco Program Manager
to review the application before it can be approved. In such instances, the status of your application will
Cisco Partner show as Submitted until the Program Manager begins to review it. At that time, the Program Manager will
change it to In-Review status. This usually occurs within 3 business days of submission.
• The application will remain In-Review status until the program prerequisites have been verified as meeting the
Program Application
program requirements and the live practical demonstration has been passed
• The Advanced Specialization program requires a capability review be conducted and the application will be
Program Renewals changed to ‘Audit’ status until that process is completed
• After the Once reviewed and all requirements noted as met, the Program Manager will change the status
Support to Approved
and Resources • You may have to refresh your browser view to show the updated status.
• Upon approval, you will receive a confirmation email and the status will continue to show as Approved
until 90 days before your next anniversary renewal date. At that time, it will change to a status of Re-
Cert and you will be able to access the application again to manage your specialization renewal. If all
requirements remain showing as met, your renewal may be automatically processed without need of
you submitting the application(s), once again changing the status back to Approved for another year and
updating your anniversary renewal date.

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Program Renewals
Overview Partners must maintain the program requirements throughout the entirety of the program validity period
(one year) and are required to renew your DevNet specialization annually. Please reference the renewal
Not a Cisco Partner section of the DevNet Specialization and the Advanced DevNet Specialization requirement documents.
Both must be completed and submitted to gain full program approval for renewal. The following slides
Cisco Partner provide detail information on how to complete the application.

Initiate the Renewal Application Process

Program Application
1. Log into Program Management and Application: www.cisco.com/go/pma

Program Renewals 2. Click the My Programs tab to review your application process.

3. Click on Program Name or the Renew link to open the application.

Support
and Resources Note: If you have met all the requirements, your DevNet Specialization track may be renewed automatically.

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DevNet Specialization
User Guide

Support and Resources

Overview
Important Resources
Not a Cisco Partner
Table 1 provides guidance and resolution recommendations for the most common support case
issues. Important: When opening a case using the Customer Service Central tool, click the “View All”
Cisco Partner function under “Additional Support.” You will need to use the scroll bar to view all available options.
Upon submission of your case, you will receive a response from Cisco within two business days with
Program Application a status. To check the status of your case, refer to Customer Service Central and select the “My
Cases” tab for further information.
Program Renewals
Table 1. Quick Reference Table for Common Support Issues
Support
and Resources Issues How to Resolve in Advance Correct Pathway to Choose

Access to tools
(assign partner admin role)
Tools > View All > Channel Partner
Tool support (partner registration, Tool Access
associate contacts, assign rebate
coordinator, and so on)

Other tool-related support: Partner Open a support case Tools > View All > Channel Partner
registration, associate contacts, Tool Support
assign rebate coordinator

Certification and Specialization

Application Status and assistance
Additional Support > View All >
Cert & Spec Status and
If you have successfully completed
Audit Guidance
a training module, but your points
do not display correctly

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