20+ practice questions focused on Python for Network Automation — one of the most tested topics on the ENCOR 350-401 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Python for Network Automation PracticeA network engineer is writing a Python script to automate the backup of running configurations from a list of 50 Cisco IOS-XE devices. The script uses the netmiko library and a for loop to connect to each device, execute 'show run', and write the output to a file. After running the script, the engineer notices that the script fails on the 15th device with a timeout error, and the remaining devices are not processed. The engineer wants to ensure that if one device fails, the script continues with the next device. What is the best way to modify the script?
Explanation: The correct answer uses a try-except block to catch exceptions and continue the loop. Option A is incorrect because removing the timeout will not prevent the script from stopping on failure. Option B is incorrect because multithreading adds complexity and does not inherently handle failures gracefully. Option D is incorrect because a while loop does not solve the issue of handling exceptions within the loop.
An engineer is using the Cisco DNA Center REST API to retrieve a list of network devices and their health scores. The engineer writes a Python script using the requests library. The script successfully retrieves data for the first 100 devices, but when trying to get the next 100, the API returns an empty list. The engineer checks the API documentation and finds that the endpoint supports pagination with the 'offset' and 'limit' parameters. The current script does not handle pagination. What should the engineer do to retrieve all devices?
Explanation: The correct answer implements a loop that increments the offset parameter until all pages are retrieved. Option A is incorrect because increasing the limit may exceed the maximum allowed value. Option B is incorrect because the API does not return a 'next' link in this scenario. Option D is incorrect because using a different library does not solve the pagination issue.
A network engineer is automating the configuration of VLANs on a Cisco Nexus 9000 switch using Python and the NX-API. The engineer sends a Python dictionary with the CLI commands to the API and receives a successful response. However, when checking the switch, the VLANs are not created. The engineer verifies that the credentials and IP address are correct, and the API is enabled. The engineer also notices that the API response contains a 'code' field of '200' and a 'result' field that shows the command output. What is the most likely cause of the issue?
Explanation: The correct answer is that the engineer used the 'show' command type instead of 'cli_conf' for configuration commands. Option A is incorrect because a 200 response indicates the API call was successful. Option B is incorrect because the commands are valid. Option D is incorrect because the API does not require a commit command by default.
A junior engineer is tasked with writing a Python script that uses the Cisco IOS-XE RESTCONF API to retrieve the hostname of a router. The engineer uses the requests library and sends a GET request to the URL 'https://router/restconf/data/Cisco-IOS-XE-native:native/hostname'. The request returns a 404 Not Found error. The engineer has verified that the RESTCONF service is enabled and the credentials are correct. What is the most likely reason for the 404 error?
Explanation: The correct answer is that the URL path is incorrect; the correct path should include the module namespace correctly. Option A is incorrect because the hostname is a valid data node. Option B is incorrect because the Content-Type header is not required for GET requests. Option D is incorrect because the error is not related to authentication.
A network engineer is using the Cisco Meraki Dashboard API to automate the creation of VLANs across multiple networks. The engineer writes a Python script that uses the 'createNetworkVlan' endpoint. The script runs successfully for the first few networks, but then starts returning HTTP 429 errors. The engineer checks the API documentation and finds that the Meraki API has rate limits. The script currently sends requests as fast as possible. What should the engineer implement to avoid hitting the rate limit?
Explanation: The correct answer is to implement exponential backoff with retries. Option A is incorrect because reducing the number of networks does not solve the rate limit issue for the remaining networks. Option B is incorrect because increasing the limit is not possible; the limit is enforced by the API. Option D is incorrect because using a different API version does not change the rate limit policy.
+15 more Python for Network Automation questions available
Practice all Python for Network Automation questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Python for Network Automation. This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
Python for Network Automation questions on the 350-401 frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. Python for Network Automation is tested as part of the ENCOR 350-401 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Python for Network Automation questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but Python for Network Automation is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
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