20+ practice questions focused on Automation and Assurance — one of the most tested topics on the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Automation and Assurance PracticeA network engineer wants to automate the backup of router configurations using Python and NETCONF. Which YANG model should the engineer use to access the running configuration?
Explanation: The question asks for a YANG model, but the provided options are NETCONF capabilities, not YANG models. To access the running configuration via NETCONF, the engineer should use the base NETCONF model which supports the <get-config> operation with source='running'. None of the listed capabilities are specifically required for reading the running configuration; they serve other purposes such as writable-running (edit support), candidate (separate datastore), confirmed-commit (atomic commit), rollback-on-error (error recovery), and xpath (filtering). Therefore, none of the options are correct as a YANG model for accessing the running configuration.
Which TWO actions are required to enable model-driven telemetry on a Cisco IOS XR router?
Explanation: To enable model-driven telemetry, you must configure a destination group (receiver) and a subscription that ties the sensor path to the destination. Option A is correct because a subscription binds a sensor group and a destination group. Option D is correct because a destination group defines where telemetry data is sent (receiver IP and port). Option B is wrong because an ACL is not required for telemetry; telemetry traffic is initiated by the router. Option C is wrong because NETCONF is not mandatory; telemetry can use gRPC, gNMI, or other protocols. Option E is wrong because the sensor path is configured in a sensor group, not directly in the subscription; the subscription references the sensor group.
A service provider is implementing network automation using YANG data models. They need to ensure that the automation solution supports both configuration and operational state data retrieval. Which NETCONF operation should be used to retrieve operational state data?
Explanation: The <get> NETCONF operation retrieves both configuration and operational state data from a device, making it the correct choice for this requirement. Unlike <get-config>, which only returns configuration data, <get> accesses the running datastore and includes state data such as interface statistics, routing tables, and system status. This aligns with RFC 6241, where <get> is defined as the operation to retrieve combined config and state information.
Which tool is used to validate YANG data models against device capabilities and to generate Python bindings for automation scripts?
Explanation: B is correct because pyang is a YANG data modeling language validator and converter that can validate YANG modules against device capabilities (e.g., via RFC 7895 YANG Library) and generate Python bindings (e.g., using the `--plugindir` or `pyang --format pybind` options) for use in automation scripts. It directly supports the task of validating YANG models and producing Python code, unlike the other options which are protocols or automation frameworks.
A network engineer is automating BGP configuration using the Cisco IOS-XE YANG model. They want to enable the 'always-compare-med' feature under BGP. Which XPath expression correctly targets this leaf?
Explanation: The Cisco IOS-XE native YANG model (urn:cisco:params:xml:ns:yang:cisco-native) structures BGP configuration under /native/router/bgp/scope/global/always-compare-med. The 'scope' container is required to differentiate between global and VRF-specific BGP settings, and 'always-compare-med' is a leaf within the global scope. This path accurately reflects the hierarchical model used by Cisco for BGP automation.
+15 more Automation and Assurance questions available
Practice all Automation and Assurance questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Automation and Assurance. 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
Automation and Assurance questions on the 350-501 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. Automation and Assurance is tested as part of the Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Automation and Assurance questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
Yes. Courseiva provides free 350-501 practice questions across all exam topics and domains. The platform includes topic-based practice, mock exams, missed-question review, bookmarked questions, and readiness tracking — no account required.
Difficulty is subjective, but Automation and Assurance 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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