These are the questions most candidates get wrong. They require connecting multiple concepts, reading tricky output, or knowing edge-case behaviour that isn't on most study cards. Practising them trains you to operate under uncertainty — a necessary skill on the real exam.
Start Scenario PracticeYou are writing a script that interacts with Cisco DNA Center. You need to keep the session alive after authentication. Which token is commonly used for subsequent API calls?
Explanation: Cisco DNA Center's REST API uses a token-based authentication scheme where the client first authenticates via POST to /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token with Basic Auth credentials, and the response contains a token. Subsequent API calls must include this token in the X-Auth-Token HTTP header to maintain the session. This is the standard mechanism documented by Cisco for DNA Center automation.
In the context of NETCONF, which capability allows a client to explicitly lock the datastore to prevent other users from making changes?
Explanation: The :candidate capability allows the use of the <lock> operation to ensure exclusive configuration access.
Which TWO statements accurately describe the behavior of the NETCONF 'candidate' data store?
Explanation: Option A is correct because the NETCONF candidate datastore is a scratchpad where configuration changes can be staged and then thrown away with the <discard-changes> operation if the proposed edits are wrong, leaving the running configuration untouched. Option E is correct because the candidate datastore is not active until the client issues a <commit> operation, which copies the candidate configuration into the running datastore so it takes effect on the device. Option B is wrong because NETCONF candidate edits are serialized under a lock (candidate lock or partial lock); concurrent edits are not automatically merged, and a second user must wait or use separate candidate instances. Option C is wrong because changes in the candidate store are not immediately active — they only become active after a successful commit to the running store. Option D is wrong because XML encoding is the standard NETCONF encoding for all datastores (running, candidate, startup), not a feature unique to the candidate store.
In Threat Grid, what is the purpose of the 'Tags' field in an analysis report submission?
Explanation: The 'Tags' field in a Threat Grid analysis report submission is used to label and categorize reports. Tags allow analysts to organize, search, and filter submissions based on custom keywords or categories, facilitating threat intelligence management and correlation.
You are automating the blocking of a specific URL on a Cisco WSA. You have verified the API reachability, but the rule is not being applied. What is the most common reason?
Explanation: On Cisco WSA, API-driven configuration changes are staged and do not take effect until a commit is performed. If the API call succeeds but the change is not committed, the rule will not be applied to live traffic — this is the most common reason for 'API reachable but rule not applied' scenarios.
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Practice all Hard Difficulty QuestionsThese are the questions most candidates get wrong. They require connecting multiple concepts, reading tricky output, or knowing edge-case behaviour that isn't on most study cards. Practising them trains you to operate under uncertainty — a necessary skill on the real exam. These appear throughout the SAUTO and require you to apply your knowledge, not just recall facts.
Cisco doesn't publish an exact breakdown, but scenario-based questions (especially exhibit and command-output formats) make up a significant portion of the SAUTO. Practicing each scenario type ensures you're ready for any format.
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