CCNP Automation Practice Question
A network automation team is evaluating YANG models to manage Cisco IOS XE devices. They need to ensure that the models they choose can be used with both NETCONF and RESTCONF. Which two statements about YANG models are true in this context? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that YANG is tied to a single protocol or that it cannot model operational data, when in fact it is protocol-agnostic and covers both config and state.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
YANG models can be augmented to add vendor-specific data.
YANG is a data modeling language that defines both configuration and state data, and it is used by both NETCONF and RESTCONF. It supports augmentations for vendor-specific extensions. These characteristics make YANG suitable for multi-protocol automation. The other statements are incorrect because they misrepresent YANG's protocol independence, encoding, or scope.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
YANG models can be augmented to add vendor-specific data.
Why this is correct
YANG supports augmentation, allowing vendors to extend standard models with proprietary data. Cisco IOS XE uses augmentations to add features not covered by IETF or OpenConfig models. This is essential for managing Cisco-specific functionality. The statement is true and highlights the flexibility of YANG for vendor customization.
- ✗
YANG models can only define configuration data, not operational state data.
Why it's wrong here
YANG models define both configuration and state data. The config and state statements distinguish between writable configuration and read-only operational data. NETCONF and RESTCONF can retrieve both types. This statement is false because it ignores the ability of YANG to model operational state, which is critical for monitoring and telemetry.
- ✗
YANG models are written in XML and must be converted to JSON for RESTCONF.
Why it's wrong here
YANG models are written in a human-readable text format, not XML. While YANG data can be encoded in XML or JSON, the model itself is not XML. RESTCONF supports both JSON and XML encodings directly, so conversion is not required. This statement misrepresents the nature of YANG models and the capabilities of RESTCONF.
- ✗
YANG models are specific to NETCONF and cannot be used with RESTCONF.
Why it's wrong here
This is false. YANG models are protocol-independent. RESTCONF also uses YANG models to define the data it exposes. In fact, RESTCONF uses the same YANG models as NETCONF, but maps them to HTTP methods and URIs. The statement contradicts the design goal of RESTCONF, which is to provide a RESTful interface to YANG-modeled data.
- ✓
YANG models define the data structure and semantics for configuration and state data.
Why this is correct
YANG is a data modeling language that defines the hierarchy, types, and constraints of data. It is used by both NETCONF and RESTCONF to structure the data exchanged. The model itself is protocol-agnostic, so the same YANG model can be used with either protocol. This statement is true and fundamental to understanding YANG's role.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.