- A
Idempotency means that running a playbook multiple times will always result in the same final state on the managed node.
Correct because idempotency ensures that repeated application of the same configuration does not change the system beyond the desired state.
- B
The 'command' module is idempotent by default because it always runs the given command.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the 'command' module is not idempotent; it executes the command every time without checking if the desired state already exists.
- C
The 'copy' module is idempotent because it checks the checksum of the destination file before copying.
Correct because the 'copy' module compares the source and destination file checksums and only copies if they differ, making it idempotent.
- D
All Ansible modules are inherently idempotent regardless of how they are implemented.
Why wrong: Incorrect because not all modules are idempotent; for example, 'command' and 'shell' modules execute every time unless the user adds a 'creates' or 'when' condition.
- E
Idempotency only applies to network modules, not to Linux system modules.
Why wrong: Incorrect because idempotency is a general design principle for all Ansible modules, including both network and system modules.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the 'copy' module is idempotent because it checks the checksum of the destination file before copying, while the 'command' module is not idempotent by default. This distinction hinges on Ansible’s core principle of idempotency: a module should only make changes when the current state differs from the desired state. The 'copy' and 'template' modules achieve this by verifying attributes like checksums or file content before acting, whereas 'command' and 'shell' execute blindly each time unless you explicitly add a 'creates' or 'removes' parameter. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of automation reliability—expect a question that pairs an idempotent module like 'copy' with a non-idempotent one like 'command' to see if you recognize the default behavior. A common trap is assuming all modules are idempotent by default; remember that raw execution modules require manual safeguards. Memory tip: “Copy checks, command runs blind—idempotency is state of mind.”
CCNP Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which two statements about Ansible modules and idempotency are true? (Choose two.)
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
Idempotency means that running a playbook multiple times will always result in the same final state on the managed node.
Ansible modules are designed to be idempotent, meaning repeated runs produce the same state. The 'command' and 'shell' modules are not idempotent by default. Modules like 'copy' and 'template' check current state before making changes.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Idempotency means that running a playbook multiple times will always result in the same final state on the managed node.
Why this is correct
Correct because idempotency ensures that repeated application of the same configuration does not change the system beyond the desired state.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
The 'command' module is idempotent by default because it always runs the given command.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the 'command' module is not idempotent; it executes the command every time without checking if the desired state already exists.
- ✓
The 'copy' module is idempotent because it checks the checksum of the destination file before copying.
Why this is correct
Correct because the 'copy' module compares the source and destination file checksums and only copies if they differ, making it idempotent.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
All Ansible modules are inherently idempotent regardless of how they are implemented.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because not all modules are idempotent; for example, 'command' and 'shell' modules execute every time unless the user adds a 'creates' or 'when' condition.
- ✗
Idempotency only applies to network modules, not to Linux system modules.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because idempotency is a general design principle for all Ansible modules, including both network and system modules.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect because the 'command' module is not idempotent; it executes the command every time without checking if the desired state already exists.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Idempotency means that running a playbook multiple times will always result in the same final state on the managed node. — Ansible modules are designed to be idempotent, meaning repeated runs produce the same state. The 'command' and 'shell' modules are not idempotent by default. Modules like 'copy' and 'template' check current state before making changes.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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