- A
Use the 'tags' feature to selectively run the SNMP task only on certain devices.
Why wrong: Tags control which tasks run, but they are not dynamic based on device facts; they are set at playbook design time.
- B
Use the 'register' directive to capture the output and then use 'failed_when' to skip the task.
Why wrong: Register captures output, and failed_when marks a task as failed; neither is designed for conditional execution based on facts.
- C
Use the 'when' clause with a condition on the 'ansible_net_version' fact.
The 'when' clause allows dynamic conditional execution based on gathered facts like the IOS version.
- D
Use the 'block' and 'rescue' structure to handle version mismatches.
Why wrong: Block/rescue is for error handling, not for conditional execution based on facts.
Quick Answer
The answer is the Ansible when clause, which should be used with a condition on the ansible_net_version fact. This is correct because the when clause is Ansible’s native mechanism for conditional execution, allowing a task to run only when a specified expression evaluates to true. By gathering facts from the target device, such as ansible_net_version, the engineer can compare the returned IOS version string against the required version, ensuring the SNMPv3 configuration is applied exclusively to compatible devices. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of Ansible’s conditional logic within network automation, often appearing in scenarios where you must avoid applying unsupported configurations across heterogeneous device fleets. A common trap is confusing the when clause with module-level parameters like state: absent, which controls idempotency rather than execution flow. Remember the mnemonic: “When the version is right, the task takes flight.”
CCNP Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An engineer is automating the configuration of SNMPv3 on a large number of Cisco IOS-XE devices using Ansible. The playbook uses the ios_snmp_server module. The engineer wants to ensure that the SNMP configuration is applied only if the device is running a specific IOS version that supports SNMPv3. Which Ansible feature should the engineer use to conditionally execute the task?
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
Use the 'when' clause with a condition on the 'ansible_net_version' fact.
Ansible provides the 'when' clause to conditionally execute tasks based on variables or facts. The engineer can gather facts from the device (e.g., ansible_net_version) and use a 'when' condition to check the IOS version before applying the SNMP configuration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use the 'tags' feature to selectively run the SNMP task only on certain devices.
Why it's wrong here
Tags control which tasks run, but they are not dynamic based on device facts; they are set at playbook design time.
- ✗
Use the 'register' directive to capture the output and then use 'failed_when' to skip the task.
Why it's wrong here
Register captures output, and failed_when marks a task as failed; neither is designed for conditional execution based on facts.
- ✓
Use the 'when' clause with a condition on the 'ansible_net_version' fact.
Why this is correct
The 'when' clause allows dynamic conditional execution based on gathered facts like the IOS version.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use the 'block' and 'rescue' structure to handle version mismatches.
Why it's wrong here
Block/rescue is for error handling, not for conditional execution based on facts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Register captures output, and failed_when marks a task as failed; neither is designed for conditional execution based on facts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the 'when' clause with a condition on the 'ansible_net_version' fact. — Ansible provides the 'when' clause to conditionally execute tasks based on variables or facts. The engineer can gather facts from the device (e.g., ansible_net_version) and use a 'when' condition to check the IOS version before applying the SNMP configuration.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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