mediumMultiple Select
CCNP Practice Question: Which two statements about BGP path attributes…
Which two statements about BGP path attributes are true? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates often confuse the classifications of BGP attributes. For instance, they might think MED is well-known mandatory because it's commonly used, but it's actually optional nontransitive. Similarly, ORIGIN is often mistakenly thought to be optional.
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
✓
The AS_PATH attribute is well-known mandatory.
Option A is correct because AS_PATH is a well-known mandatory BGP path attribute: every BGP update that advertises a route must include it, and it lists the autonomous systems the prefix has traversed, which is fundamental to BGP loop prevention and best-path selection. Option B is correct because LOCAL_PREF is a well-known discretionary attribute: all BGP-speaking routers must recognize it, but it is not required in every update, and it is used locally within an AS to influence outbound path selection. Option C is wrong because MED is an optional non-transitive attribute, not well-known mandatory. Option D is wrong because ORIGIN is a well-known mandatory attribute, not optional transitive. Option E is wrong because COMMUNITY is an optional transitive attribute, not well-known mandatory.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The AS_PATH attribute is well-known mandatory.
Why this is correct
AS_PATH is a well-known mandatory attribute, meaning every BGP UPDATE carrying reachable NLRI must include it, and all compliant speakers must recognise it. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a true statement about path attributes, as it correctly classifies both the well-known and mandatory characteristics.
- ✓
The LOCAL_PREF attribute is well-known discretionary.
Why this is correct
LOCAL_PREF is a well-known discretionary attribute, meaning every BGP implementation must recognise it, yet its inclusion in updates is optional. It is exchanged only between iBGP peers and is never propagated to eBGP neighbours, satisfying the stem's requirement for a true statement about BGP path attribute classification.
- ✗
The MED attribute is well-known mandatory.
Why it's wrong here
MED is an optional non-transitive attribute, not well-known mandatory; well-known mandatory attributes are AS_PATH, NEXT_HOP and ORIGIN. It is tempting because MED is widely present and influences path selection, but it is the correct classification when describing attributes that may be omitted and are not propagated to other autonomous systems.
- ✗
The ORIGIN attribute is optional transitive.
Why it's wrong here
ORIGIN is well-known mandatory, so it must appear in every UPDATE and is never optional transitive. It is tempting because ORIGIN values (IGP, EGP, INCOMPLETE) resemble optional transitive metadata, yet its mandatory presence in every BGP update contradicts that classification.
- ✗
The COMMUNITY attribute is well-known mandatory.
Why it's wrong here
COMMUNITY is optional transitive, not well-known mandatory; only AS_PATH, NEXT_HOP and ORIGIN carry that designation. It is tempting because communities are widely used for route tagging and filtering policy, but the attribute's well-known status applies to different attributes entirely.
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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.