- A
The 'schedule' command with 'start-time now' causes the IP SLA operation to begin immediately.
Correct because 'start-time now' starts the operation as soon as the command is entered.
- B
An IP SLA operation in the 'active' state indicates that the probe is currently being sent and responses are being collected.
Correct because 'active' means the operation is running and sending probes.
- C
The 'life' parameter in the IP SLA configuration sets the frequency at which probes are sent.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 'life' sets the total duration of the operation, while 'frequency' sets the probe interval.
- D
An IP SLA operation remains in the 'pending' state until the 'start-time' is reached, even if the configuration is complete.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 'pending' indicates the operation is configured but not yet scheduled; once scheduled, it moves to 'active' or another state.
- E
The 'schedule' command with 'life forever' causes the operation to stop after a single probe.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 'life forever' means the operation runs indefinitely, not stopping after one probe.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that an IP SLA operation in the 'active' state indicates the probe is currently being sent and responses are being collected. This is true because the IP SLA probe scheduling and operation states directly reflect the lifecycle of a measurement: once configured, the operation transitions from 'pending'—where it is defined but not yet triggered—to 'active' only when the scheduled start time arrives and probes begin transmitting. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how the 'life' parameter (e.g., 'life forever' vs. a fixed duration) interacts with scheduling commands like 'start-time now' or a specific clock time. A common trap is confusing 'pending' with an error state; remember that 'pending' simply means the operation is waiting for its schedule to activate, not that it has failed. For a quick memory tip, think of a traffic light: 'pending' is the red light (waiting to go), 'active' is the green light (probes are flowing), and 'life' is how long the green light stays on before turning off.
CCNP IP SLA Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ip sla. 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.
Which two statements about IP SLA probe scheduling and operation states 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
The 'schedule' command with 'start-time now' causes the IP SLA operation to begin immediately.
IP SLA operations can be scheduled to start immediately or at a specific time, and they can run indefinitely or for a fixed duration. The 'life' parameter controls how long the operation runs. An operation in 'active' state is currently sending probes. The 'pending' state means the operation is configured but not yet scheduled. The 'life forever' command makes the operation run until manually stopped.
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.
- ✓
The 'schedule' command with 'start-time now' causes the IP SLA operation to begin immediately.
Why this is correct
Correct because 'start-time now' starts the operation as soon as the command is entered.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
An IP SLA operation in the 'active' state indicates that the probe is currently being sent and responses are being collected.
Why this is correct
Correct because 'active' means the operation is running and sending probes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'life' parameter in the IP SLA configuration sets the frequency at which probes are sent.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'life' sets the total duration of the operation, while 'frequency' sets the probe interval.
- ✗
An IP SLA operation remains in the 'pending' state until the 'start-time' is reached, even if the configuration is complete.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'pending' indicates the operation is configured but not yet scheduled; once scheduled, it moves to 'active' or another state.
- ✗
The 'schedule' command with 'life forever' causes the operation to stop after a single probe.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'life forever' means the operation runs indefinitely, not stopping after one probe.
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.
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?
IP SLA — This question tests IP SLA — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'schedule' command with 'start-time now' causes the IP SLA operation to begin immediately. — IP SLA operations can be scheduled to start immediately or at a specific time, and they can run indefinitely or for a fixed duration. The 'life' parameter controls how long the operation runs. An operation in 'active' state is currently sending probes. The 'pending' state means the operation is configured but not yet scheduled. The 'life forever' command makes the operation run until manually stopped.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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