- A
Type 1 hypervisors have direct access to physical hardware resources.
Correct because Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the hardware, allowing direct resource access.
- B
Type 2 hypervisors run directly on the physical server without a host operating system.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Type 2 hypervisors run on top of a host operating system.
- C
Type 1 hypervisors require a host operating system for resource management.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors manage resources themselves without a host OS.
- D
Type 2 hypervisors rely on the host operating system for device drivers and resource scheduling.
Correct because Type 2 hypervisors use the host OS for hardware abstraction and resource management.
- E
Type 1 hypervisors can only support a single virtual machine per physical host.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors are designed to support multiple VMs.
Quick Answer
The correct distinction is that Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the hardware, while Type 2 hypervisors rely on a host operating system for device drivers and resource scheduling. This fundamental difference in architecture means Type 1 hypervisors, like VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V, have direct access to physical resources, resulting in higher performance and stability—making them the standard for data center and enterprise deployments. In contrast, Type 2 hypervisors, such as Oracle VirtualBox or VMware Workstation, run as an application on top of an existing OS, adding overhead because they must go through the host OS for resource management, which is why they are typically used for testing, development, or desktop virtualization. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of virtualization fundamentals and often appears as a multiple-select question where the common trap is confusing which type requires a host OS. A reliable memory tip is to think of Type 1 as “bare metal” (directly on the metal) and Type 2 as “hosted” (riding on top of an OS).
CCNP Virtual Machines and Hypervisors Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of virtual machines and hypervisors. 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 Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors 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
Type 1 hypervisors have direct access to physical hardware resources.
Type 1 hypervisors run directly on hardware and are commonly used in data centers; Type 2 hypervisors run on a host OS and are often used for testing or desktop virtualization. Option A is correct because Type 1 hypervisors have direct access to hardware resources, which improves performance. Option D is correct because Type 2 hypervisors rely on the host OS for resource management, adding overhead. Option B is incorrect because Type 2 hypervisors do not run directly on hardware. Option C is incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors do not require a host OS. Option E is incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors can support multiple VMs, not just one.
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.
- ✓
Type 1 hypervisors have direct access to physical hardware resources.
Why this is correct
Correct because Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the hardware, allowing direct resource access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Type 2 hypervisors run directly on the physical server without a host operating system.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Type 2 hypervisors run on top of a host operating system.
- ✗
Type 1 hypervisors require a host operating system for resource management.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors manage resources themselves without a host OS.
- ✓
Type 2 hypervisors rely on the host operating system for device drivers and resource scheduling.
Why this is correct
Correct because Type 2 hypervisors use the host OS for hardware abstraction and resource management.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Type 1 hypervisors can only support a single virtual machine per physical host.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors are designed to support multiple VMs.
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?
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors — This question tests Virtual Machines and Hypervisors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Type 1 hypervisors have direct access to physical hardware resources. — Type 1 hypervisors run directly on hardware and are commonly used in data centers; Type 2 hypervisors run on a host OS and are often used for testing or desktop virtualization. Option A is correct because Type 1 hypervisors have direct access to hardware resources, which improves performance. Option D is correct because Type 2 hypervisors rely on the host OS for resource management, adding overhead. Option B is incorrect because Type 2 hypervisors do not run directly on hardware. Option C is incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors do not require a host OS. Option E is incorrect because Type 1 hypervisors can support multiple VMs, not just one.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which two statements about Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.A Type 1 hypervisor runs directly on the physical hardware without a host operating system.
- B.A Type 2 hypervisor runs directly on the physical hardware without a host operating system.
- C.VMware ESXi is an example of a Type 2 hypervisor.
- ✓ D.VMware Workstation is an example of a Type 2 hypervisor.
- E.Type 1 hypervisors are typically used for desktop virtualization in enterprise environments.
Why A: Type 1 hypervisors run directly on hardware and are used in data centers. Type 2 hypervisors run on a host OS and are common in labs. VMware ESXi is a Type 1 hypervisor. VMware Workstation is Type 2.
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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