- A
Memory overcommitment allows the sum of all virtual machine memory allocations to exceed the physical RAM of the host.
Correct because hypervisors can use techniques like ballooning to overcommit memory.
- B
CPU overcommitment is achieved by scheduling virtual CPUs onto physical cores, often with a ratio greater than 1:1.
Correct because hypervisors can time-share physical cores among multiple vCPUs.
- C
Overcommitment always guarantees better performance for all virtual machines.
Why wrong: Incorrect because overcommitment can lead to resource contention and degraded performance.
- D
Storage overcommitment is supported by thin provisioning, where virtual disks consume only the space actually used.
Correct because thin provisioning allows storage to be overcommitted, but it is a different mechanism than CPU/memory overcommitment.
- E
A hypervisor cannot overcommit CPU resources because each vCPU must be pinned to a dedicated physical core.
Why wrong: Incorrect because hypervisors commonly overcommit CPUs; pinning is optional and not required.
CCNP Virtual Machines and Hypervisors Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of virtual machines and hypervisors. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 three statements about virtual machine (VM) resource allocation and overcommitment are true? (Choose three.)
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
Memory overcommitment allows the sum of all virtual machine memory allocations to exceed the physical RAM of the host.
Memory overcommitment allows more total vRAM than physical RAM. CPU overcommitment is common and can be managed. Overcommitment can cause performance issues if resources are oversubscribed. Storage is not typically overcommitted in the same manner as CPU/memory.
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.
- ✓
Memory overcommitment allows the sum of all virtual machine memory allocations to exceed the physical RAM of the host.
Why this is correct
Correct because hypervisors can use techniques like ballooning to overcommit memory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
CPU overcommitment is achieved by scheduling virtual CPUs onto physical cores, often with a ratio greater than 1:1.
Why this is correct
Correct because hypervisors can time-share physical cores among multiple vCPUs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Overcommitment always guarantees better performance for all virtual machines.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because overcommitment can lead to resource contention and degraded performance.
- ✓
Storage overcommitment is supported by thin provisioning, where virtual disks consume only the space actually used.
Why this is correct
Correct because thin provisioning allows storage to be overcommitted, but it is a different mechanism than CPU/memory overcommitment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A hypervisor cannot overcommit CPU resources because each vCPU must be pinned to a dedicated physical core.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because hypervisors commonly overcommit CPUs; pinning is optional and not required.
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: Memory overcommitment allows the sum of all virtual machine memory allocations to exceed the physical RAM of the host. — Memory overcommitment allows more total vRAM than physical RAM. CPU overcommitment is common and can be managed. Overcommitment can cause performance issues if resources are oversubscribed. Storage is not typically overcommitted in the same manner as CPU/memory.
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
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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