Quick Answer
The answer is the `ansible_become_password` or the enable password configured in the playbook or inventory. When an Ansible playbook targeting a Cisco Nexus switch fails with a "privilege escalation required" error, it means the task attempted to enter privileged EXEC mode but lacked the correct authentication credentials. In NX-OS, privilege escalation is handled by the `enable` password, which Ansible passes via the `ansible_become_password` variable; if this is missing or incorrect, the switch refuses to elevate from user EXEC mode. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Ansible’s become mechanism versus SSH authentication—a common trap is confusing `ansible_ssh_pass` (for initial login) with the separate `ansible_become_password` (for enable mode). Remember the mnemonic: "Become before you enable"—the become password is the key to unlocking privileged commands on Nexus.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Ansible playbook that deploys VLANs on NX-OS fails on a particular switch with 'privilege escalation required'. What should be checked first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
The 'host_key_checking' setting
Why wrong: This is for SSH key verification, not privilege.
The 'ansible_become_password' or 'enable' password in the playbook
This is required for privilege escalation on NX-OS.
The 'ansible_user' variable
Why wrong: ansible_user is for login, not privilege escalation.
The inventory file syntax
Why wrong: Inventory syntax errors cause different failures.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The 'ansible_become_password' or 'enable' password in the playbook
Privilege escalation typically requires an enable password. Option A is the correct parameter. Option B is the SSH user. Option C is for host key checking. Option D is for inventory.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The 'host_key_checking' setting
Why it's wrong here
This is for SSH key verification, not privilege.
The 'ansible_become_password' or 'enable' password in the playbook
Why this is correct
This is required for privilege escalation on NX-OS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
The 'ansible_user' variable
Why it's wrong here
ansible_user is for login, not privilege escalation.
The inventory file syntax
Why it's wrong here
Inventory syntax errors cause different failures.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-601 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Automation — study guide chapter
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Automation practice questions
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Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 study guide
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FAQ
Automation — This question tests Automation — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: The 'ansible_become_password' or 'enable' password in the playbook — Privilege escalation typically requires an enable password. Option A is the correct parameter. Option B is the SSH user. Option C is for host key checking. Option D is for inventory.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-601 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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