The correct answer is that the certificate does not match the switch's hostname. This is because the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error occurs during TLS handshake when the Common Name or Subject Alternative Name in the NX-API SSL certificate does not match the domain or IP address the REST client used to reach the Nexus 9000 switch. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of NX-API security and certificate validation—a common trap is confusing this with HTTP port conflicts or missing CA trust stores. Remember that NX-API generates a self-signed certificate by default using the switch hostname; if you access the switch via an IP or a different FQDN, the domain mismatch triggers the error. A quick memory tip: “Hostname must match the URL—if they differ, the cert won’t deliver.”
350-601 Automation Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
feature nxapi
nxapi http port 80
nxapi https port 443
nxapi certificate /bootflash/self.crt key /bootflash/self.key
Refer to the exhibit. An engineer configured NX-API on a Nexus 9000 switch. The REST API client receives 'SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN'. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The certificate does not match the switch's hostname
The SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error indicates that the certificate presented by the Nexus 9000 switch does not match the hostname used in the REST API client's request. When NX-API uses HTTPS, the client validates the server's certificate against the requested domain; a mismatch triggers this error. This is a common TLS/SSL certificate validation issue, not a problem with HTTP conflicts, missing keys, or corrupted files.
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 clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between certificate validation errors (domain mismatch, expiry, untrusted CA) and other TLS/SSL failures (missing key, corrupted file), expecting candidates to recognize that 'SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN' specifically points to a hostname mismatch rather than a general certificate problem.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The SSL/TLS certificate validation process includes checking that the certificate's Subject Alternative Name (SAN) or Common Name (CN) matches the hostname used in the client's request (RFC 6125). On Nexus 9000 switches, the NX-API certificate is typically self-signed and generated with the switch's hostname; if the client uses an IP address or a different DNS name, the validation fails. This is distinct from certificate expiry or chain issues, and can be bypassed by disabling hostname verification in the client (not recommended in production).
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 350-601 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The certificate does not match the switch's hostname — The SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error indicates that the certificate presented by the Nexus 9000 switch does not match the hostname used in the REST API client's request. When NX-API uses HTTPS, the client validates the server's certificate against the requested domain; a mismatch triggers this error. This is a common TLS/SSL certificate validation issue, not a problem with HTTP conflicts, missing keys, or corrupted files.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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