The answer is that ISE applied a Change of Authorization (CoA) to restrict the port to a remediation VLAN after the posture check returned NonCompliant. Even though 802.1X authentication succeeded and the switch port initially landed in the correct access VLAN (10), ISE’s posture policy triggered a CoA—a standard RADIUS protocol action—to dynamically move the endpoint into a restricted VLAN that blocks internet access until the missing corporate certificate is installed. This scenario tests your understanding of how ISE CoA posture non-compliant restricted VLAN logic works, a key objective in the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam where you must differentiate between authentication success and authorization enforcement. A common trap is assuming a successful DHCP lease or VLAN assignment means full network access, but posture enforcement happens after authentication via CoA. Remember: “Auth gets you in, posture keeps you there—fail posture, get CoA’d to a restricted VLAN.”
350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. 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.
An engineer is troubleshooting a user who cannot access the network after successful 802.1X authentication. The user's PC receives an IP address from DHCP, but cannot reach the internet. The switch port is in the correct VLAN (10) after authentication. The ISE posture policy requires the user to install a corporate certificate, but the user skipped that step. What is the most likely cause of the internet access failure?
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 ISE posture policy returned 'NonCompliant' and ISE applied a Change of Authorization (CoA) to place the port in a remediation VLAN
Option B is correct because ISE can send a CoA to place the port in a restricted VLAN after authentication if posture is not compliant. Option A is wrong because AD login is not required for internet access. Option C is wrong because the switchport is already in the correct VLAN as stated. Option D is wrong because there is no indication of DHCP issues.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 user is not logged into the domain
Why it's wrong here
Domain login is not required for internet access.
✗
The switchport is still in the default VLAN
Why it's wrong here
The stem states the port is in VLAN 10 after authentication.
✗
The DHCP server does not have a scope for VLAN 10
Why it's wrong here
The user received an IP address from DHCP, so the scope is available.
✓
The ISE posture policy returned 'NonCompliant' and ISE applied a Change of Authorization (CoA) to place the port in a remediation VLAN
Why this is correct
ISE can use CoA to dynamically move the port to a remediation VLAN with no internet access.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The ISE posture policy returned 'NonCompliant' and ISE applied a Change of Authorization (CoA) to place the port in a remediation VLAN — Option B is correct because ISE can send a CoA to place the port in a restricted VLAN after authentication if posture is not compliant. Option A is wrong because AD login is not required for internet access. Option C is wrong because the switchport is already in the correct VLAN as stated. Option D is wrong because there is no indication of DHCP issues.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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