Quick Answer
The answer is the NETCONF <get> operation. This is correct because <get> retrieves both configuration and operational state data from the device’s running datastore, including interface statistics, routing tables, and system status, whereas <get-config> strictly returns only configuration data. On the Cisco SPCOR 350-501 exam, this distinction is frequently tested in automation and YANG data model scenarios, often as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose <get-config> for state retrieval. A common memory tip is to think of <get> as “get everything” — it pulls the full combined view of config and state, while <get-config> is “config only.” For the exam, remember that if the requirement explicitly mentions operational state, <get> is your answer, as defined in RFC 6241.
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of automation and assurance. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A service provider is implementing network automation using YANG data models. They need to ensure that the automation solution supports both configuration and operational state data retrieval. Which NETCONF operation should be used to retrieve operational state data?
<edit-config>
Why wrong: Used to edit configuration, not retrieve data.
<get-config>
Why wrong: Retrieves only configuration data, not operational state.
<get>
Retrieves both configuration and operational state data.
<lock>
Why wrong: Used to lock a datastore, not retrieve data.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
<get>
The <get> NETCONF operation retrieves both configuration and operational state data from a device, making it the correct choice for this requirement. Unlike <get-config>, which only returns configuration data, <get> accesses the running datastore and includes state data such as interface statistics, routing tables, and system status. This aligns with RFC 6241, where <get> is defined as the operation to retrieve combined config and state information.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
<edit-config>
Why it's wrong here
Used to edit configuration, not retrieve data.
<get-config>
Why it's wrong here
Retrieves only configuration data, not operational state.
<get>
Why this is correct
Retrieves both configuration and operational state data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
<lock>
Why it's wrong here
Used to lock a datastore, not retrieve data.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between <get> and <get-config>, trapping candidates who assume <get-config> retrieves all data because it is the most commonly used operation for reading configurations.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, <get> queries the running datastore but also triggers the device to collect real-time operational state from system processes, such as interface up/down status or CPU utilization, which are not stored in the configuration datastore. In YANG, this corresponds to nodes defined with 'config false' statements, which are only accessible via <get> or <get-data> (in RESTCONF). A real-world scenario is monitoring interface errors: <get-config> would return nothing for error counters, while <get> returns the live values.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-501 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Automation and Assurance — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Automation and Assurance practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-501 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco SPCOR / CCNP Service Provider Core 350-501 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-501 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Architecture.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Networking.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to MPLS and Segment Routing.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Automation and Quality of Service.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Services.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to Automation and Assurance.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 fundamentals.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 scenario.
Practise 350-501 questions linked to 350-501 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Automation and Assurance — This question tests Automation and Assurance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: <get> — The <get> NETCONF operation retrieves both configuration and operational state data from a device, making it the correct choice for this requirement. Unlike <get-config>, which only returns configuration data, <get> accesses the running datastore and includes state data such as interface statistics, routing tables, and system status. This aligns with RFC 6241, where <get> is defined as the operation to retrieve combined config and state information.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This 350-501 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 350-501 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.