The correct answer is show ip policy and show route-map. These two commands are the standard verification tools for Policy-Based Routing (PBR) because show ip policy lists all interfaces that have PBR applied along with the associated route-map name, while show route-map displays the actual match criteria and set actions configured within each route-map sequence. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this topic tests your ability to distinguish between verification commands and troubleshooting or debug tools; a common trap is selecting debug ip policy, which is a real-time debugging command rather than a static verification show command. Another frequent mistake is choosing show ip route, which only displays the routing table and reveals nothing about PBR policy details. For a quick memory tip, think of the phrase “Policy on Ports, Rules in Route-map”—show ip policy tells you where PBR is active, and show route-map tells you what the policy does.
300-410 Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 TWO commands would a network engineer use to verify the operation of Policy-Based Routing (PBR) on a Cisco IOS router? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
show route-map
The 'show route-map' command displays the configured route-map statements and their match/set conditions. The 'show ip policy' command lists interfaces with PBR applied and the associated route-map. 'show ip route' does not show PBR policy details. 'debug ip policy' is a debug command, not a verification show command. 'show access-lists' only shows ACLs, not PBR-specific information.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
show route-map
Why this is correct
Displays all configured route-maps, including match and set conditions used for PBR.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
show ip policy
Why this is correct
Shows which interfaces have PBR applied and the associated route-map name.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
show ip route
Why it's wrong here
Shows the IP routing table, not PBR policy details.
✗
debug ip policy
Why it's wrong here
This is a debug command for real-time monitoring, not a verification show command.
✗
show access-lists
Why it's wrong here
Displays configured access-lists, but does not show PBR application or route-map details.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows the IP routing table, not PBR policy details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 300-410 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — This question tests Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: show route-map — The 'show route-map' command displays the configured route-map statements and their match/set conditions. The 'show ip policy' command lists interfaces with PBR applied and the associated route-map. 'show ip route' does not show PBR policy details. 'debug ip policy' is a debug command, not a verification show command. 'show access-lists' only shows ACLs, not PBR-specific information.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 300-410 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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