- A
Ansible uses a push-based model to configure network devices.
Correct: Ansible pushes configurations from the control node to managed nodes using SSH or APIs.
- B
Ansible requires an agent to be installed on managed Cisco devices.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Ansible is agentless; it connects via SSH or API without requiring any agent.
- C
Ansible Tower provides a web-based GUI and role-based access control.
Correct: Ansible Tower (now Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform) offers a GUI, RBAC, and job scheduling.
- D
The default Ansible inventory file is written in YAML format.
Why wrong: Incorrect: The default inventory file is INI-based; YAML is an alternative format.
- E
Ansible playbooks are written in Python.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Playbooks are written in YAML, not Python. Python is used for modules and plugins.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that Ansible Tower provides a web-based GUI and role-based access control, alongside the fact that Ansible uses a push-based, agentless model. This is true because Ansible’s control node actively pushes modules to managed Cisco devices over SSH or API, requiring no persistent agent on the switch or router, which keeps the network lightweight and secure. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of automation architecture versus competitors like Puppet or Chef, which use pull-based or agent-dependent models. A common trap is confusing Ansible Tower with the default inventory format (which is INI-based) or assuming playbooks are written in Python instead of YAML. Remember the mnemonic “PASS” for Ansible: Push-based, Agentless, SSH, and YAML-based playbooks.
350-401 Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 statements about Ansible automation in a Cisco environment are true? (Choose two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Ansible uses a push-based model to configure network devices.
Ansible uses a push-based model where the control node pushes modules to managed nodes. It is agentless, relying on SSH or API connections. Ansible Tower provides a web UI and RBAC, while the default inventory is INI-based. Playbooks are written in YAML, not Python. Ansible Galaxy is a community hub for roles.
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.
- ✓
Ansible uses a push-based model to configure network devices.
Why this is correct
Correct: Ansible pushes configurations from the control node to managed nodes using SSH or APIs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Ansible requires an agent to be installed on managed Cisco devices.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Ansible is agentless; it connects via SSH or API without requiring any agent.
- ✓
Ansible Tower provides a web-based GUI and role-based access control.
Why this is correct
Correct: Ansible Tower (now Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform) offers a GUI, RBAC, and job scheduling.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The default Ansible inventory file is written in YAML format.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: The default inventory file is INI-based; YAML is an alternative format.
- ✗
Ansible playbooks are written in Python.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Playbooks are written in YAML, not Python. Python is used for modules and plugins.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 350-401 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 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Ansible Automation — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Ansible Automation practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Ansible uses a push-based model to configure network devices. — Ansible uses a push-based model where the control node pushes modules to managed nodes. It is agentless, relying on SSH or API connections. Ansible Tower provides a web UI and RBAC, while the default inventory is INI-based. Playbooks are written in YAML, not Python. Ansible Galaxy is a community hub for roles.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
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