- A
Cisco DNA Center supports Plug and Play (PnP) for zero-touch deployment of new switches and routers.
Correct because PnP is a built-in feature of DNA Center that automates the initial provisioning of network devices without manual intervention.
- B
Cisco DNA Center can push configuration templates to devices using CLI commands or REST API calls.
Correct because DNA Center supports both CLI-based template deployment and REST API integration for programmatic configuration changes.
- C
Cisco DNA Center requires an external APIC-EM controller to manage device discovery and inventory.
Why wrong: Incorrect because APIC-EM is the predecessor to DNA Center; DNA Center has its own integrated discovery and inventory management.
- D
Cisco DNA Center automation is limited to GUI-based workflows and does not support any programmatic interfaces.
Why wrong: Incorrect because DNA Center provides a comprehensive REST API for automation, integration, and custom workflows.
- E
Cisco DNA Center uses Cisco ISE as the primary source for device discovery and network topology mapping.
Why wrong: Incorrect because ISE is used for policy and identity services, not for device discovery; DNA Center uses SNMP, CLI, and NETCONF for discovery.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that Cisco DNA Center can push configuration templates to devices using CLI commands or REST API calls, alongside its zero-touch provisioning via Plug and Play (PnP). This is true because DNA Center operates on intent-based networking, translating high-level business intent into device-level configurations through automated workflows that leverage both traditional CLI methods and modern REST APIs for flexibility. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how DNA Center automates network changes at scale, often appearing in questions that distinguish it from its predecessor APIC-EM or challenge the misconception that automation is GUI-only. A common trap is confusing DNA Center’s policy integration with ISE for access control versus its device discovery role, so remember that PnP handles discovery and provisioning, while templates handle configuration. A useful memory tip: “PnP for plug-in, templates for tune-up.”
350-401 Cisco DNA Center Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of cisco dna center. 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.
Which two statements about Cisco DNA Center automation workflows 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
Cisco DNA Center supports Plug and Play (PnP) for zero-touch deployment of new switches and routers.
Cisco DNA Center uses intent-based networking to automate network changes. The correct answers highlight key automation capabilities: PnP for zero-touch provisioning and the ability to push configuration templates via CLI or REST API. The wrong answers misstate the role of APIC-EM (a predecessor), the GUI-only limitation, and the integration with ISE for policy rather than device discovery.
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.
- ✓
Cisco DNA Center supports Plug and Play (PnP) for zero-touch deployment of new switches and routers.
Why this is correct
Correct because PnP is a built-in feature of DNA Center that automates the initial provisioning of network devices without manual intervention.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Cisco DNA Center can push configuration templates to devices using CLI commands or REST API calls.
Why this is correct
Correct because DNA Center supports both CLI-based template deployment and REST API integration for programmatic configuration changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Cisco DNA Center requires an external APIC-EM controller to manage device discovery and inventory.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because APIC-EM is the predecessor to DNA Center; DNA Center has its own integrated discovery and inventory management.
- ✗
Cisco DNA Center automation is limited to GUI-based workflows and does not support any programmatic interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because DNA Center provides a comprehensive REST API for automation, integration, and custom workflows.
- ✗
Cisco DNA Center uses Cisco ISE as the primary source for device discovery and network topology mapping.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because ISE is used for policy and identity services, not for device discovery; DNA Center uses SNMP, CLI, and NETCONF for discovery.
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.
- →
Cisco DNA Center — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Cisco DNA Center practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 350-401 questions
2,015 questions across all exam domains
- →
ENCOR 350-401 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
350-401 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 350-401 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Architecture.
Enterprise Network Design practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Enterprise Network Design.
SD-Access Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-Access Architecture.
SD-WAN Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-WAN Architecture.
QoS Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to QoS Architecture.
Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtualization.
Network Function Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Network Function Virtualization.
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtual Machines and Hypervisors.
VRF and Path Isolation practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to VRF and Path Isolation.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Infrastructure.
OSPF practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to OSPF.
BGP practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to BGP.
Practice this exam
Start a free 350-401 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Cisco DNA Center — This question tests Cisco DNA Center — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cisco DNA Center supports Plug and Play (PnP) for zero-touch deployment of new switches and routers. — Cisco DNA Center uses intent-based networking to automate network changes. The correct answers highlight key automation capabilities: PnP for zero-touch provisioning and the ability to push configuration templates via CLI or REST API. The wrong answers misstate the role of APIC-EM (a predecessor), the GUI-only limitation, and the integration with ISE for policy rather than device discovery.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which two statements about Cisco DNA Center automation workflows are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.Cisco DNA Center supports Plug and Play (PnP) for zero-touch device onboarding.
- ✓ B.Cisco DNA Center uses template-based provisioning to apply consistent configurations across devices.
- C.Cisco DNA Center only supports GUI-based configuration; CLI access is not available.
- D.Cisco DNA Center automates configuration of all network devices, including third-party switches.
- E.Cisco DNA Center uses SNMP to push configuration changes to devices.
Why A: Cisco DNA Center uses intent-based APIs and templates to automate network provisioning. The correct answers highlight key automation capabilities: PnP for zero-touch deployment and template-based provisioning for consistent configuration. The incorrect options misrepresent the GUI-only nature (CLI is also available via templates), the role of Assurance (monitoring, not configuration), the scope of SD-Access (fabric, not all devices), and the integration method (REST APIs, not SNMP).
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.
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.