Quick Answer
The correct order begins with enabling VTP pruning globally using the vtp pruning command in global configuration mode, then configuring the pruning-eligible VLAN list on the specific trunk interface with the switchport trunk pruning vlan command, and finally verifying the pruning status with show vtp status. This sequence is required because VTP pruning must be activated at the domain level before individual trunk interfaces can restrict which VLANs are eligible to be pruned; attempting to set the per-interface list first will result in an error or no effect. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding that VTP pruning is a global feature that reduces unnecessary broadcast traffic by dynamically removing unused VLANs from trunk links, and a common trap is confusing the order of global enablement versus interface-specific configuration. A reliable memory tip is to think “Global first, then interface, then verify”—or simply remember the acronym GIV (Global, Interface, Verify) to lock in the correct sequence.
350-401 VLANs and Trunking Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vlans and trunking. 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.
Drag and drop the steps of VLAN pruning on trunks using VTP into the correct order, from first to last.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
Enable VTP pruning globally
VTP pruning must be enabled globally before configuring the pruning-eligible list on a specific trunk interface. The global VTP pruning command enables the feature, then per-interface configuration restricts which VLANs can be pruned.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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VLANs and Trunking — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
VLANs and Trunking — This question tests VLANs and Trunking — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable VTP pruning globally — VTP pruning must be enabled globally before configuring the pruning-eligible list on a specific trunk interface. The global VTP pruning command enables the feature, then per-interface configuration restricts which VLANs can be pruned.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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. Drag and drop the steps of VLAN pruning on trunks using VTP into the correct order, from first to last.
medium- ✓ A.Enable VTP pruning globally on the VTP server
- ✓ B.Configure the trunk interface with switchport mode trunk
- ✓ C.Set VTP domain name and version
- ✓ D.Allow VTP pruning on the trunk with switchport trunk pruning vlan
- ✓ E.Verify pruning with show vtp status and show interfaces trunk
Why A: VTP pruning must first be enabled globally on the VTP server, then on the trunk interface, and finally the VTP domain must be configured to allow pruning. The switch then dynamically prunes VLANs not needed on the trunk, and the pruning list can be verified with show commands.
Keep practising
More 350-401 practice questions
- Drag and drop the steps to configure an extended access control list (ACL) on a Cisco router in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure a site-to-site IPsec VPN on a Cisco router in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) on a Cisco switch in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure a static route on a Cisco IOS router into the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure port security on a Cisco switch in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps for the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) convergence process in the correct order.
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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