Free Cisco 300-635 Exam Actual Questions & Explanations

Last updated on: Jun 19, 2026
Author: Shawnee Kesten (Cisco DevNet Curriculum Specialist)

The Cisco 300-635 exam validates your ability to automate and program Cisco data center solutions. This credential is part of the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional, Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist, and Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center certification paths. Whether you're designing automation workflows, configuring programmable infrastructure, or troubleshooting controller-based systems, this exam tests both conceptual knowledge and practical problem-solving skills. This page provides a clear roadmap of exam topics, question formats, and actionable study strategies to help you prepare efficiently.

300-635 Exam Syllabus & Core Topics

Use this topic map to guide your study for Cisco 300-635 (Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions) within the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional, Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist, and Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center path.

  • 1.0 Network Programmability Foundation - Understand REST APIs, YANG data models, and automation protocols. You must be able to construct API requests, parse JSON and XML responses, and apply programmability concepts to data center environments.
  • 2.0 Controller Based Data Center Networking - Master controller architectures, policy-based networking, and intent-driven configuration. You should be able to deploy and manage Cisco ACI, interpret policy definitions, and troubleshoot controller-driven network behavior.
  • 3.0 Data Center Device-centric Networking - Configure and automate individual devices using CLI, APIs, and templating tools. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in device-level programmability, configuration management, and integration with orchestration platforms.
  • 4.0 Data Center Compute - Apply automation and programming concepts to compute resources, including hypervisor integration, resource scheduling, and workload deployment. You must understand how to automate compute provisioning and manage compute infrastructure through programmable interfaces.

Question Formats & What They Test

The 300-635 exam uses multiple question types to assess both theoretical understanding and applied reasoning in real data center automation scenarios. Questions progress in difficulty and require you to think through practical implementation challenges.

  • Multiple choice - Test core definitions, API syntax, protocol behavior, and key terminology related to network programmability and data center automation.
  • Scenario-based items - Present realistic data center situations where you must analyze requirements, choose the best automation approach, and justify your decision among competing solutions.
  • Drag-and-drop/matching - Verify your ability to map concepts (e.g., YANG models to use cases, API endpoints to operations, or controller functions to outcomes).

Questions emphasize practical application over memorization, so understanding the "why" behind each topic is essential for success.

Preparation Guidance

A structured study plan aligned to the four core domains ensures you cover all exam content without gaps. Dedicate focused time to each topic, practice with realistic scenarios, and review weak areas before test day.

  • Map the four domains (Network Programmability Foundation, Controller Based Data Center Networking, Device-centric Networking, and Data Center Compute) to weekly study blocks; track your progress with a checklist.
  • Work through practice question sets topic by topic; review explanations carefully to understand why incorrect answers miss the mark.
  • Connect concepts across workflows - for example, see how a YANG model (programmability) flows into a controller policy (ACI) and then to device configuration (device-centric).
  • Complete a timed practice test under exam conditions to build pacing, identify time-management patterns, and reduce anxiety on test day.
  • In the final week, focus on high-weight domains and revisit any topics where your practice test scores were below 80%.

Explore other Cisco certifications: view all Cisco exams.

Get the PDF & Practice Test

Strengthen your preparation with up‑to‑date resources from validexamdumps.com. These materials align to 300-635 and cover practical scenarios with clear explanations.

  • Q&A PDF with explanations - Topic-mapped questions that clarify why correct options are right and others aren't.
  • Practice Test - Realistic items, timed and untimed modes, progress tracking, and detailed review reports.
  • Focused coverage - Aligned to Network Programmability Foundation, Controller Based Data Center Networking, Device-centric Networking, and Data Center Compute so you study what matters most.
  • Regular updates - Content refreshes that reflect syllabus and product changes.

Visit the exam page to download the PDF, Online Practice Test, or get a bundle discount for both formats: Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which topics on the 300-635 exam carry the most weight?

Controller Based Data Center Networking and Network Programmability Foundation typically account for a larger portion of the exam. However, all four domains are tested, so balanced preparation across all topics is essential. Review the official Cisco exam guide to confirm current domain weightings.

How do the four domains connect in a real data center automation project?

In practice, you start with Network Programmability Foundation concepts (APIs, YANG models) to gather data and control infrastructure. You then apply those skills to Controller Based Data Center Networking (ACI policies) and Device-centric Networking (individual switch configuration). Finally, you extend automation to Data Center Compute for workload placement and resource management. Understanding these connections helps you answer scenario-based questions more effectively.

How much hands-on lab experience do I need to pass?

While the exam is not purely hands-on, practical experience significantly improves your ability to answer scenario-based questions correctly. Prioritize labs that focus on REST API calls, YANG model interpretation, ACI policy deployment, and device-level automation using tools like Ansible or Python. Even 10-15 hours of focused lab work can strengthen your confidence and decision-making skills.

What are common mistakes that cost candidates points on this exam?

Candidates often confuse API authentication methods, misidentify which controller function applies to a given scenario, or overlook the difference between device-centric and controller-based approaches. Another frequent error is rushing through scenario questions without fully reading the requirements. Take time to understand the exact problem before selecting your answer, and double-check that your choice aligns with the stated constraints.

What should I focus on in the final week before the exam?

Review your practice test results and identify any domain where your score was below 80%. Spend 2-3 days drilling those weak areas with focused question sets and concept reviews. In the last 2-3 days, take one final full-length practice test under timed conditions, then review only the questions you missed. Avoid learning new material in the final 24 hours; instead, rest and mentally prepare.

Question No. 1

What are two capabilities of the DCNM REST API? (Choose two.)

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Correct Answer: A, E

Check for /rest/logon

Question No. 2

Which two statements about gRPC are true? (Choose two )

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Correct Answer: A, D

Question No. 3

Which Python code creates a VRF in an ACI tenant using the Cobra SDK?

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Correct Answer: B

Question No. 4

Which programming language are the Cisco UCS Director custom workflow tasks written in?

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Correct Answer: D

Question No. 5

Which two benefits of using network configuration tools such as Ansible and Puppet to automate data center platforms are valid? (Choose two )

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Correct Answer: A, B