Designing the Cisco Cloud Practice Test – Your Ultimate Preparation Tool
Are you preparing for the Designing the Cisco Cloud (CLD) certification exam? This comprehensive practice test from Exam Sage is expertly crafted to help you master the concepts and skills essential for success in today’s evolving cloud networking landscape.
What Is This Practice Test?
This practice test is a detailed, exam-focused tool designed to simulate the actual Designing the Cisco Cloud certification exam experience. It features carefully developed multiple-choice questions that cover the breadth of knowledge areas required by Cisco. Each question comes with clear, detailed explanations to help you understand the reasoning behind correct answers, reinforcing your learning and boosting your confidence.
What Will You Learn?
By working through this practice test, you will gain a deep understanding of cloud architecture, Cisco cloud solutions, and best practices for designing secure and scalable cloud environments. You’ll sharpen your skills in areas such as:
Cisco Cloud ACI and its policy-driven network automation
Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud infrastructure design
Cloud security strategies including microsegmentation and zero trust
SD-WAN fundamentals and secure connectivity
Cloud workload protection and container security
Network automation and orchestration tools from Cisco
This exam practice guide is ideal for cloud architects, network engineers, and IT professionals seeking to validate their cloud design expertise with Cisco certifications.
Topics Covered
Cloud network architecture and design principles
Cisco Cloud Application Centric Infrastructure (Cloud ACI)
Cisco SD-WAN design and security
Cloud security solutions: Cisco Umbrella, Secure Workload, Duo
Automation and orchestration in cloud environments
Multi-cloud connectivity and policy management
Workload segmentation and microsegmentation
Cisco Tetration and Intersight overview
Why Choose Exam Sage for Your Cisco Cloud Exam Preparation?
ExamSage.com is a trusted platform dedicated to delivering high-quality practice exams tailored for certification success. Our Designing the Cisco Cloud practice test is crafted by experts with real-world experience, ensuring up-to-date and relevant content that reflects the latest Cisco exam objectives.
We provide:
Thorough explanations to deepen your understanding
Realistic exam-style questions to improve test readiness
A user-friendly interface to track your progress
Consistent updates aligned with Cisco’s exam changes
Prepare confidently with Exam Sage and maximize your chances of passing the Designing the Cisco Cloud certification exam on your first attempt.
Sample Questions and Answers
1. Which Cisco technology is primarily used to provide software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities in cloud environments?
A) Cisco ACI
B) Cisco Umbrella
C) Cisco Webex
D) Cisco Meraki
Answer: A) Cisco ACI
Explanation: Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) is Cisco’s SDN solution designed for data centers and cloud environments, enabling policy-driven automation and management.
2. What is the main benefit of using Cisco CloudCenter for cloud application deployment?
A) Network packet inspection
B) Simplified hybrid cloud management
C) Wireless access control
D) Data encryption
Answer: B) Simplified hybrid cloud management
Explanation: Cisco CloudCenter allows organizations to deploy and manage applications across multiple cloud providers and on-premises environments, simplifying hybrid cloud operations.
3. Which cloud deployment model provides infrastructure and platforms entirely managed by a third party?
A) On-premises
B) Private Cloud
C) Public Cloud
D) Hybrid Cloud
Answer: C) Public Cloud
Explanation: Public clouds are owned and operated by third parties, providing scalable resources over the internet with minimal local management.
4. In Cisco’s cloud design, what does the term ‘multi-tenancy’ refer to?
A) Multiple users sharing the same physical resources securely
B) Multiple cloud providers connected to the same network
C) Using multiple IP addresses for cloud servers
D) Using multiple data centers for redundancy
Answer: A) Multiple users sharing the same physical resources securely
Explanation: Multi-tenancy means multiple customers (tenants) share the same infrastructure while maintaining isolation and security.
5. Which protocol is essential for establishing VPN connections in Cisco cloud environments?
A) OSPF
B) IPsec
C) BGP
D) HTTP
Answer: B) IPsec
Explanation: IPsec is widely used to create secure VPN tunnels for encrypted communication between cloud and on-premises networks.
6. What Cisco solution provides DNS-layer security for cloud environments?
A) Cisco ACI
B) Cisco Umbrella
C) Cisco Meraki
D) Cisco DNA Center
Answer: B) Cisco Umbrella
Explanation: Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security platform that protects users from threats by blocking malicious DNS requests.
7. Which Cisco product is designed to manage and secure cloud workloads and containers?
A) Cisco Tetration
B) Cisco Webex
C) Cisco Jabber
D) Cisco UCS Manager
Answer: A) Cisco Tetration
Explanation: Cisco Tetration provides workload protection, visibility, and micro-segmentation for cloud and data center environments, including containers.
8. When designing a cloud architecture with Cisco technologies, what is the key consideration for achieving scalability?
A) Using fixed IP addressing
B) Automating provisioning with APIs
C) Disabling auto-scaling
D) Increasing physical server count only
Answer: B) Automating provisioning with APIs
Explanation: Scalability is best achieved by automating infrastructure deployment and management through APIs to dynamically adjust resources.
9. What is the primary function of Cisco Intercloud Fabric?
A) Providing wireless connectivity to cloud apps
B) Connecting and securing multiple cloud environments
C) Managing data center hardware
D) Delivering video conferencing services
Answer: B) Connecting and securing multiple cloud environments
Explanation: Intercloud Fabric enables hybrid cloud connectivity, allowing secure workload migration and network integration across clouds.
10. Which Cisco service supports hybrid cloud storage management?
A) Cisco UCS
B) Cisco HyperFlex
C) Cisco ACI
D) Cisco Meraki
Answer: B) Cisco HyperFlex
Explanation: Cisco HyperFlex is a hyperconverged infrastructure solution that supports cloud storage integration for hybrid environments.
11. In Cisco’s cloud design, what does the ‘shared responsibility model’ imply?
A) Both the cloud provider and customer share duties for security and compliance
B) Customers are responsible for all aspects of security
C) Cloud providers handle all security without customer input
D) Customers share cloud resources equally
Answer: A) Both the cloud provider and customer share duties for security and compliance
Explanation: Cloud providers manage infrastructure security, while customers must secure data, applications, and user access.
12. Which Cisco technology is used for network automation in cloud environments?
A) Cisco DNA Center
B) Cisco ASA Firewall
C) Cisco Webex Teams
D) Cisco Catalyst Switch
Answer: A) Cisco DNA Center
Explanation: Cisco DNA Center provides centralized automation and assurance capabilities for networks, including cloud integration.
13. What type of cloud service model provides just the software applications over the internet?
A) IaaS
B) PaaS
C) SaaS
D) DaaS
Answer: C) SaaS
Explanation: Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers fully managed software applications via the internet.
14. Which Cisco solution is best suited for securing cloud-based email and collaboration platforms?
A) Cisco Umbrella
B) Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA)
C) Cisco Tetration
D) Cisco Meraki MX
Answer: B) Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA)
Explanation: Cisco ESA provides advanced threat protection and spam filtering for email services in cloud or hybrid environments.
15. What Cisco tool helps monitor cloud workload performance and security post-deployment?
A) Cisco Meraki Dashboard
B) Cisco Tetration Analytics
C) Cisco Webex Control Hub
D) Cisco UCS Manager
Answer: B) Cisco Tetration Analytics
Explanation: Tetration provides continuous visibility into cloud workloads for performance monitoring and security enforcement.
16. In cloud design, which principle helps isolate workloads for improved security?
A) Horizontal scaling
B) Micro-segmentation
C) Virtual IP addressing
D) Load balancing
Answer: B) Micro-segmentation
Explanation: Micro-segmentation divides a network into smaller zones to control traffic and prevent lateral threats.
17. Which Cisco product offers integrated compute, networking, and storage for cloud data centers?
A) Cisco UCS
B) Cisco Meraki
C) Cisco ASA
D) Cisco DNA Center
Answer: A) Cisco UCS
Explanation: Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) is a converged infrastructure platform designed for cloud and data center environments.
18. Which cloud design best supports rapid disaster recovery?
A) Single region deployment
B) Multi-region replication
C) On-premises only
D) Standalone server backup
Answer: B) Multi-region replication
Explanation: Replicating data and services across multiple regions ensures availability and quick recovery during disasters.
19. What is the main advantage of using container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes in Cisco cloud designs?
A) Simplified hardware management
B) Automated deployment and scaling of containerized apps
C) Static IP address allocation
D) Reduced software licensing costs
Answer: B) Automated deployment and scaling of containerized apps
Explanation: Kubernetes automates container management, making cloud apps more scalable and resilient.
20. Which Cisco technology assists with API security for cloud applications?
A) Cisco SecureX
B) Cisco ASA Firewall
C) Cisco DNA Center
D) Cisco Umbrella
Answer: A) Cisco SecureX
Explanation: Cisco SecureX integrates security products and provides visibility and control over APIs in cloud environments.
21. What is the primary purpose of Cisco SD-WAN in cloud designs?
A) Securing wireless LAN
B) Optimizing wide-area network connectivity to cloud apps
C) Managing data center switches
D) Video conferencing
Answer: B) Optimizing wide-area network connectivity to cloud apps
Explanation: Cisco SD-WAN improves application performance and security by intelligently routing traffic between branches and cloud.
22. In Cisco cloud design, what does ‘elasticity’ refer to?
A) The ability to compress data
B) The ability to scale resources up or down automatically
C) Using flexible network cables
D) Static IP addressing
Answer: B) The ability to scale resources up or down automatically
Explanation: Elasticity allows cloud systems to dynamically allocate resources based on demand.
23. Which Cisco cloud solution integrates with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hybrid deployments?
A) Cisco CloudCenter
B) Cisco Webex
C) Cisco Umbrella
D) Cisco Tetration
Answer: A) Cisco CloudCenter
Explanation: Cisco CloudCenter supports deployment and management of applications across AWS and other cloud platforms.
24. What is a key benefit of using Cisco Meraki in cloud network designs?
A) On-premises only management
B) Centralized cloud-based network management
C) Manual device configuration only
D) Limited scalability
Answer: B) Centralized cloud-based network management
Explanation: Meraki provides a cloud-managed approach to network devices with centralized visibility and control.
25. What does Cisco’s ‘Intent-Based Networking’ in cloud design aim to achieve?
A) Manual configuration of every device
B) Automatically translating business policies into network configurations
C) Limiting user access to cloud apps
D) Physical cabling optimization
Answer: B) Automatically translating business policies into network configurations
Explanation: Intent-Based Networking automates and ensures that network configurations align with business objectives.
26. In Cisco cloud solutions, what is the function of the Cisco Secure Firewall?
A) Encrypt cloud storage
B) Protect cloud workloads by filtering traffic
C) Provide DHCP services
D) Manage cloud API endpoints
Answer: B) Protect cloud workloads by filtering traffic
Explanation: Cisco Secure Firewall monitors and filters traffic to safeguard cloud-based workloads.
27. Which Cisco cloud tool allows for real-time threat intelligence sharing?
A) Cisco SecureX
B) Cisco Webex
C) Cisco Meraki Dashboard
D) Cisco DNA Center
Answer: A) Cisco SecureX
Explanation: SecureX integrates threat intelligence across Cisco security products to provide real-time insights.
28. When designing a multi-cloud architecture, what is a major design challenge?
A) Too much automation
B) Consistent security policies across clouds
C) Single vendor dependency
D) Limited scalability
Answer: B) Consistent security policies across clouds
Explanation: Ensuring unified security controls across diverse cloud platforms is a key challenge in multi-cloud design.
29. What is the recommended Cisco solution to provide secure remote access to cloud resources?
A) Cisco AnyConnect
B) Cisco DNA Center
C) Cisco Tetration
D) Cisco CloudCenter
Answer: A) Cisco AnyConnect
Explanation: Cisco AnyConnect is a VPN client offering secure remote connectivity to cloud and enterprise resources.
30. In Cisco cloud design, what is the role of automation frameworks like Ansible?
A) Monitor cloud applications
B) Automate configuration and deployment of cloud infrastructure
C) Provide cloud storage
D) Manage wireless clients
Answer: B) Automate configuration and deployment of cloud infrastructure
Explanation: Automation frameworks such as Ansible help streamline cloud resource provisioning and management.
31. Which Cisco solution enables workload visibility and behavioral analytics in cloud environments?
A) Cisco SecureX
B) Cisco Tetration
C) Cisco Umbrella
D) Cisco Webex
Answer: B) Cisco Tetration
Explanation: Tetration provides deep workload visibility and behavioral analytics to detect anomalies and improve security posture.
32. What Cisco feature allows network policies to follow workloads as they move across clouds?
A) Policy-based routing
B) Application network profiles (ANP) in Cisco ACI
C) Static VLAN assignment
D) IP NAT
Answer: B) Application network profiles (ANP) in Cisco ACI
Explanation: ANPs define policies that follow workloads dynamically, ensuring consistent security and connectivity in multi-cloud environments.
33. What is the primary function of Cisco SecureX in a cloud architecture?
A) Unified threat management and orchestration
B) Cloud storage solution
C) Video conferencing platform
D) Cloud DNS service
Answer: A) Unified threat management and orchestration
Explanation: Cisco SecureX integrates various security products to provide centralized threat detection and response.
34. Which Cisco cloud product helps secure APIs exposed by cloud applications?
A) Cisco Umbrella
B) Cisco Secure Firewall
C) Cisco Secure Workload
D) Cisco SecureX
Answer: C) Cisco Secure Workload
Explanation: Secure Workload (formerly Tetration) enforces micro-segmentation policies, including API-level security controls.
35. In cloud design, which Cisco technology facilitates zero-trust security?
A) Cisco AnyConnect
B) Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
C) Cisco Meraki MX
D) Cisco Webex
Answer: B) Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Explanation: ISE enables device and user authentication, policy enforcement, and network access control — key zero-trust elements.
36. What Cisco platform supports cloud-native application development and deployment?
A) Cisco CloudCenter
B) Cisco HyperFlex
C) Cisco Container Platform (CCP)
D) Cisco DNA Center
Answer: C) Cisco Container Platform (CCP)
Explanation: CCP provides Kubernetes-based container orchestration integrated with Cisco infrastructure.
37. Which Cisco cloud technology optimizes application delivery over WAN?
A) Cisco SD-WAN
B) Cisco ASA Firewall
C) Cisco UCS
D) Cisco Tetration
Answer: A) Cisco SD-WAN
Explanation: Cisco SD-WAN improves application performance by dynamically routing traffic over optimal paths.
38. What is the purpose of Cisco HyperFlex in cloud infrastructure?
A) Providing hyperconverged storage and compute for cloud workloads
B) Managing wireless access points
C) Cloud-based video streaming
D) Network intrusion detection
Answer: A) Providing hyperconverged storage and compute for cloud workloads
Explanation: HyperFlex integrates compute, storage, and networking in a single platform optimized for cloud and hybrid environments.
39. Which Cisco security solution offers DNS-layer protection in the cloud?
A) Cisco Umbrella
B) Cisco ASA
C) Cisco Webex Security
D) Cisco Secure Firewall
Answer: A) Cisco Umbrella
Explanation: Umbrella blocks malicious domains at the DNS level before threats reach the network or endpoints.
40. In a Cisco cloud design, what does the term ‘cloud bursting’ mean?
A) Sudden cloud service failure
B) Temporary use of public cloud resources when private cloud capacity is exceeded
C) Permanent migration to public cloud
D) Using cloud storage for backup only
Answer: B) Temporary use of public cloud resources when private cloud capacity is exceeded
Explanation: Cloud bursting allows workloads to ‘burst’ into the public cloud during demand spikes.
41. Which Cisco product provides centralized management for cloud security policies?
A) Cisco SecureX
B) Cisco Meraki Dashboard
C) Cisco UCS Manager
D) Cisco Webex Control Hub
Answer: A) Cisco SecureX
Explanation: SecureX enables unified visibility and control of security policies across multiple Cisco security products.
42. What Cisco solution can help automate compliance checks for cloud workloads?
A) Cisco Tetration
B) Cisco DNA Center
C) Cisco Umbrella
D) Cisco HyperFlex
Answer: A) Cisco Tetration
Explanation: Tetration continuously monitors workloads and reports compliance against security policies.
43. What is the role of Cisco ACI Multi-Site in cloud design?
A) Managing wireless access points across multiple buildings
B) Providing seamless policy and network extension across geographically dispersed data centers
C) Centralized video conferencing management
D) Network device firmware updates
Answer: B) Providing seamless policy and network extension across geographically dispersed data centers
Explanation: ACI Multi-Site connects multiple ACI fabrics to provide a unified policy and operational model.
44. Which Cisco technology is key to enabling cloud network segmentation?
A) VLANs
B) Micro-segmentation via Cisco Tetration
C) DNS routing
D) Static routing
Answer: B) Micro-segmentation via Cisco Tetration
Explanation: Tetration enables fine-grained segmentation to reduce attack surfaces in cloud workloads.
45. What feature of Cisco CloudCenter helps reduce cloud deployment errors?
A) Manual CLI configuration
B) Policy-driven application deployment
C) Static IP address assignment
D) Physical server management
Answer: B) Policy-driven application deployment
Explanation: CloudCenter automates deployments based on pre-defined policies to ensure consistency.
46. Which Cisco product is designed for cloud-native security posture management?
A) Cisco Secure Workload
B) Cisco Umbrella
C) Cisco DNA Center
D) Cisco UCS
Answer: A) Cisco Secure Workload
Explanation: Secure Workload provides continuous posture assessment and micro-segmentation for cloud-native apps.
47. In Cisco cloud architecture, what does ‘network virtualization’ enable?
A) Physical cabling automation
B) Creation of virtual networks independent of physical topology
C) Cloud-based email hosting
D) Static IP configuration
Answer: B) Creation of virtual networks independent of physical topology
Explanation: Network virtualization abstracts network resources, enabling flexible deployment of cloud networks.
48. Which Cisco product integrates cloud analytics and machine learning for security insights?
A) Cisco SecureX
B) Cisco Tetration
C) Cisco Meraki
D) Cisco UCS Manager
Answer: B) Cisco Tetration
Explanation: Tetration uses analytics and ML to identify security threats and anomalous behavior in cloud workloads.
49. What Cisco tool provides automated device provisioning in cloud-managed networks?
A) Cisco DNA Center
B) Cisco Umbrella
C) Cisco SecureX
D) Cisco ASA
Answer: A) Cisco DNA Center
Explanation: DNA Center automates provisioning and assurance of network devices, including cloud-connected ones.
50. What is the recommended Cisco solution for cloud-based endpoint protection?
A) Cisco Umbrella
B) Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly AMP)
C) Cisco Secure Firewall
D) Cisco Webex Teams
Answer: B) Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly AMP)
Explanation: Cisco Secure Endpoint protects endpoints with advanced malware protection and cloud-based threat intelligence.
51. Which Cisco cloud service model provides platforms for developing, testing, and managing applications?
A) IaaS
B) PaaS
C) SaaS
D) DaaS
Answer: B) PaaS
Explanation: Platform as a Service provides the environment to develop and deploy applications without managing underlying infrastructure.
52. How does Cisco SD-WAN improve cloud application performance?
A) By encrypting all data traffic
B) By routing traffic based on application policies and network conditions
C) By increasing physical bandwidth only
D) By disabling network segmentation
Answer: B) By routing traffic based on application policies and network conditions
Explanation: SD-WAN dynamically selects the best path for traffic to optimize cloud app performance.
53. What is the purpose of Cisco’s Intent-Based Networking in cloud design?
A) To automate network operations based on business goals
B) To provide physical network cabling guides
C) To manually configure routers and switches
D) To increase the number of physical devices
Answer: A) To automate network operations based on business goals
Explanation: Intent-Based Networking translates business policies into network configurations automatically.
54. Which Cisco tool offers cloud workload micro-segmentation?
A) Cisco Umbrella
B) Cisco Secure Workload
C) Cisco AnyConnect
D) Cisco UCS Manager
Answer: B) Cisco Secure Workload
Explanation: Secure Workload implements micro-segmentation to isolate workloads and reduce security risks.
55. Which Cisco cloud solution offers real-time threat intelligence integration across the network?
A) Cisco SecureX
B) Cisco Meraki
C) Cisco DNA Center
D) Cisco ASA
Answer: A) Cisco SecureX
Explanation: SecureX aggregates and correlates threat data from multiple sources to provide comprehensive security visibility.
56. What Cisco technology supports hybrid cloud connectivity through VPN and direct links?
A) Cisco SD-WAN
B) Cisco HyperFlex
C) Cisco UCS
D) Cisco Webex
Answer: A) Cisco SD-WAN
Explanation: SD-WAN supports secure hybrid cloud connections using VPN tunnels and direct WAN links.
57. Which Cisco product provides cloud-based centralized policy management for network security?
A) Cisco SecureX
B) Cisco Umbrella
C) Cisco Meraki Dashboard
D) Cisco DNA Center
Answer: C) Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Explanation: Meraki Dashboard provides a cloud-managed interface for centralized policy and device management.
58. In Cisco cloud design, which tool helps automate configuration compliance?
A) Cisco DNA Center
B) Cisco Umbrella
C) Cisco Webex Teams
D) Cisco SecureX
Answer: A) Cisco DNA Center
Explanation: DNA Center automates network configuration and verifies compliance with defined policies.
59. What is the role of Cisco CloudCenter in a hybrid cloud strategy?
A) Manage unified communication
B) Orchestrate application deployment across multiple cloud platforms
C) Provide physical firewall protection
D) Cloud-based storage only
Answer: B) Orchestrate application deployment across multiple cloud platforms
Explanation: CloudCenter helps deploy and manage applications seamlessly on-premises and in public clouds.
60. Which Cisco technology provides telemetry and insights for cloud infrastructure?
A) Cisco Tetration
B) Cisco Umbrella
C) Cisco Webex Control Hub
D) Cisco SecureX
Answer: A) Cisco Tetration
Explanation: Tetration collects telemetry data for monitoring, security, and operational analytics in cloud environments.
