- A
The HTTP PUT method is used to retrieve a resource representation.
Why wrong: PUT is idempotent and used to update or replace a resource, not retrieve it.
- B
JSON is the only data format supported by REST APIs.
Why wrong: REST APIs are format-agnostic; they often support multiple formats, including XML, YAML, or plain text, negotiated via HTTP Accept and Content-Type headers.
- C
API keys and OAuth tokens are common methods for authenticating REST API requests.
Authentication in REST APIs frequently uses API keys (sent in headers or query parameters) or token-based schemes like OAuth2 to verify client identity.
- D
The HTTP DELETE method corresponds to the Update operation in CRUD.
Why wrong: CRUD mapping: Create – POST, Read – GET, Update – PUT/PATCH, Delete – DELETE.
- E
REST APIs commonly use HTTP status codes to indicate the result of a request.
HTTP status codes (e.g., 2xx success, 4xx client error, 5xx server error) are standard in REST responses to convey outcome.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that REST APIs commonly use HTTP status codes to indicate the result of a request, and they also rely on API keys and OAuth tokens for authentication. These two statements are correct because RESTful operations are fundamentally stateless, meaning every request must carry its own context—status codes like 200 OK or 404 Not Found provide immediate feedback on success or failure, while authentication mechanisms such as API keys (simple static tokens) and OAuth 2.0 (token-based with scoped access) secure endpoints without maintaining server-side sessions. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how network devices interact with controllers via REST APIs, often appearing in automation and programmability questions. A common trap is confusing authentication with authorization: API keys verify identity, while OAuth tokens also control permissions. To remember, think of the mnemonic “S.O.A.P.”—Status codes for Outcomes, OAuth for Access, API keys for Passwords.
CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ai and network operations. 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 of the following statements correctly describe REST API operations?
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
API keys and OAuth tokens are common methods for authenticating REST API requests.
Option C is correct because REST APIs commonly use API keys and OAuth tokens for authentication. API keys are simple, static tokens passed in headers or query strings, while OAuth 2.0 provides token-based authorization with scoped access, both widely supported in RESTful services for securing endpoints.
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.
- ✗
The HTTP PUT method is used to retrieve a resource representation.
Why it's wrong here
PUT is idempotent and used to update or replace a resource, not retrieve it.
- ✗
JSON is the only data format supported by REST APIs.
- ✓
API keys and OAuth tokens are common methods for authenticating REST API requests.
Why this is correct
Authentication in REST APIs frequently uses API keys (sent in headers or query parameters) or token-based schemes like OAuth2 to verify client identity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The HTTP DELETE method corresponds to the Update operation in CRUD.
Why it's wrong here
CRUD mapping: Create – POST, Read – GET, Update – PUT/PATCH, Delete – DELETE.
- ✓
REST APIs commonly use HTTP status codes to indicate the result of a request.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓API keys and OAuth tokens are common methods for authenticating REST API requests.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Authentication in REST APIs frequently uses API keys (sent in headers or query parameters) or token-based schemes like OAuth2 to verify client identity.
✗The HTTP PUT method is used to retrieve a resource representation.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Retrieval is performed by the GET method, not PUT.
✗JSON is the only data format supported by REST APIs.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
JSON is popular but not exclusive; XML is widely used, and many REST implementations support both.
✗The HTTP DELETE method corresponds to the Update operation in CRUD.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
DELETE is used to remove a resource, which maps to the Delete operation, not Update.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the mapping of HTTP methods to CRUD operations, where candidates confuse PUT (Update) with GET (Read) or DELETE (Delete) with Update, and assume JSON exclusivity despite REST's format-agnostic design.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
REST APIs rely on HTTP methods as verbs for CRUD operations: GET (Read), POST (Create), PUT (Replace/Update), PATCH (Partial Update), and DELETE (Delete). HTTP status codes like 200 OK, 201 Created, 400 Bad Request, and 404 Not Found provide standardized feedback. Authentication via API keys or OAuth tokens is typically sent in the Authorization header, with OAuth 2.0 using bearer tokens for stateless, delegated access.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
AI and Network Operations — This question tests AI and Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: API keys and OAuth tokens are common methods for authenticating REST API requests. — Option C is correct because REST APIs commonly use API keys and OAuth tokens for authentication. API keys are simple, static tokens passed in headers or query strings, while OAuth 2.0 provides token-based authorization with scoped access, both widely supported in RESTful services for securing endpoints.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 25, 2026
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