- A
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates/replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
This is correct because it accurately describes the standard REST API methods and their actions in network automation workflows. GET is used to retrieve configuration or status data, POST to create new resources like interfaces or VLANs, PUT to replace entire resources, PATCH to apply partial updates, DELETE to remove resources, and OPTIONS to discover supported methods.
- B
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT partially updates, PATCH updates/replaces, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because it swaps the actions of PUT and PATCH. PUT is used to update/replace an entire resource, while PATCH is used for partial updates.
- C
GET retrieves data, POST updates/replaces, PUT creates new resources, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because it swaps the actions of POST and PUT. POST is for creating new resources, while PUT is for updating/replacing existing resources.
- D
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT partially updates, PATCH updates/replaces, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because it swaps the actions of PUT and PATCH. PUT is for full replacement, not partial updates, and PATCH is for partial updates, not full replacement.
Quick Answer
The answer is that each REST API method maps to a specific CRUD action in network automation: GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates or replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods. This mapping is correct because RESTful APIs use HTTP verbs to perform standard operations on network device configurations or state data, mirroring the create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) model that underpins automation workflows like provisioning interfaces or fetching interface statistics. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how network automation tools interact with controllers or devices via REST APIs, often appearing in drag-and-drop or multiple-choice questions where you must match verbs to actions. A common trap is confusing PUT (full replacement) with PATCH (partial update), so remember that PUT rewrites the entire resource while PATCH only modifies specified fields. For a quick memory tip, think of the mnemonic “GP-PPDO” (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, OPTIONS) to recall the order and their core actions.
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: the GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state.. 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.
Match each REST API method to the action it most closely represents in a typical network automation workflow.
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
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates/replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates/replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods. These correspond to common network automation workflows.
Key principle: The GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates/replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
Why this is correct
This is correct because it accurately describes the standard REST API methods and their actions in network automation workflows. GET is used to retrieve configuration or status data, POST to create new resources like interfaces or VLANs, PUT to replace entire resources, PATCH to apply partial updates, DELETE to remove resources, and OPTIONS to discover supported methods.
Related concept
The GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state.
- ✗
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT partially updates, PATCH updates/replaces, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because it swaps the actions of PUT and PATCH. PUT is used to update/replace an entire resource, while PATCH is used for partial updates.
- ✗
GET retrieves data, POST updates/replaces, PUT creates new resources, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because it swaps the actions of POST and PUT. POST is for creating new resources, while PUT is for updating/replacing existing resources.
- ✗
GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT partially updates, PATCH updates/replaces, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because it swaps the actions of PUT and PATCH. PUT is for full replacement, not partial updates, and PATCH is for partial updates, not full replacement.
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.
✓GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates/replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because it accurately describes the standard REST API methods and their actions in network automation workflows. GET is used to retrieve configuration or status data, POST to create new resources like interfaces or VLANs, PUT to replace entire resources, PATCH to apply partial updates, DELETE to remove resources, and OPTIONS to discover supported methods.
✗GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT partially updates, PATCH updates/replaces, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that PUT is described as 'partially updates' and PATCH as 'updates/replaces', which reverses their actual purposes.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might pick this because they confuse the similar-sounding methods PUT and PATCH, or think 'update' applies to both without distinguishing full vs. partial.
✗GET retrieves data, POST updates/replaces, PUT creates new resources, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that POST is described as 'updates/replaces' and PUT as 'creates new resources', which reverses their standard definitions.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might pick this because they think 'PUT' is for putting new data (creating) and 'POST' is for posting updates, but in REST, POST is typically for creation and PUT for replacement.
✗GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT partially updates, PATCH updates/replaces, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that PUT is described as 'partially updates' and PATCH as 'updates/replaces', which is the opposite of their actual functions.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might pick this because they think 'PUT' can be used for partial updates (common misconception) or confuse the two methods due to similar names.
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
Be careful not to confuse PUT and PATCH: PUT replaces the entire resource, while PATCH applies a partial update. Also, remember that POST is for creating new resources, not for updating. These are common traps in CCNA automation questions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
REST APIs in network automation use HTTP methods to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on network device configurations or state data. GET requests retrieve information without altering device state, making them safe and idempotent. POST requests create new resources, such as adding a new VLAN or ACL entry. PUT requests replace or fully update an existing resource, ensuring the entire configuration segment is overwritten. DELETE requests remove resources, such as deleting a VLAN or ACL rule. These methods enable programmatic control over Cisco devices, streamlining automation workflows. The decision process for selecting the correct REST API method depends on the intended action. If the goal is to fetch current device data, GET is appropriate. To add a new configuration element, POST is used. When modifying an existing configuration fully, PUT is the correct choice, as it replaces the entire resource. DELETE is reserved for removing configurations. Understanding these distinctions is critical in Cisco automation scenarios, where precise control over device state is necessary to avoid unintended disruptions. A frequent exam trap involves confusing POST and PUT methods, as both can modify device configurations but serve different purposes. POST creates new resources without requiring the full resource representation, while PUT requires the complete resource and replaces it. In practical Cisco network automation, using PUT incorrectly can overwrite configurations unintentionally, causing network issues. Recognizing these behaviors helps candidates select the correct method and understand how REST APIs interact with Cisco IOS XE or NX-OS devices during automation tasks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- The GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state.
- The POST REST API method creates new resources or configurations in a network automation workflow.
- The PUT REST API method fully replaces or updates an existing network resource with a complete new configuration.
- The DELETE REST API method removes existing network resources or configurations from a device.
- REST API methods follow the CRUD model, which is essential for managing Cisco network device configurations programmatically.
- Using the correct REST API method prevents unintended configuration changes or data loss in automated Cisco network environments.
- Understanding REST API method behaviors helps automate VLAN, ACL, and routing configurations accurately on Cisco devices.
- Confusing POST and PUT methods can lead to incorrect resource creation or overwriting in Cisco network automation workflows.
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
The GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — The GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates/replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods. — GET retrieves data, POST creates new resources, PUT updates/replaces, PATCH partially updates, DELETE removes, and OPTIONS queries available methods. These correspond to common network automation workflows.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review the GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
The GET REST API method retrieves current network device data without modifying configurations or state.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 200-301
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. Match each HTTP method to its common REST API action.
easy- ✓ A.GET - Retrieve data
- B.GET - Create data
- C.POST - Retrieve data
- D.PUT - Partially update data
Why A: GET retrieves data; POST creates; PUT replaces; PATCH partially updates; DELETE removes; OPTIONS queries available methods.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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