- A
The aaa new-model command enables AAA services on the device.
Correct because aaa new-model is required to activate AAA on Cisco IOS.
- B
The aaa new-model command disables local authentication and forces the use of an external server.
Why wrong: Incorrect because aaa new-model enables AAA but does not automatically disable local authentication; method lists define the order.
- C
The radius-server host command is used to specify the IP address and shared secret for a RADIUS server.
Correct because radius-server host configures the RADIUS server details.
- D
The tacacs-server host command is used to specify the IP address and shared secret for a RADIUS server.
Why wrong: Incorrect because tacacs-server host is for TACACS+ servers, not RADIUS.
- E
The aaa authentication login command defines a method list for login authentication.
Correct because aaa authentication login creates a method list that specifies authentication order.
Quick Answer
The correct answers are that the aaa new-model command enables AAA, the radius-server host command specifies the RADIUS server IP and shared secret, and the aaa authentication login command defines a method list for login authentication. These three statements are true because AAA configuration on Cisco IOS devices begins with aaa new-model to activate the AAA subsystem, after which you define authentication method lists using aaa authentication login to control how users are verified, and you specify external servers like RADIUS with radius-server host to centralize credentials. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your ability to distinguish between enabling AAA versus disabling local authentication—a common trap is assuming aaa new-model turns off local fallback, when in fact it simply activates AAA and requires explicit method lists. Another frequent mistake is confusing tacacs-server host for RADIUS, as the former is for TACACS+ only. Memory tip: think of AAA as a three-step recipe—first enable with new-model, then define login methods, then point to your server.
CCNP AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. 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.
Which three statements about configuring AAA on Cisco IOS devices are true? (Choose three.)
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
The aaa new-model command enables AAA services on the device.
The correct answers cover common AAA configuration steps. Option A is correct because the aaa new-model command enables AAA on a Cisco IOS device. Option C is correct because the radius-server host command specifies the RADIUS server IP and shared secret. Option E is correct because the aaa authentication login command defines a method list for login authentication. Option B is wrong because the aaa new-model command does not disable local authentication; it enables AAA. Option D is wrong because the tacacs-server host command is used for TACACS+, not RADIUS.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 aaa new-model command enables AAA services on the device.
Why this is correct
Correct because aaa new-model is required to activate AAA on Cisco IOS.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The aaa new-model command disables local authentication and forces the use of an external server.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because aaa new-model enables AAA but does not automatically disable local authentication; method lists define the order.
- ✓
The radius-server host command is used to specify the IP address and shared secret for a RADIUS server.
Why this is correct
Correct because radius-server host configures the RADIUS server details.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The tacacs-server host command is used to specify the IP address and shared secret for a RADIUS server.
- ✓
The aaa authentication login command defines a method list for login authentication.
Why this is correct
Correct because aaa authentication login creates a method list that specifies authentication order.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 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.
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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AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — This question tests AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The aaa new-model command enables AAA services on the device. — The correct answers cover common AAA configuration steps. Option A is correct because the aaa new-model command enables AAA on a Cisco IOS device. Option C is correct because the radius-server host command specifies the RADIUS server IP and shared secret. Option E is correct because the aaa authentication login command defines a method list for login authentication. Option B is wrong because the aaa new-model command does not disable local authentication; it enables AAA. Option D is wrong because the tacacs-server host command is used for TACACS+, not RADIUS.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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