Question 1,122 of 2,015

AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ →mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is that authorization controls what commands or services a user can access, while accounting provides a record of user activities for auditing or billing purposes. Authorization determines the permissions granted to an authenticated user, such as which router commands or network resources they can use, whereas accounting focuses on logging and tracking those actions for review or cost allocation. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this distinction is frequently tested to ensure you understand that authorization is about access control, not encryption or authentication, and that accounting is purely about record-keeping, not identity verification. A common trap is confusing accounting with authentication—remember that authentication verifies who you are, authorization defines what you can do, and accounting logs what you did. A useful memory tip is the "Three A's" sequence: Authenticate first, then Authorize, then Account for the actions.

CCNP AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. 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 statements about AAA authorization and accounting are true? (Choose two.)

Question 1mediummulti select

Study the full AAA explanation →

A
Authorization determines what commands a user is allowed to execute after authentication.
Correct because authorization enforces policies on what resources or commands a user can access.
B
Authorization ensures that all traffic between the client and server is encrypted.
Why wrong: Incorrect because authorization does not provide encryption; it controls access rights.
C
Accounting is used to authenticate users based on their previous login history.
Why wrong: Incorrect because accounting tracks and logs events, not authenticate users.
D
Accounting provides a record of user activities for auditing or billing purposes.
Correct because accounting collects data on user actions for logging or billing.
E
Authorization can only be based on the source IP address of the user.
Why wrong: Incorrect because authorization can use many attributes, such as username, group, or time.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Authorization determines what commands a user is allowed to execute after authentication.

The correct answers describe the purpose of authorization and accounting. Option A is correct because authorization controls what commands or services a user can access. Option D is correct because accounting records user activity for auditing and billing. Option B is wrong because authorization does not encrypt traffic; encryption is a separate function. Option C is wrong because accounting does not authenticate users; it logs actions. Option E is wrong because authorization can be based on user or group attributes, not just the source IP.

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.

✓
Authorization determines what commands a user is allowed to execute after authentication.
Why this is correct
Correct because authorization enforces policies on what resources or commands a user can access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Authorization ensures that all traffic between the client and server is encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because authorization does not provide encryption; it controls access rights.
✗
Accounting is used to authenticate users based on their previous login history.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because accounting tracks and logs events, not authenticate users.
✓
Accounting provides a record of user activities for auditing or billing purposes.
Why this is correct
Correct because accounting collects data on user actions for logging or billing.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Authorization can only be based on the source IP address of the user.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because authorization can use many attributes, such as username, group, or time.

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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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: Authorization determines what commands a user is allowed to execute after authentication. — The correct answers describe the purpose of authorization and accounting. Option A is correct because authorization controls what commands or services a user can access. Option D is correct because accounting records user activity for auditing and billing. Option B is wrong because authorization does not encrypt traffic; encryption is a separate function. Option C is wrong because accounting does not authenticate users; it logs actions. Option E is wrong because authorization can be based on user or group attributes, not just the source IP.

What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Authentication checks who the user is.

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