- A
The TACACS+ server's 'Access-Accept' response does not include the necessary authorization attributes to permit the 'reload' command, so the router denies it.
Correct because TACACS+ command authorization requires the server to explicitly permit each command or use a 'permit all' attribute; an 'Access-Accept' without proper attributes results in denial.
- B
The 'aaa accounting commands 15' command is causing the router to send accounting records before authorization, which delays the response and causes a timeout.
Why wrong: Incorrect because accounting is separate and does not affect authorization; the router processes authorization first.
- C
The router's 'aaa authorization commands 15' should use 'group tacacs+' without 'local' to ensure only TACACS+ is used.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the 'local' fallback only applies if TACACS+ does not respond; here TACACS+ responded, so the fallback is not used.
- D
The user's privilege level on the router is not actually 15, despite the configuration.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the scenario states the user has privilege level 15, and the authorization command is for level 15; if the user were at a lower level, the command would not be subject to that authorization list.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the TACACS+ server’s Access-Accept response lacks the specific authorization attributes required to permit the reload command. In TACACS+ command authorization, the server must include explicit attributes—such as a list of permitted commands or a “permit all” directive—within the Access-Accept packet; otherwise, the router defaults to denial even when the authentication succeeds. This scenario tests your understanding of how TACACS+ separates authentication from authorization, a common pitfall on the ENCOR 350-401 exam where candidates confuse a successful Access-Accept with automatic command permission. A frequent trap is assuming the accounting configuration (aaa accounting commands 15) causes the failure, but accounting only logs activity and does not enforce authorization. Remember the memory tip: “Access-Accept says ‘yes, you are who you say you are,’ but without command attributes, it says ‘no, you can’t do that.’”
CCNP AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco router to use TACACS+ for command authorization. The engineer configures 'aaa authorization commands 15 default group tacacs+ local'. When a user with privilege level 15 tries to execute the 'reload' command, the router sends an authorization request to the TACACS+ server. The server responds with an 'Access-Accept' but the command is still denied. The engineer checks the router's configuration and sees that 'aaa accounting commands 15 default start-stop group tacacs+' is also configured. What could be the issue?
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 TACACS+ server's 'Access-Accept' response does not include the necessary authorization attributes to permit the 'reload' command, so the router denies it.
The TACACS+ server response for command authorization includes attributes that specify which commands are allowed. If the server responds with an 'Access-Accept' but does not include the necessary authorization data (e.g., a list of permitted commands or a 'permit all' attribute), the router may deny the command. Alternatively, the accounting configuration might be interfering, but that is less likely. The most common cause is that the TACACS+ server's response does not include the required authorization information for the specific command.
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 TACACS+ server's 'Access-Accept' response does not include the necessary authorization attributes to permit the 'reload' command, so the router denies it.
Why this is correct
Correct because TACACS+ command authorization requires the server to explicitly permit each command or use a 'permit all' attribute; an 'Access-Accept' without proper attributes results in denial.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The 'aaa accounting commands 15' command is causing the router to send accounting records before authorization, which delays the response and causes a timeout.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because accounting is separate and does not affect authorization; the router processes authorization first.
- ✗
The router's 'aaa authorization commands 15' should use 'group tacacs+' without 'local' to ensure only TACACS+ is used.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the 'local' fallback only applies if TACACS+ does not respond; here TACACS+ responded, so the fallback is not used.
- ✗
The user's privilege level on the router is not actually 15, despite the configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the scenario states the user has privilege level 15, and the authorization command is for level 15; if the user were at a lower level, the command would not be subject to that authorization list.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect because the scenario states the user has privilege level 15, and the authorization command is for level 15; if the user were at a lower level, the command would not be subject to that authorization list.
Scenario analysis trap
Incorrect because the scenario states the user has privilege level 15, and the authorization command is for level 15; if the user were at a lower level, the command would not be subject to that authorization list.
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 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
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: The TACACS+ server's 'Access-Accept' response does not include the necessary authorization attributes to permit the 'reload' command, so the router denies it. — The TACACS+ server response for command authorization includes attributes that specify which commands are allowed. If the server responds with an 'Access-Accept' but does not include the necessary authorization data (e.g., a list of permitted commands or a 'permit all' attribute), the router may deny the command. Alternatively, the accounting configuration might be interfering, but that is less likely. The most common cause is that the TACACS+ server's response does not include the required authorization information for the specific command.
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
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