Quick Answer
The answer is local AAA user authentication with a username and password, and certificate-based authentication using X.509 certificates. These two methods are supported for authenticating to the APIC REST API because the APIC validates REST API calls either against locally stored credentials or through a cryptographic handshake with a trusted certificate, eliminating the need for interactive login. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of secure API access in ACI environments, often appearing as a multiple-select question where you must distinguish supported methods from unsupported ones like OAuth or LDAP direct bind. A common trap is assuming TACACS+ or RADIUS are valid for REST API calls, but those protocols only apply to CLI or GUI access, not API authentication. Memory tip: think “Local or Cert” for APIC REST—no external AAA servers allowed for API calls.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of automation. 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 TWO methods are supported for authenticating to the APIC REST API?
SAML authentication
Why wrong: SAML is used for web UI SSO, not REST API.
Certificate-based authentication
X.509 certificates can be used for API authentication.
Local AAA user (username/password)
Local users can authenticate to the REST API.
RADIUS/TACACS+ authentication
Why wrong: These are for switch management, not directly for APIC REST API.
LDAP authentication
Why wrong: LDAP is for user lookup, not REST API auth.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Certificate-based authentication
The APIC REST API supports certificate-based authentication (option B) and local AAA user authentication with a username and password (option C). Certificate-based authentication uses X.509 certificates for secure, non-interactive API access, while local AAA authentication relies on credentials stored directly on the APIC. Both methods are explicitly documented as valid for REST API calls.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SAML authentication
Why it's wrong here
SAML is used for web UI SSO, not REST API.
Certificate-based authentication
Why this is correct
X.509 certificates can be used for API authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Local AAA user (username/password)
Why this is correct
Local users can authenticate to the REST API.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
RADIUS/TACACS+ authentication
Why it's wrong here
These are for switch management, not directly for APIC REST API.
LDAP authentication
Why it's wrong here
LDAP is for user lookup, not REST API auth.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication methods supported for the REST API versus those supported for management access (SSH, web GUI), leading candidates to incorrectly select RADIUS/TACACS+ or LDAP as valid REST API options.
Detailed technical explanation
For certificate-based authentication, the APIC validates the client certificate against a trusted CA certificate stored in the APIC's truststore, and the certificate's subject DN is mapped to a local APIC user. For local AAA, the REST API uses HTTP Basic Authentication over HTTPS, where the username and password are base64-encoded in the Authorization header. In real-world automation, certificate-based authentication is preferred for scripted API calls to avoid storing plaintext credentials.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Certificate-based authentication — The APIC REST API supports certificate-based authentication (option B) and local AAA user authentication with a username and password (option C). Certificate-based authentication uses X.509 certificates for secure, non-interactive API access, while local AAA authentication relies on credentials stored directly on the APIC. Both methods are explicitly documented as valid for REST API calls.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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