350-601 Automation Practice Question
Which TWO methods are supported for authenticating to the APIC REST API?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
- ✓
Local AAA user (username/password)
Why this is correct
Local users can authenticate to the REST API.
- ✗
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.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-601 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 350-601 exam.