200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
A developer is building a Python application that uses the Cisco Webex API to send messages. The application must authenticate on behalf of a user without storing the user's password. Which OAuth 2.0 grant type should be used to obtain an access token?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse the Client Credentials Grant, which is for application-only authentication, with user-delegated authentication, which requires the Authorization Code Grant.
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 Code Grant
To authenticate on behalf of a user without handling their password, the Authorization Code Grant is the correct OAuth 2.0 flow. It redirects the user to the authorization server, where they authenticate directly. The application receives an authorization code, which it exchanges for an access token. This method is secure, supports refresh tokens, and is widely recommended for server-side applications like the Python app described.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Resource Owner Password Credentials Grant
Why it's wrong here
This grant type requires the application to collect the user's username and password directly, which violates the requirement of not storing the password. It is less secure and not recommended for third-party applications. Webex supports it only for trusted first-party clients, but it is not suitable here.
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Client Credentials Grant
Why it's wrong here
The Client Credentials Grant is used for machine-to-machine authentication where the application acts on its own behalf, not on behalf of a user. It does not involve user interaction and cannot access user-specific resources. Since the requirement is to authenticate on behalf of a user, this grant is inappropriate.
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Implicit Grant
Why it's wrong here
The Implicit Grant was designed for client-side applications but is now deprecated due to security weaknesses, such as exposing tokens in URL fragments. It does not support refresh tokens and is not recommended for new applications. The Authorization Code Grant with PKCE is preferred for public clients, but for a server-side Python app, standard Authorization Code is ideal.
- ✓
Authorization Code Grant
Why this is correct
The Authorization Code Grant is the most secure and appropriate flow for web applications that need to access a user's resources without handling their credentials. It involves redirecting the user to Webex for authentication, then exchanging an authorization code for an access token. This flow supports refresh tokens and is recommended for server-side applications.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.