- A
Set the `data` parameter to JSON for request body.
Why wrong: For GET requests, data is not used; for POST, use json= parameter.
- B
Use the `timeout` parameter to specify a maximum wait time.
Prevents indefinite hanging.
- C
Use `verify=False` to speed up requests.
Why wrong: Disables SSL verification, insecure and not recommended.
- D
Set the `auth` parameter with a tuple (username, token).
Why wrong: auth parameter is for HTTP Basic Auth, not bearer tokens.
- E
Use the `headers` parameter to include the authorization token.
Headers dict includes 'Authorization' key.
Question 51 of 1,000
200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. 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.
A developer is designing a Python script that needs to make multiple REST API calls to different endpoints sequentially. The script must handle the following requirements: (1) Use a variable timeout for each request, (2) Include an authorization token in every request, (3) Parse JSON responses. Which TWO features of the requests library should be used? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Use the `timeout` parameter to specify a maximum wait time.
Option B is correct because the `timeout` parameter in the requests library allows you to specify a maximum wait time (in seconds) for each request, directly addressing requirement (1) for a variable timeout. Option E is correct because the `headers` parameter is the standard way to include an authorization token (e.g., `{'Authorization': 'Bearer <token>'}`) in every request, satisfying requirement (2). Both features are essential for controlling request behavior and authentication in REST API calls.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set the `data` parameter to JSON for request body.
Why it's wrong here
For GET requests, data is not used; for POST, use json= parameter.
- ✓
Use the `timeout` parameter to specify a maximum wait time.
Why this is correct
Prevents indefinite hanging.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use `verify=False` to speed up requests.
Why it's wrong here
Disables SSL verification, insecure and not recommended.
- ✗
Set the `auth` parameter with a tuple (username, token).
Why it's wrong here
auth parameter is for HTTP Basic Auth, not bearer tokens.
- ✓
Use the `headers` parameter to include the authorization token.
Why this is correct
Headers dict includes 'Authorization' key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between the `auth` parameter (for Basic Auth) and the `headers` parameter (for bearer tokens), causing candidates to mistakenly choose Option D when they should use Option E.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `timeout` parameter in requests sets both the connect and read timeout, raising a `requests.exceptions.Timeout` if exceeded; it is crucial for preventing indefinite hangs in sequential API calls. The `headers` parameter allows custom HTTP headers like `Authorization: Bearer <token>`, which is the standard for token-based authentication (e.g., OAuth 2.0). Note that the `auth` parameter is specifically designed for Basic Auth (RFC 7617) and will automatically encode credentials as Base64, making it unsuitable for bearer tokens.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Software Development and Design — This question tests Software Development and Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the `timeout` parameter to specify a maximum wait time. — Option B is correct because the `timeout` parameter in the requests library allows you to specify a maximum wait time (in seconds) for each request, directly addressing requirement (1) for a variable timeout. Option E is correct because the `headers` parameter is the standard way to include an authorization token (e.g., `{'Authorization': 'Bearer <token>'}`) in every request, satisfying requirement (2). Both features are essential for controlling request behavior and authentication in REST API calls.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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