200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
A developer is writing a Python script that calls the Cisco Webex Rooms API to create a new team room. The script must send JSON data in the request body and receive JSON responses. Which HTTP header should be set to ensure the API interprets the request body as JSON and returns JSON?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the Accept header, which specifies desired response format, with the Content-Type header, which specifies the format of the request body.
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
✓
Content-Type: application/json
To send JSON data in a request body, the client must set the Content-Type header to application/json. This tells the server that the payload is JSON, enabling correct parsing. The Accept header is for response format, Authorization is for authentication, and Content-Length is for size. Only Content-Type directly addresses the request body format.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Content-Length: <length>
Why it's wrong here
Content-Length indicates the size of the request body in bytes, which helps the server read the exact amount of data. However, it does not convey the data format. Without a Content-Type header, the server might not know the body is JSON. So, while it is often required, it does not satisfy the need to specify JSON formatting.
- ✗
Accept: application/json
Why it's wrong here
The Accept header tells the server what response format the client prefers, but it does not describe the format of the request body. While it is useful for specifying that the client wants JSON responses, it does not ensure the server parses the request body as JSON. Therefore, it alone is insufficient for sending JSON data in the request. Another header is needed for the request body.
- ✓
Content-Type: application/json
Why this is correct
Setting Content-Type: application/json informs the API that the request body is formatted as JSON, so the server parses it correctly. In Cisco Webex API, this header is required when sending JSON payloads to create resources. Without it, the server may reject the request or misinterpret the data, leading to errors. This header directly addresses the need to send JSON data in the request body.
- ✗
Authorization: Bearer <token>
Why it's wrong here
The Authorization header carries credentials for authentication, such as a bearer token, but it does not specify the media type of the request or response. It is necessary for accessing protected resources but does not control how the body is parsed. Thus, it does not fulfill the requirement to indicate JSON content in the request body.
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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.