- A
As a data variable from a CSV file
Why wrong: Data variables come from external files and are not persistent across runs.
- B
As a global variable
Why wrong: Global variables are shared across all collections, not ideal.
- C
As a collection variable
Collection variables are scoped to the collection and persist.
- D
As a local variable in the login request
Why wrong: Local variables are only available in the request script.
Question 178 of 1,000
200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of understanding and using apis. 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 needs to create a Postman collection that uses a variable for the base URL and a token variable for authentication. The token is obtained from a login request and must be reused across requests. Where should the token variable be defined to persist across all requests in the collection?
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
✓
As a collection variable
Option C is correct because collection variables in Postman are scoped to the entire collection, meaning they persist across all requests within that collection. By storing the token as a collection variable after the login request, it can be reused in subsequent requests without re-authentication. This is the recommended approach for sharing authentication tokens across requests in a Postman collection.
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.
- ✗
As a data variable from a CSV file
Why it's wrong here
Data variables come from external files and are not persistent across runs.
- ✗
As a global variable
Why it's wrong here
Global variables are shared across all collections, not ideal.
- ✓
As a collection variable
Why this is correct
Collection variables are scoped to the collection and persist.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
As a local variable in the login request
Why it's wrong here
Local variables are only available in the request script.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between variable scopes in Postman, and the trap here is that candidates confuse global variables (which are too broad) with collection variables (which are correctly scoped), or mistakenly think local variables persist beyond the request in which they are defined.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Postman uses a variable hierarchy: local (request-level) < data (iteration-level) < environment < collection < global. Collection variables are stored in the collection's metadata and can be set programmatically using `pm.collectionVariables.set('token', value)` in the login request's Tests script. This ensures the token is available in the Authorization header or pre-request scripts of all subsequent requests, even across different environments, without exposing it globally.
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 practitioner preparing for the 200-901 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Understanding and Using APIs — This question tests Understanding and Using APIs — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: As a collection variable — Option C is correct because collection variables in Postman are scoped to the entire collection, meaning they persist across all requests within that collection. By storing the token as a collection variable after the login request, it can be reused in subsequent requests without re-authentication. This is the recommended approach for sharing authentication tokens across requests in a Postman collection.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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