200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 network automation team uses Ansible to manage Cisco ACI fabrics. They have a playbook that creates application profiles using the 'aci_ap' module. Recently, they started using a new Python script that directly uses the Cisco ACI REST API to perform the same tasks. The script often fails with a 403 Forbidden error, although the Ansible playbook works fine. The authentication method is the same: basic authentication over HTTPS. The API user has the same privileges. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script is not including the APIC cookie in subsequent requests
The Cisco ACI REST API requires the token returned from the login to be sent as a cookie in subsequent requests. The script likely overlooks this step, while Ansible handles it automatically. Option A is correct. Option B (HTTP vs HTTPS) would cause a different error. Option C (password change) would affect both. Option D (Content-Type) might cause a 400, not 403.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The script is not including the APIC cookie in subsequent requests
Why this is correct
ACI requires a session cookie; missing it results in 403.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The script is not setting the proper Content-Type header for POST requests
Why it's wrong here
Missing Content-Type typically yields 400 Bad Request.
✗
The script is using HTTP instead of HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
Using HTTP would likely cause a redirect or error, but the error is 403, not a connection issue.
✗
The API user's password was changed between runs
Why it's wrong here
If the password changed, the Ansible playbook would also fail.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Software Development and Design — This question tests Software Development and Design — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script is not including the APIC cookie in subsequent requests — The Cisco ACI REST API requires the token returned from the login to be sent as a cookie in subsequent requests. The script likely overlooks this step, while Ansible handles it automatically. Option A is correct. Option B (HTTP vs HTTPS) would cause a different error. Option C (password change) would affect both. Option D (Content-Type) might cause a 400, not 403.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.