easyMultiple Choice
200-901 Practice Question: Is writing a Python script to interact with Cisco…
A network engineer is writing a Python script to interact with Cisco DNA Center. After successfully authenticating and receiving a token, what header must be included in subsequent API requests?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication (getting the token) and authorization (using the token), and the trap here is that candidates might think the token is sent in the request body or a custom header because they confuse it with API keys or session cookies, but the correct standard is the Authorization header with Bearer.
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
✓
In the Authorization header as Bearer
Cisco DNA Center uses token-based authentication following the OAuth 2.0 framework. After obtaining a token via the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint, the token must be included in the Authorization header using the Bearer scheme (e.g., 'Authorization: Bearer <token>') for all subsequent API requests to prove the client's identity and authorization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
In a custom header
Why it's wrong here
A custom header name is rejected; DNA Center specifically requires X-Auth-Token, and arbitrary header names are ignored during authentication. Custom headers suit vendor-specific metadata or tracing identifiers, not the fixed token header this API mandates.
- ✗
In the URL query string
Why it's wrong here
Cisco DNA Center expects the token in the X-Auth-Token request header, not appended to the URL. Query strings are visible in logs, proxies and browser history, so they suit non-sensitive parameters like pagination or filtering, never bearer credentials.
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In the request body
Why it's wrong here
Placing the token in the request body fails because DNA Center authenticates each call from the X-Auth-Token header before parsing payload content. Bodies carry resource representations for POST and PUT operations, not authentication material for GET requests.
- ✓
In the Authorization header as Bearer
Why this is correct
DNA Center issues a token after authentication, and subsequent calls must present it as a Bearer credential in the Authorization header. This OAuth-style scheme lets the controller validate the caller's identity per request, satisfying the stem's requirement for the header included after successful token retrieval.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.