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 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?
In a custom header
Why wrong: While possible, Cisco DNA Center uses the standard Authorization header.
In the URL query string
Why wrong: Tokens should not be passed in URLs for security reasons.
In the request body
Why wrong: The token is not sent in the body.
In the Authorization header as Bearer
The standard way is to include 'Authorization: Bearer <token>' in the header.
Answer choices
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
Option D is correct because 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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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
While possible, Cisco DNA Center uses the standard Authorization header.
In the URL query string
Why it's wrong here
Tokens should not be passed in URLs for security reasons.
In the request body
Why it's wrong here
The token is not sent in the body.
In the Authorization header as Bearer
Why this is correct
The standard way is to include 'Authorization: Bearer <token>' in the header.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Cisco DNA Center implements OAuth 2.0's Client Credentials Grant flow, where the token is a JSON Web Token (JWT) containing claims like the user's role and expiration time. The Authorization header with Bearer scheme is defined in RFC 6750, and DNA Center's API gateway validates this header on every request by decoding the JWT and checking its signature and expiry. In a real-world scenario, if the token expires (default is 1 hour), the script must re-authenticate or use a refresh token to avoid 401 errors, which is a common pitfall in production automation.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Understanding and Using APIs — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Understanding and Using APIs practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 200-901 questions
505 questions across all exam domains
Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
200-901 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Software Development and Design.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Understanding and Using APIs.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Cisco Platforms and Development.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Application Deployment and Security.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Infrastructure and Automation.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to Network Fundamentals.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to 200-901 fundamentals.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to 200-901 scenario.
Practise 200-901 questions linked to 200-901 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Understanding and Using APIs — This question tests Understanding and Using APIs — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: In the Authorization header as Bearer — Option D is correct because 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
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.