Quick Answer
The answer is that the devices have not been added to the organization’s inventory first. This is the most likely cause of the Meraki API claim device error 400 because the Meraki API enforces a strict two-step workflow: devices must be inventoried at the organization level via the POST /organizations/{organizationId}/inventory/devices endpoint before they can be claimed into a specific network. Even when serial numbers are correct and unused, the API returns the “Device serial number is not valid or already claimed” error if those serials are absent from the organization’s inventory. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Meraki API’s resource hierarchy and the order of operations for device provisioning—a common trap is assuming that a valid serial number alone is sufficient for claiming. Remember the memory tip: “Inventory before claim, or the 400 will bring the pain.”
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of cisco platforms and development. 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 university IT department manages a Cisco Meraki network with 200 MR access points and 50 MS switches. They use the Meraki dashboard API to automate network provisioning. A new student dormitory was added, and the team needs to create a new network and claim devices. They have a Python script that uses the Meraki API to create the network and then claim devices by serial numbers. The script successfully creates the network but fails when claiming devices with a 400 error: 'Device serial number is not valid or already claimed'. The serial numbers are correct and unused. The API key has full organization access. The script uses the endpoint 'POST /networks/{networkId}/devices/claim' with the correct body. What is the most likely cause of the failure?
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.
The API key does not have permission to claim devices.
Why wrong: It has full organization access.
The serial numbers contain a typo.
Why wrong: They are correct.
The devices have not been added to the organization's inventory first.
Devices must be claimed into the organization before being assigned to a network.
The devices are not Meraki MR or MS models.
Why wrong: They are MR and MS.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The devices have not been added to the organization's inventory first.
Option C is correct because in the Meraki API workflow, devices must first be added to the organization's inventory via the 'POST /organizations/{organizationId}/inventory/devices' endpoint before they can be claimed into a specific network. The 400 error 'Device serial number is not valid or already claimed' occurs when the serial numbers are not present in the organization's inventory, even if they are correct and unused. The script successfully creates the network but fails at the claim step because the devices have not been inventoried at the organization level.
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.
The API key does not have permission to claim devices.
Why it's wrong here
It has full organization access.
The serial numbers contain a typo.
Why it's wrong here
They are correct.
The devices have not been added to the organization's inventory first.
Why this is correct
Devices must be claimed into the organization before being assigned to a network.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The devices are not Meraki MR or MS models.
Why it's wrong here
They are MR and MS.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between organization-level inventory and network-level claiming, trapping candidates who assume that claiming a device automatically adds it to the organization's inventory or that a valid serial number is sufficient without prior inventory registration.
Detailed technical explanation
The Meraki API requires a two-step process for device provisioning: first, devices must be added to the organization's inventory using the 'POST /organizations/{organizationId}/inventory/devices' endpoint, which registers the serial numbers at the organization level. Only after this step can they be claimed into a specific network via 'POST /networks/{networkId}/devices/claim'. This design ensures that devices are tracked globally before being assigned to a network, preventing duplicate claims and enabling centralized inventory management. In real-world scenarios, failing to inventory devices first is a common oversight when automating large-scale deployments.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Cisco Platforms and Development — This question tests Cisco Platforms and Development — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The devices have not been added to the organization's inventory first. — Option C is correct because in the Meraki API workflow, devices must first be added to the organization's inventory via the 'POST /organizations/{organizationId}/inventory/devices' endpoint before they can be claimed into a specific network. The 400 error 'Device serial number is not valid or already claimed' occurs when the serial numbers are not present in the organization's inventory, even if they are correct and unused. The script successfully creates the network but fails at the claim step because the devices have not been inventoried at the organization level.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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