- A
The server must have a valid digital certificate
The certificate proves the server's identity.
- B
The handshake uses UDP for faster negotiation
Why wrong: TLS typically runs over TCP.
- C
The client must present a certificate to the server
Why wrong: Client certificates are optional, not required for a basic TLS handshake.
- D
The client must have a public key to encrypt the session
Why wrong: The client uses the server's public key (from certificate) to encrypt the pre-master secret.
- E
The server's private key is used to decrypt the pre-master secret
Only the server's private key can decrypt the pre-master secret.
Question 567 of 1,000
200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. 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.
An engineer is troubleshooting a network issue where a client cannot reach a server. The client uses HTTPS. Which TWO factors are essential for a successful TLS handshake?
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
✓
The server must have a valid digital certificate
Option A is correct because the server must present a valid digital certificate during the TLS handshake to prove its identity to the client. This certificate contains the server's public key and is signed by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), enabling the client to verify the server's authenticity before proceeding with encrypted communication.
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.
- ✓
The server must have a valid digital certificate
Why this is correct
The certificate proves the server's identity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The handshake uses UDP for faster negotiation
- ✗
The client must present a certificate to the server
Why it's wrong here
Client certificates are optional, not required for a basic TLS handshake.
- ✗
The client must have a public key to encrypt the session
Why it's wrong here
The client uses the server's public key (from certificate) to encrypt the pre-master secret.
- ✓
The server's private key is used to decrypt the pre-master secret
Why this is correct
Only the server's private key can decrypt the pre-master secret.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that the client must always present a certificate or that the handshake uses UDP, when in reality client certificates are optional and TLS relies on TCP.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
During a TLS 1.2 handshake, the server sends its certificate in the Certificate message, and the client verifies the certificate chain against trusted root CAs. The client then generates a 46-byte pre-master secret, encrypts it with the server's public key (from the certificate), and sends it to the server; the server uses its private key to decrypt it, and both parties derive the same session keys from this secret. In TLS 1.3, the handshake is streamlined but still requires the server's certificate for authentication, and the private key is used to sign the ServerHello or to decrypt the client's key share.
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?
Network Fundamentals — This question tests Network Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The server must have a valid digital certificate — Option A is correct because the server must present a valid digital certificate during the TLS handshake to prove its identity to the client. This certificate contains the server's public key and is signed by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), enabling the client to verify the server's authenticity before proceeding with encrypted communication.
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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