Quick Answer
The answer is HTTP Basic authentication to obtain a token. This is the correct method because Cisco DNA Center’s REST API requires a one-time exchange where the client sends a POST request to the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint, including a Base64-encoded string of the username and password in the Authorization header. The server then returns a token that must be included in all subsequent API calls via the X-Auth-Token header, ensuring stateless, secure access without repeatedly sending credentials. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this concept tests your understanding of token-based authentication workflows and the specific endpoint path, which is a common trap—many candidates mistakenly assume OAuth 2.0 or API keys are used, but DNA Center relies on this simpler HTTP Basic exchange for initial token generation. A helpful memory tip: think “Basic to get the token, then X-Auth-Token for everything else,” or remember the endpoint as “dna/system/api/v1/auth/token” by breaking it down as “DNA’s system API version 1 for auth token.”
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of understanding and using apis. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
When designing a REST API client for a Cisco DNA Center deployment, which authentication method should be used to obtain a token for subsequent API calls?
OAuth 2.0 client credentials grant.
Why wrong: DNA Center does not use OAuth 2.0.
API key in the request header.
Why wrong: DNA Center does not use API keys.
HTTP Basic authentication to obtain a token.
Correct method: POST with basic auth to get token.
Client certificate in the request.
Why wrong: Certificates are not the standard authentication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
HTTP Basic authentication to obtain a token.
Cisco DNA Center uses HTTP Basic authentication to obtain a token. The client sends a POST request to the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint with a Base64-encoded string of the username and password in the Authorization header. The server returns a token that must be included in subsequent API calls via the X-Auth-Token header.
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.
OAuth 2.0 client credentials grant.
Why it's wrong here
DNA Center does not use OAuth 2.0.
API key in the request header.
Why it's wrong here
DNA Center does not use API keys.
HTTP Basic authentication to obtain a token.
Why this is correct
Correct method: POST with basic auth to get token.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Client certificate in the request.
Why it's wrong here
Certificates are not the standard authentication.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the specific authentication flow for DNA Center, and the trap here is that candidates confuse the token-based approach with OAuth 2.0 or API keys, which are used by other Cisco platforms like Meraki or Webex.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the token obtained via HTTP Basic authentication is a JSON Web Token (JWT) that includes claims such as the username, role, and expiration time. The token is typically valid for a configurable period (default 1 hour) and must be refreshed by re-authenticating. In real-world deployments, you must store the token securely and handle token expiry by catching 401 responses and re-authenticating.
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
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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: HTTP Basic authentication to obtain a token. — Cisco DNA Center uses HTTP Basic authentication to obtain a token. The client sends a POST request to the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint with a Base64-encoded string of the username and password in the Authorization header. The server returns a token that must be included in subsequent API calls via the X-Auth-Token header.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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