- A
An authorization code
The code is the intermediate credential.
- B
A client secret
Why wrong: Client secret is used in the token exchange.
- C
A refresh token
Why wrong: Refresh token may be issued with the access token.
- D
An access token
Why wrong: Access token is obtained after exchanging the code.
200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
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.
In the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow, what does the client receive after the user grants authorization?
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
An authorization code
In the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow, after the user grants authorization, the authorization server redirects the client with an authorization code in the query string. This code is a temporary credential that the client must exchange for an access token by sending it along with its client credentials to the token endpoint. The authorization code itself is not the final token; it is a one-time-use intermediary that prevents the access token from being exposed to the user agent.
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.
- ✓
An authorization code
Why this is correct
The code is the intermediate credential.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A client secret
Why it's wrong here
Client secret is used in the token exchange.
- ✗
A refresh token
Why it's wrong here
Refresh token may be issued with the access token.
- ✗
An access token
Why it's wrong here
Access token is obtained after exchanging the code.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between what is received immediately after user authorization (the authorization code) versus what is obtained after the subsequent token exchange (access token and optionally a refresh token), causing candidates to mistakenly select the access token.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The authorization code flow is defined in RFC 6749 Section 4.1. The code itself is short-lived (often 1–10 minutes) and bound to the client ID and redirect URI. A critical subtlety is that the authorization code must be sent over a secure back-channel (server-to-server) to prevent interception; if an attacker obtains the code, they cannot use it without the client secret, which is never exposed to the browser. In real-world scenarios, this flow is used by server-side web apps (e.g., a Node.js app) where the client can securely store the client secret.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Understanding and Using APIs — This question tests Understanding and Using APIs — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: An authorization code — In the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow, after the user grants authorization, the authorization server redirects the client with an authorization code in the query string. This code is a temporary credential that the client must exchange for an access token by sending it along with its client credentials to the token endpoint. The authorization code itself is not the final token; it is a one-time-use intermediary that prevents the access token from being exposed to the user agent.
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.
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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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