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.
When using the Cisco DNA Center API, which three steps are typically involved in making a successful API call? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Send requests to the correct API endpoint.
To use the DNA Center API, you first obtain an authentication token via Basic Auth, then include that token as a Bearer token in the Authorization header of subsequent requests, and send requests to the correct endpoint. Tokens are not sent in the request body, and SNMP is not used for API calls.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Send requests to the correct API endpoint.
Why this is correct
Correct endpoints are necessary to access desired resources.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Obtain an authentication token using Basic Auth credentials.
Why this is correct
The initial step is to POST to /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token with Basic Auth.
Include the token in the Authorization header as Bearer.
Why this is correct
All subsequent requests must include 'Authorization: Bearer <token>'.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Understanding and Using APIs — This question tests Understanding and Using APIs — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Send requests to the correct API endpoint. — To use the DNA Center API, you first obtain an authentication token via Basic Auth, then include that token as a Bearer token in the Authorization header of subsequent requests, and send requests to the correct endpoint. Tokens are not sent in the request body, and SNMP is not used for API calls.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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