This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure and automation. 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 Meraki Dashboard API to create an HTTP webhook for network alerts, which authentication method is required in the request header?
Authorization: Bearer <token>
Why wrong: Bearer token is not Meraki standard.
Include the API key as a query parameter.
Why wrong: API key must be in header.
Authorization: Basic <base64>
Why wrong: Basic authentication not used.
X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key: <your_api_key>
Meraki requires this custom header.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key: <your_api_key>
The Cisco Meraki Dashboard API requires authentication via a custom HTTP header named `X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key`, where the value is your API key. This is the only supported method for authenticating requests to the Meraki API, as documented in the official API reference. Option D correctly specifies this header, making it the required authentication method for creating an HTTP webhook for network alerts.
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.
Authorization: Bearer <token>
Why it's wrong here
Bearer token is not Meraki standard.
Include the API key as a query parameter.
Why it's wrong here
API key must be in header.
Authorization: Basic <base64>
Why it's wrong here
Basic authentication not used.
X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key: <your_api_key>
Why this is correct
Meraki requires this custom header.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between standard authentication methods (Bearer tokens, Basic Auth) and vendor-specific custom headers, so the trap here is that candidates may assume a common standard like OAuth 2.0 or Basic Auth applies, when the Meraki API explicitly requires its own proprietary header.
Detailed technical explanation
The `X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key` header is a custom HTTP header that carries a static API key generated from the Meraki Dashboard. This key is tied to the user's account and can be scoped to specific organizations or networks. Under the hood, the Meraki API validates this key on every request, and if it is missing or invalid, the API returns a 401 Unauthorized response. In a real-world scenario, you would store this key securely (e.g., in environment variables) and include it in all API calls, such as when creating an HTTP webhook for network alerts via POST /networks/{networkId}/webhooks/httpServers.
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.
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FAQ
Infrastructure and Automation — This question tests Infrastructure and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key: <your_api_key> — The Cisco Meraki Dashboard API requires authentication via a custom HTTP header named `X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key`, where the value is your API key. This is the only supported method for authenticating requests to the Meraki API, as documented in the official API reference. Option D correctly specifies this header, making it the required authentication method for creating an HTTP webhook for network alerts.
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 24, 2026
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