- A
Include an API key in the Authorization header as a Bearer token
Why wrong: Meraki does not use Bearer tokens.
- B
Use a session token obtained from a login endpoint
Why wrong: Meraki does not use session tokens.
- C
Use Basic authentication with username and password
Why wrong: Basic auth is not used by Meraki.
- D
Include an API key in the X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key header
This is the correct Meraki authentication method.
Question 955 of 1,000
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 Meraki Dashboard API, what is the correct method to authenticate requests?
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
✓
Include an API key in the X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key header
The Meraki Dashboard API uses a unique API key for authentication, which must be included in the `X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key` header. This key is generated per user in the Meraki Dashboard and identifies the request without requiring a session or password. Option D correctly specifies this custom header, which is the only supported method for authenticating requests to the Meraki API.
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.
- ✗
Include an API key in the Authorization header as a Bearer token
Why it's wrong here
Meraki does not use Bearer tokens.
- ✗
Use a session token obtained from a login endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Meraki does not use session tokens.
- ✗
Use Basic authentication with username and password
Why it's wrong here
Basic auth is not used by Meraki.
- ✓
Include an API key in the X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key header
Why this is correct
This is the correct Meraki authentication method.
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 all REST APIs use standard Bearer tokens or OAuth, but the Meraki API deliberately uses a custom header to emphasize vendor-specific authentication patterns that candidates must memorize.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Meraki API key is a 40-character hexadecimal string tied to a specific Dashboard administrator account. It must be included in every request as a header, and the API enforces rate limiting (e.g., 5 requests per second per key) to prevent abuse. Under the hood, the key is hashed and validated against the organization's permissions, ensuring that requests are scoped to the user's access level without requiring OAuth or session management.
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: Include an API key in the X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key header — The Meraki Dashboard API uses a unique API key for authentication, which must be included in the `X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key` header. This key is generated per user in the Meraki Dashboard and identifies the request without requiring a session or password. Option D correctly specifies this custom header, which is the only supported method for authenticating requests to the Meraki API.
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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