200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
Which DNS record type is used to verify domain ownership for email security protocols like SPF and DKIM?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that SPF or DKIM use a dedicated record type like SPF or DKIM, when in fact both rely on TXT records, and candidates may incorrectly choose MX or CNAME due to their association with email or aliasing.
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
✓
TXT
SPF and DKIM records are stored as TXT records in DNS. SPF records specify which mail servers are authorized to send email for a domain, while DKIM records contain a public key used to verify email signatures. Both are implemented via TXT records, not other record types.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
CNAME
Why it's wrong here
CNAME aliases hostnames.
- ✓
TXT
Why this is correct
Correct. TXT records store arbitrary text, used for SPF and DKIM.
- ✗
MX
Why it's wrong here
MX records specify mail servers.
- ✗
NS
Why it's wrong here
NS records specify name servers.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.