- A
CNAME
Why wrong: CNAME aliases hostnames.
- B
TXT
Correct. TXT records store arbitrary text, used for SPF and DKIM.
- C
MX
Why wrong: MX records specify mail servers.
- D
NS
Why wrong: NS records specify name servers.
Question 833 of 1,000
200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. 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.
Which DNS record type is used to verify domain ownership for email security protocols like SPF and DKIM?
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
MX
Why it's wrong here
MX records specify mail servers.
- ✗
NS
Why it's wrong here
NS records specify name servers.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SPF records are published as TXT records with a specific syntax (e.g., 'v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all'), and DKIM records use a selector-based TXT record (e.g., 'default._domainkey.example.com TXT v=DKIM1; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQ...'). Both are defined in RFC 7208 (SPF) and RFC 6376 (DKIM). A common subtlety is that SPF was historically also allowed via a dedicated SPF RR type, but that is obsolete; modern DNS always uses TXT records.
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 practitioner preparing for the 200-901 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Common DNS Record Types
| Record | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | IPv4 address mapping | example.com → 93.184.216.34 |
| AAAA | IPv6 address mapping | example.com → 2606:2800::1 |
| CNAME | Alias to another hostname | www → example.com |
| MX | Mail server for domain | example.com → mail.example.com (priority 10) |
| TXT | Text data (SPF, DKIM, verification) | v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all |
| NS | Authoritative name servers | example.com NS ns1.example.com |
| PTR | Reverse DNS (IP → hostname) | 34.216.184.93.in-addr.arpa → example.com |
| SOA | Zone authority record | Primary NS, admin email, serial, TTL defaults |
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Network Fundamentals — This question tests Network Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
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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