200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
Which HTTP method is used to partially update a resource in a RESTful API?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing PUT with PATCH; PUT replaces the entire resource, while PATCH performs a partial update.
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
✓
PATCH
The HTTP PATCH method is used to apply partial modifications to a resource. Unlike PUT, which replaces the entire resource, PATCH only updates the specified fields, making it ideal for partial updates.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
POST
Why it's wrong here
POST submits data to be processed by the target resource, typically creating a subordinate resource, and its effect on an existing resource is not defined as a partial modification. It tempts because POST bodies carry data, but PATCH is the method specified for applying partial modifications to a resource.
- ✗
PUT
Why it's wrong here
PUT replaces the entire resource representation, so omitted fields are overwritten or cleared, not partially updated. It tempts because PUT also modifies existing resources, but PATCH exists precisely for sending only the changed fields, which is the partial-update semantics the question requires.
- ✗
UPDATE
Why it's wrong here
UPDATE is not an HTTP method; it appears in SQL and in some RPC-style APIs, which is why it tempts. RESTful partial updates use PATCH, which sends only the fields to change, whereas UPDATE is unrecognised by HTTP servers and would fail routing or return 405.
- ✓
PATCH
Why this is correct
PATCH applies partial modifications to a resource, sending only the fields being changed rather than a complete replacement. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a partial update, unlike PUT, which overwrites the entire resource representation. PATCH therefore matches the scenario precisely.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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.