200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
Which HTTP method is used to partially update an existing resource in a RESTful API?
⚠ Common exam trap
200-901 often tests the PUT vs PATCH distinction — candidates incorrectly assume PUT can be used for partial updates, when PUT replaces the entire resource and PATCH is the method specifically designed for partial modification.
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
PATCH is the HTTP method defined for partial modifications to a resource, sending only the fields that need to change. Unlike PUT, which replaces the entire resource representation, PATCH applies a partial update, making it the correct choice for updating a subset of a resource's attributes in a RESTful API.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
UPDATE
Why it's wrong here
UPDATE is not a standard HTTP method; RESTful APIs use PATCH for partial updates. It is tempting because UPDATE mirrors the SQL and CRUD terminology many developers know, but HTTP defines PATCH specifically for applying partial modifications to a resource.
- ✗
POST
Why it's wrong here
POST submits a complete representation for create or full-replace semantics, so it cannot perform the partial modification the scenario requires. It is tempting because POST does update resources, but only as whole-entity replacement; the correct method, PATCH, applies a partial update document to the existing resource.
- ✓
PATCH
Why this is correct
PATCH applies a partial modification, sending only the fields being changed rather than a full replacement representation. PUT would overwrite the entire resource, so PATCH is the method that satisfies the requirement to update part of an existing resource.
- ✗
PUT
Why it's wrong here
PUT replaces the entire resource representation, so omitted fields are overwritten or removed, not partially updated. It is tempting because PUT is a valid update method, but PATCH exists precisely for partial modification, sending only the fields to change.
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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.