200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
Which HTTP status code indicates that a POST request successfully created a new resource on the server?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 200 OK and 201 Created, trapping candidates who assume any successful POST returns 200 OK, when in fact 201 is the standard for resource creation.
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
✓
201 Created
The 201 Created status code is the correct response for a POST request that successfully creates a new resource. According to RFC 7231, the server should respond with 201 and include a Location header pointing to the newly created resource's URI. This is the standard behavior for RESTful APIs when a POST operation results in resource creation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
200 OK
Why it's wrong here
200 OK signals generic success and returns the created representation, but it does not assert that a new resource came into existence, so it fails the "created" requirement. It is tempting because 200 is the default success code for POST responses that return a body. 201 Created is the correct choice when the request results in a new resource, ideally with a Location header.
- ✓
201 Created
Why this is correct
201 Created is returned when a POST request results in a new resource being created on the server, typically accompanied by a Location header identifying its URI. Other 2xx codes, such as 200 OK, indicate success without confirming resource creation.
- ✗
204 No Content
Why it's wrong here
204 No Content reports success with an empty body and carries no Location header identifying the new resource, so it does not confirm creation. It is tempting because 204 is correct when an operation succeeds but deliberately returns nothing, such as a DELETE or a fire-and-forget update.
- ✗
202 Accepted
Why it's wrong here
202 Accepted means the request was accepted for asynchronous processing, not that a resource now exists; the Location header is absent. It is tempting because it does confirm receipt of a POST, and it would be correct for a queued job where creation completes later.
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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.