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200-901 Practice Question: Which TWO are common authentication methods used…

Which TWO are common authentication methods used when interacting with Cisco APIs?

⚠ Common exam trap

Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication methods used for API access versus those used for network device management (like SNMPv3 or LDAP), leading candidates to confuse management-plane authentication with API-level authentication.

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

✓

HTTP Basic Authentication

HTTP Basic Authentication (option B) is a common method for authenticating to Cisco APIs, where the client sends a base64-encoded username:password string in the Authorization header. API keys in HTTP headers (option C) are also widely used, especially with REST APIs like Cisco DNA Center or Meraki, where the key is passed in a custom header (e.g., 'X-Cisco-Meraki-API-Key'). Both are simple, stateless mechanisms supported by many Cisco platforms.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    Client certificate exchange

    Why it's wrong here

    Not commonly used with Cisco APIs.

  • ✓

    HTTP Basic Authentication

    Why this is correct

    Used with RESTCONF over HTTPS.

  • ✓

    API key in HTTP header

    Why this is correct

    Common in Meraki and Webex APIs.

  • ✗

    LDAP bind credentials

    Why it's wrong here

    LDAP is for directory services, not typical for API auth.

  • ✗

    SNMPv3 authentication

    Why it's wrong here

    SNMP is separate from REST API auth.

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JA

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.