- A
API key in a custom header
Many Cisco APIs use API keys (e.g., Meraki).
- B
IP address whitelisting
Why wrong: Not an authentication method; it's network-level access control.
- C
Username and password in the request body
Why wrong: Not a standard REST API auth method; usually sent to token endpoint.
- D
Session ID in a cookie
Why wrong: Cookies are not typical for REST APIs.
- E
OAuth 2.0 access token in Authorization header
Used by Webex, DNA Center, etc.
Question 533 of 1,000
200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of understanding and using apis. 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 TWO of the following are valid methods for authenticating to a Cisco REST API? (Select two.)
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
✓
API key in a custom header
API key and OAuth 2.0 token are common authentication methods. Basic auth (username:password) is also valid but less common for Cisco APIs. The question likely expects API key and OAuth 2.0.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
API key in a custom header
Why this is correct
Many Cisco APIs use API keys (e.g., Meraki).
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
IP address whitelisting
Why it's wrong here
Not an authentication method; it's network-level access control.
- ✗
Username and password in the request body
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard REST API auth method; usually sent to token endpoint.
- ✗
Session ID in a cookie
Why it's wrong here
Cookies are not typical for REST APIs.
- ✓
OAuth 2.0 access token in Authorization header
Why this is correct
Used by Webex, DNA Center, etc.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Understanding and Using APIs — This question tests Understanding and Using APIs — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: API key in a custom header — API key and OAuth 2.0 token are common authentication methods. Basic auth (username:password) is also valid but less common for Cisco APIs. The question likely expects API key and OAuth 2.0.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-901 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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