- A
show aaa
Why wrong: This command displays AAA process information and statistics, but not the configured method lists; use 'show aaa method-lists' instead.
- B
show aaa method-lists
This command displays all configured AAA method lists for authentication, authorization, and accounting.
- C
show running-config | include aaa authentication
This filters the running configuration to show lines containing 'aaa authentication', which includes all authentication method list definitions.
- D
show aaa authentication
Why wrong: This command does not exist; the correct command to view authentication method lists is 'show aaa method-lists authentication'.
- E
show authentication method-lists
Why wrong: This command does not exist; AAA method lists are displayed using 'show aaa method-lists'.
Quick Answer
The answer is show aaa method-lists and show running-config | include aaa authentication. These two commands are correct because they each provide a distinct but reliable way to verify the configured AAA authentication method lists on a Cisco IOS-XE device. The show aaa method-lists command directly displays all configured AAA method lists for authentication, authorization, and accounting, including default lists and any custom lists you have defined. The show running-config | include aaa authentication command filters the running configuration to show only lines containing aaa authentication, which explicitly lists every authentication method list configured. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between commands that show AAA configuration versus those that show AAA statistics or debug output—a common trap is confusing show aaa sessions or show aaa servers with method-list verification. A helpful memory tip: think of method-lists as the blueprint and running-config as the built structure; both confirm what is actually configured.
300-410 Device Access Control Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device access control. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 commands can be used to verify the configured AAA authentication method lists on a Cisco IOS-XE device? (Choose 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
show aaa method-lists
Option B is correct because 'show aaa method-lists' directly displays all configured AAA authentication, authorization, and accounting method lists, including the default lists and any custom lists. Option C is correct because 'show running-config | include aaa authentication' filters the running configuration to show only lines containing 'aaa authentication', which explicitly lists the authentication method lists configured. Both commands provide a reliable way to verify the AAA authentication method lists on a Cisco IOS-XE device.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
show aaa
Why it's wrong here
This command displays AAA process information and statistics, but not the configured method lists; use 'show aaa method-lists' instead.
- ✓
show aaa method-lists
Why this is correct
This command displays all configured AAA method lists for authentication, authorization, and accounting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
show running-config | include aaa authentication
Why this is correct
This filters the running configuration to show lines containing 'aaa authentication', which includes all authentication method list definitions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
show aaa authentication
Why it's wrong here
This command does not exist; the correct command to view authentication method lists is 'show aaa method-lists authentication'.
- ✗
show authentication method-lists
Why it's wrong here
This command does not exist; AAA method lists are displayed using 'show aaa method-lists'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the exact command syntax, and the trap here is that candidates confuse 'show aaa method-lists' with non-existent commands like 'show aaa authentication' or 'show authentication method-lists', or they forget that 'show running-config | include aaa authentication' is a valid verification method.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command displays AAA process information and statistics, but not the configured method lists; use 'show aaa method-lists' instead.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AAA method lists are defined globally using the 'aaa authentication login default local' or similar commands, and they are applied to lines (e.g., vty, console) or interfaces. The 'show aaa method-lists' command reveals the order of methods (e.g., local, group radius, group tacacs+) and whether a fallback method is configured. In real-world scenarios, verifying method lists is critical after a TACACS+ server failure to ensure local authentication is available as a backup, preventing lockout.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Device Access Control — This question tests Device Access Control — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: show aaa method-lists — Option B is correct because 'show aaa method-lists' directly displays all configured AAA authentication, authorization, and accounting method lists, including the default lists and any custom lists. Option C is correct because 'show running-config | include aaa authentication' filters the running configuration to show only lines containing 'aaa authentication', which explicitly lists the authentication method lists configured. Both commands provide a reliable way to verify the AAA authentication method lists on a Cisco IOS-XE device.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.
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