Quick Answer
The answer is that accounting is configured for EXEC sessions using RADIUS. This is correct because the output from show aaa accounting explicitly lists the method list as 'default' with a type of 'exec' and a start-stop method pointing to group radius, meaning the router is tracking user login and logout events for administrative shell access and sending those records to a RADIUS server. The statistics confirm this interpretation: 10 sessions started, 8 stopped, and 2 failed, indicating that while most accounting records were delivered, two were lost—likely due to server unreachability or communication errors. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to read AAA accounting output and distinguish between authentication, authorization, and accounting functions; a common trap is confusing the "failed" count with authentication failures rather than accounting delivery failures. Remember the memory tip: "Exec tracks who logged in, failed means the bill didn't reach the server."
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. 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.
A network engineer checks AAA accounting on a router:
R1# show aaa accounting
Accounting method list 'default': Type: exec Start-stop: group radius Accounting records: Total started: 10 Total stopped: 8 Total failed: 2 Last record: user 'admin', start time 00:01:00 UTC Mar 1 2023
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
All accounting records were successfully sent.
Why wrong: 2 records failed, so not all were successful.
Accounting is configured for EXEC sessions using RADIUS.
The output shows 'start-stop group radius' for exec type.
Accounting is performed using TACACS+.
Why wrong: The group is radius, not tacacs+.
No users have logged in since accounting was enabled.
Why wrong: 10 sessions were started, so users have logged in.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Accounting is configured for EXEC sessions using RADIUS.
The output shows accounting statistics for EXEC sessions. Out of 10 started sessions, 8 were stopped, and 2 failed (likely due to server unreachability or errors). The last record is for user admin. This indicates some accounting records were not successfully sent to the RADIUS server.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
All accounting records were successfully sent.
Why it's wrong here
2 records failed, so not all were successful.
Accounting is configured for EXEC sessions using RADIUS.
Why this is correct
The output shows 'start-stop group radius' for exec type.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Accounting is performed using TACACS+.
No users have logged in since accounting was enabled.
Why it's wrong here
10 sessions were started, so users have logged in.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — This question tests AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Accounting is configured for EXEC sessions using RADIUS. — The output shows accounting statistics for EXEC sessions. Out of 10 started sessions, 8 were stopped, and 2 failed (likely due to server unreachability or errors). The last record is for user admin. This indicates some accounting records were not successfully sent to the RADIUS server.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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