Quick Answer
The answer is that the switch will try 802.1X first, then MAB, then web authentication, as indicated by the priority values in the show authentication registrations command output. This output lists the registered authentication methods in order of their assigned priority, where a lower number means higher precedence—dot1x at priority 10 is attempted first, followed by mab at 20, and webauth at 30. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your understanding of the authentication fallback chain on Cisco switches, a key concept for configuring port-based access control. A common trap is assuming the methods are tried in the order they appear on screen, but the actual sequence is dictated by the numeric priority field. Remember the memory tip: “10, 20, 30—dot1x is always first and ready.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. 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 runs the following command on switch SW7:
SW7# show authentication registrations
Authentication Method Registrations:
Method Priority Type dot1x 10 Interface mab 20 Interface webauth 30 Interface
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
The switch will try MAB before 802.1X.
Why wrong: dot1x has higher priority (lower number) than mab, so it is tried first.
The switch will try 802.1X first, then MAB, then web authentication.
The priority order is dot1x (10), mab (20), webauth (30).
Web authentication is the primary method.
Why wrong: Web authentication has the lowest priority (30).
Only 802.1X is registered.
Why wrong: All three methods are registered.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The switch will try 802.1X first, then MAB, then web authentication.
The output shows the registered authentication methods and their priorities. dot1x has priority 10, mab has 20, and webauth has 30. This means dot1x is tried first, then mab, then webauth. This is the typical fallback order.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The switch will try MAB before 802.1X.
Why it's wrong here
dot1x has higher priority (lower number) than mab, so it is tried first.
The switch will try 802.1X first, then MAB, then web authentication.
Why this is correct
The priority order is dot1x (10), mab (20), webauth (30).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Web authentication is the primary method.
Why it's wrong here
Web authentication has the lowest priority (30).
Only 802.1X is registered.
Why it's wrong here
All three methods are registered.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The switch will try 802.1X first, then MAB, then web authentication. — The output shows the registered authentication methods and their priorities. dot1x has priority 10, mab has 20, and webauth has 30. This means dot1x is tried first, then mab, then webauth. This is the typical fallback order.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
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