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Identity And Access Management ArchitecturemediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

ISC Identity And Access Management Architecture Practice Question

In a SAML-based federation, what is the purpose of the 'RelayState' parameter?

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

To redirect the user to a specific resource after authentication.

RelayState is used to maintain the state of the user's intended destination URL, ensuring the user is redirected to the correct page after authentication.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

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

  • To provide the assertion signature.

    Why it's wrong here

    The signature is contained within the SAML Response XML.

  • To define the authentication method.

    Why it's wrong here

    This is defined in the AuthnContextClassRef.

  • To encrypt the NameID.

    Why it's wrong here

    Encryption is handled via SAML encryption settings.

  • To redirect the user to a specific resource after authentication.

    Why this is correct

    This enables deep-linking in SSO flows.

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JA

Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint

This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 ISC exam.