ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
What is the process of claiming an identity called?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is conflating identification with authentication — candidates often pick 'Authentication' because both involve presenting credentials, but identification is merely the claim, while authentication is the verification of that claim.
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
✓
Identification
Identification is the process of claiming an identity — a subject asserts who they are (e.g., by presenting a username, smart card, or biometric sample) before any verification occurs. Authentication then validates that claim, and authorization determines what the verified identity may do. In the ISC2 access control model, identification is the first step in the AAA/identity lifecycle.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Authentication
Why it's wrong here
Authentication verifies a claimed identity by validating credentials, but the question asks for the act of claiming that identity, which is identification. It is tempting because authentication is the adjacent, commonly tested term, and it would be correct if the question asked how credentials are validated.
- ✗
Authorization
Why it's wrong here
Authorization decides what an authenticated subject may access; it does not establish or claim identity. It is tempting because it always follows authentication in access flows, but it would be the correct answer when the question asks what governs permissions or access to a resource.
- ✗
Accountability
Why it's wrong here
Accountability is the obligation to answer for actions, typically enforced through logging and auditing, and it does not claim an identity. It is tempting because it appears alongside authentication and authorization in AAA models, but it would be correct when the question concerns tracing actions to a responsible party.
- ✓
Identification
Why this is correct
Identification is the act of a subject presenting a claimed identity, such as a username, before any proof is offered. Authentication then verifies that claim, and authorisation grants access. The question asks specifically about claiming, so identification is the process named.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
Common Access Card
A Common Access Card (CAC) is a smart card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense that serves as a single identification, authentication, and access credential for military personnel and contractors.
Key term
Authorization
Authorization determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do within a system, such as accessing files, running programs, or changing settings.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.