hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: Which THREE are valid methods for authenticating…
Which THREE are valid methods for authenticating a user in an access control system?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between identification (e.g., User ID) and authentication (e.g., password, biometric, smart card), and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly treat a User ID as an authentication factor rather than just an identifier.
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
✓
Fingerprint scan
A fingerprint scan is a valid authentication method because it falls under 'something you are' (biometric authentication). In access control systems, biometrics like fingerprint scans provide a high level of assurance by verifying a unique physical characteristic of the user, making it a strong factor for 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.
- ✗
User ID
Why it's wrong here
User ID is identification, not authentication.
- ✓
Fingerprint scan
Why this is correct
Fingerprint is inherence factor.
- ✓
Password
Why this is correct
Password is knowledge factor.
- ✓
Smart card
Why this is correct
Smart card is possession factor.
- ✗
Access control list
Why it's wrong here
ACL is an authorization mechanism, not authentication.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Authentication and Authorization Methods
Key term
Least privilege
Least privilege is a security principle that means giving users, systems, or programs only the minimum permissions they need to do their job and nothing more.
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.