Quick Answer
The answer is Authentication and Authorization. These two, along with Accounting, form the core AAA framework defined by Cisco and IETF standards like RFC 2903 and 2904, where Authentication verifies a user’s identity—often via protocols like RADIUS or TACACS+—and Authorization determines the specific resources or actions that authenticated entity can access. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of access control models and network security enforcement; a common trap is confusing Authorization with Accounting or forgetting that Authentication must occur first. To remember the triad, think of the sequence: prove who you are (Authentication), then get permissions (Authorization), and finally log what you did (Accounting).
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of access controls. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which TWO are components of the AAA framework? (Choose two.)
Authorization
Authorization determines access rights.
Auditing
Why wrong: Auditing is related but not a core AAA component; the term is Accounting.
Accounting
Why wrong: Accounting is part of AAA, but only two are correct; we chose Authentication and Authorization.
Administration
Why wrong: Administration is not part of AAA.
Authentication
Authentication verifies identity.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Authorization
Authorization (A) and Authentication (E) are two of the three core components of the AAA framework, as defined by Cisco and the IETF in RFC 2903 and RFC 2904. Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device (e.g., using RADIUS or TACACS+), while Authorization determines what resources or actions that authenticated entity is permitted to access. Together with Accounting, these three form the AAA triad used in network access control and security policy enforcement.
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.
Authorization
Why this is correct
Authorization determines access rights.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Auditing
Why it's wrong here
Auditing is related but not a core AAA component; the term is Accounting.
Accounting
Why it's wrong here
Accounting is part of AAA, but only two are correct; we chose Authentication and Authorization.
Administration
Why it's wrong here
Administration is not part of AAA.
Authentication
Why this is correct
Authentication verifies identity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the AAA framework by including 'Auditing' as a distractor, leading candidates to confuse it with 'Accounting' because both involve logging, but Accounting is the correct term for tracking resource consumption in AAA.
Detailed technical explanation
In Cisco IOS, AAA is implemented via the 'aaa new-model' command, which enables the use of RADIUS (UDP ports 1812/1813) or TACACS+ (TCP port 49) for authentication and authorization. Authorization can be applied per service (e.g., EXEC, network, commands) using method lists, while accounting records user actions such as start/stop times and data volume. A subtle behavior is that TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet body, whereas RADIUS only encrypts the password, making TACACS+ more suitable for command authorization in administrative access.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Access Controls — This question tests Access Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Authorization — Authorization (A) and Authentication (E) are two of the three core components of the AAA framework, as defined by Cisco and the IETF in RFC 2903 and RFC 2904. Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device (e.g., using RADIUS or TACACS+), while Authorization determines what resources or actions that authenticated entity is permitted to access. Together with Accounting, these three form the AAA triad used in network access control and security policy enforcement.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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