SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
In a federated identity environment using SAML, what is the role of the Identity Provider (IdP) when a user requests access to a service provider (SP)?
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
✓
The IdP authenticates the user and issues a SAML assertion to the SP
The IdP authenticates the user and issues a SAML assertion containing identity attributes and authorization claims. The SP trusts this assertion to grant access without re-authenticating the user.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The IdP hosts the application and enforces access control policies
Why it's wrong here
That is the role of the SP, not the IdP.
- ✗
The IdP validates the user's OTP token
Why it's wrong here
OTP could be used for authentication, but the IdP's role is broader.
- ✗
The IdP generates a Kerberos ticket for the user
Why it's wrong here
Kerberos is a different protocol; SAML uses assertions.
- ✓
The IdP authenticates the user and issues a SAML assertion to the SP
Why this is correct
Correct. The IdP provides authentication and assertion.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.