- A
Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration.
This is the correct order because you must be in global configuration mode to issue the 'ip route' command, which requires the destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address in that order. After configuration, you exit and save to make the route persistent.
- B
Step 1: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 2: Enter configuration mode. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the 'ip route' command can only be executed from within global configuration mode. Attempting to configure the route before entering that mode will result in a command not recognized error.
- C
Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Exit configuration mode. Step 3: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because after exiting global configuration mode, you are no longer in a context where the 'ip route' command can be issued. The route must be configured while in global configuration mode.
- D
Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Configure the static route by specifying the next-hop address first, then destination network, then subnet mask. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the syntax of the 'ip route' command requires the destination network and subnet mask before the next-hop address. Reversing the order will cause the command to fail or produce an unintended route.
Steps to Configure a Static Route on a Network Device
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring and analysis. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Drag and drop the steps to configure a static route on a network device into the correct order.
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
Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Static routes require the device to be in configuration mode and must specify the destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address or exit interface.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because you must be in global configuration mode to issue the 'ip route' command, which requires the destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address in that order. After configuration, you exit and save to make the route persistent.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Step 1: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 2: Enter configuration mode. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the 'ip route' command can only be executed from within global configuration mode. Attempting to configure the route before entering that mode will result in a command not recognized error.
- ✗
Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Exit configuration mode. Step 3: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because after exiting global configuration mode, you are no longer in a context where the 'ip route' command can be issued. The route must be configured while in global configuration mode.
- ✗
Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Configure the static route by specifying the next-hop address first, then destination network, then subnet mask. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the syntax of the 'ip route' command requires the destination network and subnet mask before the next-hop address. Reversing the order will cause the command to fail or produce an unintended route.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is incorrect because the 'ip route' command can only be executed from within global configuration mode. Attempting to configure the route before entering that mode will result in a command not recognized error.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Step 1: Enter configuration mode. Step 2: Configure the static route by specifying destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address. Step 3: Exit configuration mode. Step 4: Save the configuration. — Static routes require the device to be in configuration mode and must specify the destination network, subnet mask, and next-hop address or exit interface.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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