Quick Answer
The answer is the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE. This is the correct choice because it is the only flow designed for native or client-side applications that need to obtain delegated permissions—acting on behalf of a signed-in user—while securely preventing authorization code interception attacks via the Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE) extension. On the Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate AI-102 exam, this scenario often appears in questions about building agentic solutions that require user-context actions, such as sending emails or updating calendars via Microsoft Graph API. A common trap is selecting the client credentials flow, which is for app-only access without a user, or the deprecated implicit flow. Remember the memory tip: “PKCE for people, client creds for code”—if a user is involved, always reach for PKCE.
This AI-102 practice question tests your understanding of implement an agentic solution. 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.
You are building an agentic solution that needs to perform actions on behalf of the user, such as sending emails and updating calendars. Which authentication approach should you use for the agent to access Microsoft Graph API with delegated permissions?
OAuth 2.0 client credentials flow
Why wrong: This flow grants app-only permissions, not delegated.
OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE
This flow is secure and allows delegated permissions.
OAuth 2.0 implicit flow
Why wrong: Implicit flow is deprecated and not recommended.
OAuth 2.0 device code flow
Why wrong: Device code flow is for input-constrained devices.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE
OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE is the recommended approach for delegated permissions in native apps that need to act on behalf of a user. Client credentials flow is for app-only access. Implicit flow is deprecated. Device code flow is for devices without a browser.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
OAuth 2.0 client credentials flow
Why it's wrong here
This flow grants app-only permissions, not delegated.
OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE
Why this is correct
This flow is secure and allows delegated permissions.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
OAuth 2.0 implicit flow
Why it's wrong here
Implicit flow is deprecated and not recommended.
OAuth 2.0 device code flow
Why it's wrong here
Device code flow is for input-constrained devices.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related AI-102 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Implement an agentic solution — This question tests Implement an agentic solution — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE — OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE is the recommended approach for delegated permissions in native apps that need to act on behalf of a user. Client credentials flow is for app-only access. Implicit flow is deprecated. Device code flow is for devices without a browser.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related AI-102 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are building an agentic solution using Azure AI Agent Service. The agent needs to send an email via Microsoft Graph API. Which authentication method should you use for the action?
easyWhy C: Option C is correct because Microsoft Graph API requires OAuth 2.0 tokens. Option A is wrong because API Key is not supported. Option B is wrong because Basic auth is deprecated. Option D is wrong because client certificates are for server-to-server but OAuth is standard.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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