Quick Answer
The answer is OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE and the client credentials flow. These two methods are the correct choices for calling a Microsoft Entra ID-protected web API because the authorization code flow with PKCE provides a secure, proof-key-based exchange for public clients like single-page apps or mobile devices, while the client credentials flow is designed for server-to-server, non-interactive scenarios where no user is present. On the AZ-204 exam, this question tests your understanding of modern authentication protocols for Azure resources, often appearing as a trap where deprecated options like the implicit flow or non-standard methods like SAML or Basic auth are listed as distractors. A common memory tip is to remember that Entra ID requires a secret or proof key for any API call—PKCE provides that for user-interactive flows, and client credentials use a client secret or certificate for backend services. Think of it as “PKCE for people, client credentials for code.”
This AZ-204 practice question tests your understanding of connect to and consume azure services and third-party services. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 authentication methods can be used to call a Microsoft Entra ID-protected web API from a client application?
HTTP Basic authentication
Why wrong: Incorrect: not supported with Entra ID.
OAuth 2.0 implicit flow
Why wrong: Incorrect: deprecated.
OAuth 2.0 client credentials flow
Correct: for server-to-server calls.
SAML 2.0 bearer assertion flow
Why wrong: Incorrect: not for web API calls.
OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE
Correct: recommended for public clients.
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 client credentials flow
OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE and client credentials flow are both supported for web API access. Implicit flow is deprecated. SAML and Basic auth are not standard for Entra ID API calls.
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.
HTTP Basic authentication
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: not supported with Entra ID.
OAuth 2.0 implicit flow
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: deprecated.
OAuth 2.0 client credentials flow
Why this is correct
Correct: for server-to-server calls.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
SAML 2.0 bearer assertion flow
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: not for web API calls.
OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE
Why this is correct
Correct: recommended for public clients.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 AZ-204 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services — This question tests Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: OAuth 2.0 client credentials flow — OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE and client credentials flow are both supported for web API access. Implicit flow is deprecated. SAML and Basic auth are not standard for Entra ID API calls.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related AZ-204 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This AZ-204 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 AZ-204 exam.
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