This AZ-204 practice question tests your understanding of implement azure security. 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.
You are developing a web app that authenticates users via Microsoft Entra ID. The app needs to call a downstream API on behalf of the signed-in user. Which OAuth 2.0 flow should you implement?
Client credentials flow
Why wrong: Client credentials flow is for daemon apps, not on behalf of a user.
Implicit flow
Why wrong: Implicit flow is deprecated and not recommended for calling downstream APIs.
Authorization code flow with PKCE
Authorization code flow with PKCE is the secure standard for user-authenticated API calls.
Device code flow
Why wrong: Device code flow is for input-constrained devices, not typical web apps.
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 code flow with PKCE
Option C is correct because the authorization code flow with PKCE is the recommended flow for single-page apps and native apps that need to call APIs on behalf of the user. Option A is wrong because the implicit flow is deprecated and less secure. Option B is wrong because client credentials is for non-user scenarios. Option D is wrong because device code flow is for devices without browsers.
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.
Client credentials flow
Why it's wrong here
Client credentials flow is for daemon apps, not on behalf of a user.
Implicit flow
Why it's wrong here
Implicit flow is deprecated and not recommended for calling downstream APIs.
Authorization code flow with PKCE
Why this is correct
Authorization code flow with PKCE is the secure standard for user-authenticated API calls.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Device code flow
Why it's wrong here
Device code flow is for input-constrained devices, not typical web apps.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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
Implement Azure security — This question tests Implement Azure security — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Authorization code flow with PKCE — Option C is correct because the authorization code flow with PKCE is the recommended flow for single-page apps and native apps that need to call APIs on behalf of the user. Option A is wrong because the implicit flow is deprecated and less secure. Option B is wrong because client credentials is for non-user scenarios. Option D is wrong because device code flow is for devices without browsers.
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
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