You manage a set of APIs using Azure API Management (APIM). One backend API requires an API key passed in the 'X-API-Key' header. The API key is stored securely in a named value in APIM. You need to configure APIM to add this header to all requests to that backend without exposing the key to API consumers. Which policy should you add to the inbound processing for that API?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
set-backend-service
This policy is used to change the backend endpoint URL, not to modify request headers.
Best answer
set-header
The set-header policy can add the X-API-Key header with the value from a named value, keeping the key secure and hidden from consumers.
Distractor review
authentication-basic
This policy adds HTTP Basic Authentication credentials, not a custom header. It also requires a username and password, not an API key.
Distractor review
validate-jwt
This policy validates a JWT token but does not add any headers to the backend request.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Related practice questions
Related AZ-204 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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Question 5
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Question 6
You are monitoring an Azure App Service using Application Insights. You notice that the server response time is high for certain requests. You need to drill down to see which external dependencies (like databases or APIs) are causing the delay. Which Application Insights feature should you use?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-204 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: set-header — The set-header policy allows you to add or modify HTTP headers in the request. By referencing a named value (e.g., {{api-key}}), the API key is injected at runtime without exposing it to the client. The set-backend-service policy changes the backend URL, not headers. authentication-basic adds basic auth but not custom headers. validate-jwt validates tokens but does not add headers.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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