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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?

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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.

A

Distractor review

set-backend-service

This policy is used to change the backend endpoint URL, not to modify request headers.

B

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.

C

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.

D

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 4

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Question 5

You are developing an Azure Function that processes messages from an Azure Service Bus queue. The function uses a Service Bus queue trigger and runs on a Consumption Plan. The queue receives a high volume of messages in bursts. You need to ensure that the function scales out to handle the load but does not exceed 10 concurrent instances. Which configuration should you apply?

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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