- A
Identity: An entity that can be authenticated (e.g., user, device, service).
Identity is the entity itself, not the process.
- B
Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user or service.
Authentication confirms who you are.
- C
Authorization: The process of granting or denying access to resources based on identity and permissions.
Authorization determines what you can do.
- D
Directory: A service that stores and manages identity information (e.g., Azure AD).
Directory is a repository for identities.
- E
Identity: The process of verifying credentials.
Why wrong: This describes Authentication, not Identity.
- F
Authentication: The process of granting access rights.
Why wrong: This describes Authorization, not Authentication.
Question 191 of 1,411
Identity, Authentication, Authorization, Directory
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the capabilities of microsoft entra. 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.
Match each identity term to its correct meaning.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Identity: An entity that can be authenticated (e.g., user, device, service).
Identity is the entity (user, device, service) being authenticated. Authentication verifies who you are (e.g., passwords, MFA). Authorization determines what you can access (e.g., permissions). Directory stores identity information (e.g., Azure AD). Common confusion: mixing authentication and authorization definitions.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Identity: An entity that can be authenticated (e.g., user, device, service).
Why this is correct
Identity is the entity itself, not the process.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user or service.
Why this is correct
Authentication confirms who you are.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Authorization: The process of granting or denying access to resources based on identity and permissions.
Why this is correct
Authorization determines what you can do.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Directory: A service that stores and manages identity information (e.g., Azure AD).
Why this is correct
Directory is a repository for identities.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Identity: The process of verifying credentials.
Why it's wrong here
This describes Authentication, not Identity.
- ✗
Authentication: The process of granting access rights.
Why it's wrong here
This describes Authorization, not Authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-900 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra — study guide chapter
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Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-900 question test?
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Identity: An entity that can be authenticated (e.g., user, device, service). — Identity is the entity (user, device, service) being authenticated. Authentication verifies who you are (e.g., passwords, MFA). Authorization determines what you can access (e.g., permissions). Directory stores identity information (e.g., Azure AD). Common confusion: mixing authentication and authorization definitions.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-900 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SC-900 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 SC-900 exam.
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