CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
A security architect is designing a public key infrastructure (PKI). Which component is responsible for issuing and revoking certificates?
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
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Certificate Authority
The Certificate Authority (CA) is the trusted entity that issues digital certificates and maintains Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) or supports OCSP for revocation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Validation Authority
Why it's wrong here
A Validation Authority checks certificate revocation status and validates certificates, typically via OCSP or CRL responses; it does not issue or revoke them. It tempts because revocation checking sounds adjacent, but issuance and revocation belong to the Certification Authority.
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Certificate Repository
Why it's wrong here
A Certificate Repository stores and publishes issued certificates and CRLs; it holds no authority to issue or revoke. It tempts because revocation data physically resides there, yet the Certification Authority performs the signing and revocation actions.
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Registration Authority
Why it's wrong here
A Registration Authority verifies subscriber identity and forwards approved requests, but cannot sign or revoke certificates itself. It tempts because it handles enrolment, yet the Certification Authority alone issues and revokes, holding the signing key.
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Certificate Authority
Why this is correct
The Certificate Authority is the trusted entity that signs, issues and publishes revocation status for certificates within the PKI hierarchy. It satisfies the stem's requirement by performing both lifecycle functions, using CRLs or OCSP to distribute revocation data to relying parties.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.