DA0-002 Visualization and Reporting Practice Question
A data analyst creates a weekly KPI dashboard for executives. The analyst notes that the data is updated as of the previous day. Which report quality element should be included?
⚠ Common exam trap
DA0-002 often tests the confusion between data lineage (where data came from) and data freshness (how current it is), since both are metadata about the data.
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
✓
Data freshness timestamp
When a dashboard shows data as of the previous day, the report must communicate that staleness to executives. A data freshness timestamp explicitly states when the underlying data was last refreshed, so consumers know the currency of the metrics. This is a core report quality element for trust and decision-making.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Data dictionary
Why it's wrong here
A data dictionary documents field definitions, types and owners; it does not tell executives how current the figures are. It is tempting because dictionaries are standard governance artefacts, and they are the correct addition when consumers misinterpret column meanings or calculated measures.
- ✗
Data lineage
Why it's wrong here
Data lineage traces source-to-target movement and transformations; it does not state the freshness of the loaded data. It is tempting because lineage is the right element when auditors must prove which source systems and transformations produced a reported figure.
- ✗
Row-level security
Why it's wrong here
Row-level security filters which records each viewer may see; it does nothing to communicate that figures reflect the previous day's load. It is tempting because executives often need scoped access, making RLS the right control when regional managers must see only their own territory's rows.
- ✓
Data freshness timestamp
Why this is correct
A data freshness timestamp states exactly when the underlying data was last refreshed, so executives know the dashboard reflects the previous day. This satisfies the stem's stated lag and prevents stale figures being mistaken for current ones.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This DA0-002 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 DA0-002 exam.