Quick Answer
The answer is SFTP file transfer. This is the correct choice because a legacy system that only supports flat file exports lacks database connectivity or API endpoints, making direct query-based extraction impossible; SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) provides a secure, encrypted channel to transfer those exported flat files over a network while preserving data integrity. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of data acquisition methods in constrained environments—specifically, that when a system’s only output is a flat file, you must match the method to the system’s capability rather than forcing an incompatible approach like ODBC or REST APIs. A common trap is choosing FTP over SFTP; remember that the exam emphasizes security and encryption for data in transit, so always favor SFTP for its built-in SSH protection. Memory tip: “Flat file, SFTP style—secure the file, pass the trial.”
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of mining and acquiring data. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A data team needs to extract data from a legacy system that only supports flat file exports. Which data acquisition method is most appropriate?
Database replication
Why wrong: Replication requires database-level access, which the legacy system does not provide.
API call
Why wrong: The legacy system does not support APIs.
Web scraping
Why wrong: Web scraping is for extracting data from web pages, not flat file exports.
File transfer via SFTP
SFTP enables secure transfer of flat files, aligning with the system's export capability.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
File transfer via SFTP
The legacy system only supports flat file exports, meaning it cannot provide direct database or API access. SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is the most appropriate method because it securely transfers flat files over a network, aligning with the system's export capabilities while ensuring data integrity and encryption during transit.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Database replication
Why it's wrong here
Replication requires database-level access, which the legacy system does not provide.
API call
Why it's wrong here
The legacy system does not support APIs.
Web scraping
Why it's wrong here
Web scraping is for extracting data from web pages, not flat file exports.
File transfer via SFTP
Why this is correct
SFTP enables secure transfer of flat files, aligning with the system's export capability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'flat file exports' with a need for real-time or API-based methods, overlooking that SFTP is the standard secure file transfer protocol for batch-oriented legacy systems.
Detailed technical explanation
SFTP operates over the SSH protocol (port 22) to provide secure file transfer, unlike FTP which uses separate control and data channels. In practice, a legacy system might generate CSV or TSV files at scheduled intervals, which are then pulled via SFTP automation (e.g., cron jobs or ETL tools) into a staging area for further processing. This method is common in mainframe-to-modern data pipeline migrations where direct connectivity is not feasible.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the DA0-001 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Mining and Acquiring Data — This question tests Mining and Acquiring Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: File transfer via SFTP — The legacy system only supports flat file exports, meaning it cannot provide direct database or API access. SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is the most appropriate method because it securely transfers flat files over a network, aligning with the system's export capabilities while ensuring data integrity and encryption during transit.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DA0-001 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 DA0-001 exam.
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