DA0-002 Data Concepts and Environments Practice Question
Which database concept ensures that data in one table corresponds to data in another table, preventing orphan records?
⚠ Common exam trap
DA0-002 often tests the distinction between the foreign key (the column/constraint) and referential integrity (the concept/rule), causing candidates to select the implementation rather than the principle.
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
✓
Referential integrity
Referential integrity is the database principle that ensures relationships between tables remain consistent — every foreign key value must match an existing primary key value, preventing orphan records. It is enforced through constraints like FOREIGN KEY with ON DELETE/UPDATE actions.
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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Index
Why it's wrong here
An index speeds lookups on a column but enforces no relationship between tables, so orphan rows remain possible. It is tempting because indexes are created on foreign key columns to accelerate joins; that is their purpose, yet the referential constraint itself comes from the foreign key declaration, not the index.
- ✓
Referential integrity
Why this is correct
Referential integrity enforces foreign key constraints so every value in a child table matches an existing primary key in the parent table, directly preventing orphan records. This satisfies the stem's requirement that data in one table corresponds to data in another, which entity integrity and normalisation do not guarantee.
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Foreign key
Why it's wrong here
Foreign key is the column that references another table; but referential integrity is the constraint.
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Primary key
Why it's wrong here
A primary key uniquely identifies rows within its own table and cannot reference another table, so it cannot prevent orphans. It is tempting because it is a key constraint and often sits on the referenced side of a relationship; the foreign key is the constraint that enforces cross-table correspondence.
About these practice questions
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JA
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.