FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A company is evaluating different software licenses for a new project. Which THREE of the following are characteristics of open-source licenses such as the MIT License or Apache License? (Select THREE.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse open-source freedoms with proprietary restrictions—candidates may incorrectly assume that 'open' means limited rights or that fees are required, when in fact the OSI definition mandates free use, modification, and redistribution.
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
✓
Users can modify the source code.
Option C is correct because open-source licenses such as MIT and Apache explicitly grant the right to modify the source code, which is a core requirement of the Open Source Initiative definition. Option D is correct because these licenses permit redistribution of the software, including in original or modified form, subject only to attribution or notice requirements. Option E is correct because open-source licenses grant freedom of use for any purpose, including commercial use, without field-of-use restrictions. Option A is incorrect because open-source licenses do not require modifications to be kept private; in fact, they permit and often encourage public distribution of modified versions. Option B is incorrect because MIT and Apache licenses are royalty-free and do not require payment of a fee to use the software.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Users must keep their modifications private.
Why it's wrong here
Permissive licences such as MIT and Apache permit modified versions to be distributed under different terms, so modifications need not stay private; copyleft licences impose source-disclosure obligations instead. Keeping changes private is tempting because proprietary licences restrict redistribution, but that would be the correct answer only for closed-source software.
- ✗
Users must pay a fee to use the software.
Why it's wrong here
Open-source software is typically free of charge.
- ✓
Users can modify the source code.
Why this is correct
Open-source licences grant access to source code and permit modification, enabling derivative works. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a characteristic of MIT or Apache licensing, since the freedom to modify is fundamental to the open-source definition.
- ✓
Users can distribute the software.
Why this is correct
Open-source licences such as MIT and Apache permit redistribution of the software, including modified versions, provided licence terms are retained. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a characteristic of open-source licensing, since freedom to distribute is one of the four freedoms.
- ✓
Users can use the software for any purpose.
Why this is correct
MIT and Apache licences grant unrestricted freedom to run the software for any purpose, including commercial use, with no field-of-use restriction. This satisfies the stem's requirement for an open-source characteristic, distinguishing them from proprietary licences that limit usage scope.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on FC0-U71
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are open-source licenses? (Select 2)
medium- A.Shareware license
- ✓ B.MIT License
- C.End-User License Agreement (EULA)
- ✓ D.GNU General Public License (GPL)
- E.Commercial license
Why B: The MIT License (B) is a permissive open-source license that allows users to freely use, modify, and redistribute software with minimal restrictions, requiring only preservation of the copyright notice and license text. The GNU General Public License (D) is a copyleft open-source license that guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software, requiring derivative works to be distributed under the same terms. Both are recognized by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) as approved open-source licenses. In contrast, a shareware license (A) permits limited trial use with a required payment for continued use and is not open source, a EULA (C) is a proprietary contract restricting usage rights rather than granting open-source freedoms, and a commercial license (E) is a proprietary licensing model sold for profit, not an open-source license.
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
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