FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A company uses a software license that allows anyone to view, modify, and distribute the source code, provided that any distributed modifications are also made available under the same license. Which type of license is this?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse permissive licenses (MIT, Apache) with copyleft licenses (GPL) — candidates often pick MIT because it is the most familiar open-source license, missing the 'same license' share-alike requirement that uniquely signals GPL.
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
✓
GNU General Public License (GPL)
The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a copyleft license that requires any derivative works distributed to others to also be licensed under the GPL, keeping the source code open. This 'share-alike' or 'copyleft' provision is the defining characteristic described in the question — anyone can view, modify, and distribute, but modifications must remain under the same license. The MIT License, by contrast, is permissive and does not require derivative works to use the same license.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MIT License
Why it's wrong here
The MIT License is permissive and does not require derivative works to use the same license.
- ✓
GNU General Public License (GPL)
Why this is correct
Correct. The GPL is a copyleft license requiring derivative works to be licensed under the same terms.
- ✗
Freeware
Why it's wrong here
Freeware is distributed at no cost but typically as compiled binaries with source withheld, granting no rights to view, modify or redistribute code. It is tempting because it is free of charge, but copyleft obligations around derivative works belong to reciprocal open-source licences, not freeware.
- ✗
Shareware
Why it's wrong here
Shareware is proprietary software distributed for trial, sometimes with source unavailable, and never requires derivative works to carry the same licence. It is tempting because distribution is permitted, but that distribution is of the trial binary, not modifiable source under a reciprocal copyleft obligation.
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Same concept, more angles
4 more ways 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 of the following software licenses allows users to modify and redistribute the source code, provided they keep the same license terms?
easy- A.Apache License
- B.Commercial License
- C.MIT License
- ✓ D.GNU General Public License (GPL)
Why D: The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a copyleft license that requires derivative works to be distributed under the same license terms. This means users can modify and redistribute the source code, but they must keep the same license, ensuring that the software remains free and open source.
Variation 2. Which of the following is an example of open-source software license?
easy- A.Shareware
- ✓ B.GPL
- C.Commercial license
- D.Freemium
Why B: The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used free software license that guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. It is a classic example of an open-source license because it requires that any derivative work also be distributed under the same license terms (copyleft). This ensures the software remains open source in perpetuity.
Variation 3. Which of the following is an example of open-source software license?
easy- A.Freeware
- ✓ B.GPL
- C.Shareware
- D.Freemium
Why B: The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used free software license that guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. It is a classic example of an open-source license because it requires that any modified versions distributed must also be licensed under the GPL, ensuring the software remains open source. Other options like freeware, shareware, and freemium are not open-source licenses; they are distribution models that may not provide source code or the freedom to modify and redistribute.
Variation 4. Which of the following license types allows users to view, modify, and distribute the source code, as long as they include the original copyright notice and any modifications are also open source?
easy- A.Shareware
- B.Apache License 2.0
- C.MIT License
- ✓ D.GNU General Public License (GPL)
Why D: The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a copyleft license that explicitly requires derivative works to be distributed under the same GPL terms, meaning any modifications must also be open source. It also mandates preservation of the original copyright notice. This copyleft requirement is the defining characteristic that matches the question's condition that 'modifications are also open source.'
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 FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.