The correct SQL statement is ALTER TABLE Employees ALTER COLUMN Phone VARCHAR(15); because the ALTER TABLE command modifies an existing table’s structure, and the ALTER COLUMN clause specifically targets a column to change its data type or size. In this case, VARCHAR(15) resizes the Phone column to accept up to 15 characters, which is the standard SQL syntax for altering column size. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of Data Definition Language (DDL) commands, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between ALTER, UPDATE, and CREATE. A common trap is confusing ALTER COLUMN with MODIFY or SET; remember that in standard SQL, ALTER COLUMN is the correct clause for changing column properties. For a quick memory tip, think “ALTER to alter structure, ALTER COLUMN to change a column’s size or type.”
FC0-U61 Database Fundamentals Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of database fundamentals. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 database administrator needs to modify the 'Phone' column in the 'Employees' table to allow up to 15 characters. Which SQL statement should the administrator use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ALTER TABLE Employees ALTER COLUMN Phone VARCHAR(15);
The ALTER TABLE statement is used to modify an existing table's structure, and the ALTER COLUMN clause specifically changes a column's data type or size. Option B correctly uses ALTER TABLE Employees ALTER COLUMN Phone VARCHAR(15) to change the Phone column to allow up to 15 characters, which is the standard SQL syntax for this operation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
CREATE TABLE Employees (Phone VARCHAR(15));
Why it's wrong here
CREATE TABLE would try to create a new table, not modify an existing one.
✓
ALTER TABLE Employees ALTER COLUMN Phone VARCHAR(15);
Why this is correct
This changes the column's data type to allow up to 15 characters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
UPDATE Employees SET Phone = VARCHAR(15);
Why it's wrong here
UPDATE is for modifying data in existing rows, not altering column definitions.
✗
INSERT INTO Employees (Phone) VALUES ('123456789012345');
Why it's wrong here
INSERT adds a new row; it does not change the column definition.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between DDL (ALTER TABLE) and DML (UPDATE, INSERT) commands, trapping candidates who confuse modifying table structure with modifying data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The ALTER COLUMN clause in SQL is part of the Data Definition Language (DDL) and directly modifies the system catalog metadata that defines the column's data type and length. In many database systems like SQL Server, using ALTER COLUMN with VARCHAR(15) will succeed only if the existing data in the column does not exceed 15 characters; otherwise, it will raise an error. This operation is often used in real-world scenarios when business requirements change, such as expanding a phone number field to accommodate international numbers with country codes.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Database Fundamentals — This question tests Database Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ALTER TABLE Employees ALTER COLUMN Phone VARCHAR(15); — The ALTER TABLE statement is used to modify an existing table's structure, and the ALTER COLUMN clause specifically changes a column's data type or size. Option B correctly uses ALTER TABLE Employees ALTER COLUMN Phone VARCHAR(15) to change the Phone column to allow up to 15 characters, which is the standard SQL syntax for this operation.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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