FC0-U71 Data and Database Fundamentals Practice Question
A junior administrator is learning about database fundamentals and needs to identify characteristics that apply to a relational database management system (RDBMS). (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is conflating modern database features, such as JSON column support or eventual consistency, with the core defining characteristics of the relational model.
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
✓
Data is organized into tables with rows and columns.
Relational databases are built on the tabular model, where data resides in tables of rows and columns, and relationships are defined through primary and foreign keys. These two characteristics are fundamental to how an RDBMS organizes, connects, and enforces integrity across data, distinguishing it from document, graph, and other non-relational systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Queries are written in a graph traversal language instead of SQL.
Why it's wrong here
Graph traversal languages are associated with graph databases, which model data as nodes and edges. Relational databases use SQL as their standard query language, and while some support extensions, they do not replace SQL with graph traversal syntax. This option describes a different database category and is therefore not a relational characteristic.
- ✗
The system guarantees eventual consistency rather than strong consistency.
Why it's wrong here
Eventual consistency is commonly associated with distributed NoSQL systems that prioritize availability and partition tolerance. Traditional relational database management systems typically enforce strong consistency through ACID transactions, ensuring that committed data is immediately visible and valid. Claiming eventual consistency as a general relational characteristic misrepresents how RDBMS transactions behave.
- ✓
Data is organized into tables with rows and columns.
Why this is correct
Relational databases store data in structured tables composed of rows, which represent records, and columns, which represent attributes. This tabular structure is the foundation of the relational model and enables the use of keys, constraints, and joins. It directly characterizes an RDBMS and distinguishes it from systems that use other data models such as documents or graphs.
- ✗
Data is stored as flexible JSON documents without a fixed schema.
Why it's wrong here
Storing data as flexible JSON documents without a fixed schema describes document-oriented NoSQL databases, not relational database management systems. Relational databases require a defined schema with tables and columns, although some modern systems support JSON columns as an extension. The absence of a fixed schema is contrary to the core relational model.
- ✓
Relationships between tables are established using primary and foreign keys.
Why this is correct
In a relational database, primary keys uniquely identify rows and foreign keys reference primary keys in other tables to define relationships. This key-based linking enforces referential integrity and allows data to be spread across normalized tables while remaining connected. It is a defining feature of the relational model and is essential for joining related data.
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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.