FC0-U71 Software Development Concepts Practice Question
A software development team is working on a project with fixed requirements and a strict deadline. The project manager decides to use a methodology where each phase must be completed before moving to the next. Which development methodology is being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests methodology characteristics; candidates might confuse Waterfall with Spiral due to both having sequential aspects, but Waterfall is strictly linear while Spiral is iterative.
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
✓
Waterfall
Waterfall is a linear sequential development methodology where each phase (requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment) must be completed before the next begins. It is suited for projects with fixed requirements and strict deadlines, as it emphasizes upfront planning and documentation. The other methodologies are iterative or adaptive.
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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Agile
Why it's wrong here
Agile delivers work in short iterative increments with evolving requirements, so it does not require each phase to finish before the next starts. It is tempting because it is a formal managed methodology, but that fit is changing-scope projects, not the fixed-requirements sequential approach described.
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Scrum
Why it's wrong here
Scrum is iterative and incremental, delivering work in sprints with evolving scope, so it cannot enforce the sequential phase-gate completion the fixed-requirements, strict-deadline scenario demands. It is tempting because Scrum suits projects where requirements change frequently and early feedback outweighs upfront planning.
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Waterfall
Why this is correct
Waterfall is sequential: requirements are fixed up front and each phase (requirements, design, development, testing, deployment) must finish before the next begins. This matches the fixed requirements and strict deadline described, unlike iterative or incremental approaches.
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Spiral
Why it's wrong here
Spiral iterates through repeated risk-analysis cycles, revisiting requirements each loop, so it does not enforce completing each phase once before the next begins. It is tempting because it is a structured, plan-driven model, but that structure suits risk-heavy evolving projects, not fixed requirements with sequential phases.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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