FC0-U71 Data and Database Fundamentals Practice Question
A technician is explaining database concepts to a new employee. The employee asks what a record represents in a relational database table. Which statement best describes a record?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is mixing up rows and columns, or confusing a record with a table or query, when a record is specifically one row of related data.
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
✓
A record is a single row in a table that contains related data about one entity
A record, also known as a row or tuple, contains all the column values for one entity in a table. For example, one row in an Employees table holds the ID, name, and hire date for a single employee. Columns define attributes, tables hold records, and queries retrieve data, so the row-based definition is the correct one.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A record is a collection of tables that are related to each other
Why it's wrong here
A collection of related tables is a database, not a record. A record is much smaller and exists within a single table. This option describes a higher-level structure, so it does not answer what a record represents in a table.
- ✗
A record is a column that defines the type of data stored in the table
Why it's wrong here
A column defines an attribute and its data type, such as a customer's last name being text. It is not a record. A record spans across columns to describe one entity. Confusing a column with a record would lead to misunderstanding how rows and columns work together in a relational table.
- ✓
A record is a single row in a table that contains related data about one entity
Why this is correct
In a relational database, a record, also called a row or tuple, represents one instance of the entity described by the table. For example, in a Customers table, one record contains all the columns for a single customer. This definition correctly describes how data is organized in a relational table.
- ✗
A record is a query that retrieves data from multiple tables
Why it's wrong here
A query is a request for data, often using SQL, and can join multiple tables. It is not a record. A record is the actual stored data for one entity. This option confuses an operation performed on the database with the structure of the data itself.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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