FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A user wants to access a file located in a subdirectory relative to the current working directory. Which type of path is being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the relative-versus-absolute path distinction by describing a file 'relative to the current directory,' so candidates who see a subdirectory and assume it must be absolute (or confuse symlinks with path types) pick the wrong option.
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
✓
Relative path
A relative path specifies a file's location starting from the current working directory, using notations like ./ or ../ or simply a subdirectory name (for example, docs/report.txt). Because the question states the file is in a subdirectory relative to the current directory, the path is by definition relative.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Absolute path
Why it's wrong here
An absolute path specifies the full route from the filesystem root, so it does not depend on the current working directory as the scenario requires. It is tempting because absolute paths reliably locate any file, and they are the correct choice when the working directory is unknown or changes.
- ✓
Relative path
Why this is correct
A relative path specifies a file's location from the current working directory, such as a subdirectory beneath it, rather than from the filesystem root. This directly satisfies the stem's scenario of accessing a file in a subdirectory relative to the current location.
- ✗
Symbolic link
Why it's wrong here
A symbolic link is a filesystem entry pointing to another file, not a path type describing traversal from the current directory. It is tempting because symlinks do resolve to files, but the question concerns relative versus absolute path syntax, which symlinks do not define.
- ✗
Network path
Why it's wrong here
A network path specifies a remote share via UNC or mapped drive, not a location expressed relative to the current working directory. It tempts because it also locates files, but it would be correct only when accessing resources on another host, not a local subdirectory.
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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.