The answer is that the user lacks the CONNECT privilege or equivalent database access permission. Even though the GRANT SELECT command was issued on the Customers table, object-level permissions like SELECT are useless without the foundational ability to connect to the database itself. In most SQL systems—such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQL Server—a user must first be granted database-level access (e.g., CONNECT in PostgreSQL or a login mapping in SQL Server) before any schema or table privileges can take effect. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding that database user permissions operate in layers: you cannot interact with objects inside a database you cannot enter. A common trap is assuming that granting SELECT alone is sufficient, but the exam expects you to recognize that connection rights are a prerequisite. Remember the memory tip: “Connect first, select second”—without the door open, the key to the cabinet is worthless.
FC0-U61 Database Fundamentals Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of database fundamentals. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
GRANT SELECT ON Customers TO user1;
Refer to the exhibit. A database administrator runs the command shown, but user1 still cannot select data from the Customers table. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user does not have permission to access the database.
The GRANT command shown grants SELECT on the Customers table to user1, but if user1 does not have the CONNECT privilege or has not been granted access to the database itself, the SELECT will still fail. In most SQL databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server), a user must first have the ability to connect to the database (e.g., CONNECT privilege in PostgreSQL or a login in SQL Server) before any object-level permissions take effect. Without that foundational access, the GRANT SELECT is effectively useless.
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.
✓
The user does not have permission to access the database.
Why this is correct
The user may need a CONNECT grant or access to the schema.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The GRANT command requires a COMMIT.
Why it's wrong here
GRANT is usually auto-committed in many DBMS.
✗
The user also needs UPDATE privilege.
Why it's wrong here
SELECT only requires SELECT privilege, not UPDATE.
✗
The table name is misspelled in the GRANT command.
Why it's wrong here
The table name appears correct; user1 can't select at all.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that granting an object-level privilege (like SELECT) is sufficient, when in reality the user must also have database-level access (e.g., CONNECT or a login) to even reach the table.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Database access control is layered: first, the user must have a login or authentication at the instance or database level (e.g., CREATE USER or CREATE LOGIN), then they need database-level permissions like CONNECT, and finally object-level permissions like SELECT. In PostgreSQL, for example, a user without the CONNECT privilege on a database cannot even establish a session, so any GRANT on tables within that database is irrelevant until CONNECT is granted. This hierarchical model prevents users from bypassing database-level security even if they have object-level grants.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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: The user does not have permission to access the database. — The GRANT command shown grants SELECT on the Customers table to user1, but if user1 does not have the CONNECT privilege or has not been granted access to the database itself, the SELECT will still fail. In most SQL databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server), a user must first have the ability to connect to the database (e.g., CONNECT privilege in PostgreSQL or a login in SQL Server) before any object-level permissions take effect. Without that foundational access, the GRANT SELECT is effectively useless.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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