Quick Answer
The answer is 5. This output occurs because the loop increments the variable num starting from 1, and the condition checks whether num is less than 5; once num reaches 5, the condition becomes false, the loop terminates, and the final value of 5 is printed. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this tests your understanding of loop termination conditions and how comparison operators like "less than" work in pseudocode—a common trap is assuming the loop prints the last value that satisfied the condition (4) rather than the value that caused the exit. To remember, think of the loop as a bouncer: it stops the moment the condition fails, so the printed value is the first number that breaks the rule, not the last one that obeyed it.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of software development concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Refer to the exhibit.
num = 1
while num < 5:
num = num + 1
print(num)What is the output of the pseudocode in the exhibit?
Refer to the exhibit.
num = 1
while num < 5:
num = num + 1
print(num)4
Why wrong: The loop runs while num < 5; when num becomes 5, the condition fails, so 5 is printed.
6
Why wrong: The loop condition is num < 5, so num never becomes 6 before exit.
5
num starts at 1, increments to 5, then exits and prints 5.
1
Why wrong: The loop runs and increments num, so output cannot be 1.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
5
The loop increments num from 1 until num is no longer less than 5, so it stops when num is 5, which is printed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
4
Why it's wrong here
The loop runs while num < 5; when num becomes 5, the condition fails, so 5 is printed.
6
Why it's wrong here
The loop condition is num < 5, so num never becomes 6 before exit.
5
Why this is correct
num starts at 1, increments to 5, then exits and prints 5.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
1
Why it's wrong here
The loop runs and increments num, so output cannot be 1.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The loop runs and increments num, so output cannot be 1.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Software Development Concepts — This question tests Software Development Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 5 — The loop increments num from 1 until num is no longer less than 5, so it stops when num is 5, which is printed.
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This FC0-U61 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-U61 exam.
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