Quick Answer
The answer is normalization, the database design process that eliminates data redundancy and resolves update anomalies. Normalization achieves this by systematically decomposing a large table into smaller, related tables and defining relationships through foreign keys, which ensures each piece of data is stored only once and that data dependencies make logical sense. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of efficient database structure and the problems caused by redundancy, such as inconsistent updates or insertion and deletion anomalies. A common trap is confusing normalization with indexing or denormalization—remember that normalization reduces duplication, while denormalization adds it for performance. A helpful memory tip: “One fact, one place” to recall that normalization stores each piece of data in only one location, preventing update anomalies.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of database fundamentals. 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.
A database table contains redundant employee data, leading to update anomalies. Which database design process should be applied to resolve this?
Normalization
Normalization eliminates redundant data and reduces update anomalies.
Indexing
Why wrong: Indexing improves query performance but does not reduce redundancy.
Denormalization
Why wrong: Denormalization increases redundancy to improve read performance, opposite of the goal.
Query optimization
Why wrong: Query optimization speeds up queries but does not address data redundancy.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Normalization
Normalization is the database design process that eliminates redundant data and ensures data dependencies make sense, thereby resolving update anomalies. By decomposing a table into smaller, related tables and defining relationships through foreign keys, normalization reduces data duplication and maintains consistency during insert, update, and delete operations.
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.
Normalization
Why this is correct
Normalization eliminates redundant data and reduces update anomalies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Indexing
Why it's wrong here
Indexing improves query performance but does not reduce redundancy.
Denormalization
Why it's wrong here
Denormalization increases redundancy to improve read performance, opposite of the goal.
Query optimization
Why it's wrong here
Query optimization speeds up queries but does not address data redundancy.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse normalization with indexing or query optimization because all three improve database performance, but only normalization addresses structural redundancy and update anomalies at the schema level.
Detailed technical explanation
Normalization typically involves applying normal forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF) to a schema. For example, achieving 3NF requires that every non-key attribute is non-transitively dependent on the primary key, which directly eliminates update anomalies caused by partial or transitive dependencies. In a real-world scenario, an employee table with department name repeated for each employee would cause an update anomaly when a department name changes; normalization would separate the department into its own table linked by a foreign key.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Database Fundamentals — This question tests Database Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Normalization — Normalization is the database design process that eliminates redundant data and ensures data dependencies make sense, thereby resolving update anomalies. By decomposing a table into smaller, related tables and defining relationships through foreign keys, normalization reduces data duplication and maintains consistency during insert, update, and delete operations.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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