FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
Which of the following software licenses allows users to modify and redistribute the source code, provided they keep the same license terms?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing permissive licenses (MIT, Apache) with copyleft licenses (GPL). Candidates might select MIT or Apache because they also allow modification and redistribution, but they do not require the same license terms for derivatives.
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
✓
GNU General Public License (GPL)
The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a copyleft license that requires derivative works to be distributed under the same license terms. This means users can modify and redistribute the source code, but they must keep the same license, ensuring that the software remains free and open source.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Apache License
Why it's wrong here
The Apache License is permissive, letting modified code be redistributed under different terms; it does not impose copyleft. It is tempting because Apache also permits modification and redistribution, but it would be the correct choice if the question asked for a permissive licence without the same-licence condition.
- ✗
Commercial License
Why it's wrong here
A commercial licence restricts modification and redistribution to what the vendor grants, so it cannot require derivative works to carry the same terms. It is tempting because commercial licences do govern source use, but one would be correct if the question asked which licence withholds source code and requires paid permission.
- ✗
MIT License
Why it's wrong here
The MIT License is permissive, allowing derivatives to be relicensed under any terms; it imposes no same-licence requirement. It is tempting because MIT does permit modification and redistribution, but it would be the correct choice if the question asked for a short permissive licence without copyleft obligations.
- ✓
GNU General Public License (GPL)
Why this is correct
The GNU General Public License is a copyleft licence: it permits modification and redistribution of source code, provided derivative works are released under the same GPL terms. This reciprocal condition distinguishes it from permissive licences such as MIT or Apache.
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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.