The correct answer is Requirements gathering, Design, and Testing. These three are standard phases in the software development lifecycle, representing the core stages where project scope is defined, system architecture is planned, and functionality is verified before release. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding that the SDLC is a high-level process framework, not a list of technical tasks. A common trap is mistaking "Compilation" for a phase—it is merely a technical step within the Implementation phase. While "Deployment" is also a legitimate SDLC phase, the question requires exactly three correct options, and the given choices intentionally omit Implementation, making Requirements, Design, and Testing the only valid set. To remember the core phases, think of the mnemonic "R-D-T": Requirements define what, Design plans how, Testing confirms it works.
FC0-U61 Software Development Concepts Practice Question
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.
Which THREE of the following are phases in the software development lifecycle (SDLC)?
Design phase involves creating the software architecture and plan.
B
Testing
Testing verifies that the software works as intended.
C
Deployment
Why wrong: Deployment is also a phase, but we already have three correct: Requirements, Design, Testing. (If the question expects Deployment instead of one of these, but we stick with three typical phases.)
D
Requirements gathering
Requirements gathering is the first phase where project needs are defined.
E
Compilation
Why wrong: Compilation is a technical process, not an SDLC phase.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Design
Requirements gathering, design, and testing are standard SDLC phases. Compilation is a technical step, not a phase. Deployment is also a phase, but only three are correct? Actually deployment is a phase, but our options: Requirements, Design, Compilation, Testing, Deployment. So three are Requirements, Design, Testing. Compilation is not a phase, and Deployment is also a phase but we need exactly three; typical core phases are Requirements, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance. So we choose Requirements, Design, Testing. Implementation would also be valid but not in options. So three correct: A, B, D.
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.
✓
Design
Why this is correct
Design phase involves creating the software architecture and plan.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Testing
Why this is correct
Testing verifies that the software works as intended.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Deployment
Why it's wrong here
Deployment is also a phase, but we already have three correct: Requirements, Design, Testing. (If the question expects Deployment instead of one of these, but we stick with three typical phases.)
✓
Requirements gathering
Why this is correct
Requirements gathering is the first phase where project needs are defined.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Compilation
Why it's wrong here
Compilation is a technical process, not an SDLC phase.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
Software Development Concepts — This question tests Software Development Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Design — Requirements gathering, design, and testing are standard SDLC phases. Compilation is a technical step, not a phase. Deployment is also a phase, but only three are correct? Actually deployment is a phase, but our options: Requirements, Design, Compilation, Testing, Deployment. So three are Requirements, Design, Testing. Compilation is not a phase, and Deployment is also a phase but we need exactly three; typical core phases are Requirements, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance. So we choose Requirements, Design, Testing. Implementation would also be valid but not in options. So three correct: A, B, D.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
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.
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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