FC0-U71 Software Development Concepts Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are core phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the distinction between core SDLC phases and specific activities or tools, causing candidates to confuse detailed tasks like algorithm design or debugging with the broader phases.
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
✓
Testing
Testing (C) is a core SDLC phase because it is the formal stage where the built software is verified and validated against requirements before release, covering activities like unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing. Implementation (E) is also a core SDLC phase, as it is the stage in which the design is translated into actual code and the system is built and deployed. The remaining options are not core SDLC phases: algorithm design (A) is a lower-level design activity that may occur within the design phase, flowcharting (B) is a modeling or documentation technique used during analysis/design, and debugging (D) is a defect-fixing activity performed within implementation and testing rather than a distinct SDLC phase.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Algorithm design
Why it's wrong here
Algorithm design is a detailed design activity performed inside the design phase, not a distinct SDLC phase. It is tempting because algorithm design is genuinely part of structured development work, yet the SDLC phases are broader stages such as requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment and maintenance.
- ✗
Flowcharting
Why it's wrong here
Flowcharting is a design technique for depicting process or logic flow, not an SDLC phase; the core phases are requirements, design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance. It is tempting because flowcharting supports the design phase, but it is a tool used within a phase rather than a phase itself.
- ✓
Testing
Why this is correct
Testing is a core SDLC phase because it verifies that built software meets its requirements before release, satisfying the stem's demand for a genuine life-cycle stage. It occurs after implementation and before deployment, encompassing unit, integration, system and acceptance testing to detect defects and confirm quality.
- ✗
Debugging
Why it's wrong here
Debugging is a defect-fixing activity performed within implementation or testing, not a standalone SDLC phase. It is tempting because debugging is unavoidable during development and feels like a major stage, but the recognised phases remain requirements, design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance.
- ✓
Implementation
Why this is correct
Implementation is the SDLC phase where designs are translated into working code, producing the actual software artefact. It sits between design and testing, and is universally recognised as a core phase alongside planning, analysis, design, testing and maintenance.
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JA
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.