Quick Answer
The correct answer is IaaS, along with PaaS and SaaS, as these three are the primary cloud computing service models. IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, PaaS offers a platform for developing and deploying applications without managing underlying infrastructure, and SaaS delivers fully managed software applications on a subscription basis. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, you will often be asked to distinguish these models by what the customer manages versus what the provider manages—a common trap is confusing PaaS with SaaS because both involve the provider handling the platform, but SaaS delivers ready-to-use software while PaaS gives you a development environment. A helpful memory tip is to think of the three models as layers of a pizza: IaaS is the dough (infrastructure), PaaS is the sauce and toppings (platform), and SaaS is the fully baked pizza delivered to your door (software).
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. 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 TWO of the following are types of cloud computing service models?
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP is a network protocol, not a cloud service model.
LAN
Why wrong: LAN is a local area network, not a cloud service model.
SaaS
Software as a Service is a cloud service model.
VPN
Why wrong: VPN is a virtual private network, not a cloud service model.
IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service is a cloud service model.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud computing service model where users access software applications over the internet on a subscription basis, with the provider managing the underlying infrastructure, platform, and application. This model eliminates the need for local installation and maintenance, as seen in services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
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.
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP is a network protocol, not a cloud service model.
LAN
Why it's wrong here
LAN is a local area network, not a cloud service model.
SaaS
Why this is correct
Software as a Service is a cloud service model.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
VPN
Why it's wrong here
VPN is a virtual private network, not a cloud service model.
IaaS
Why this is correct
Infrastructure as a Service is a cloud service model.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse network services and protocols (DHCP, VPN) or network types (LAN) with cloud service models, because all are IT infrastructure components but only SaaS and IaaS represent distinct service delivery categories.
Detailed technical explanation
Cloud service models are defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-145, which categorizes them into IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS based on the level of abstraction and control provided to the consumer. In IaaS, the provider offers virtualized computing resources (e.g., virtual machines, storage) while the consumer manages the OS and applications; in SaaS, the consumer only configures application-specific settings, with no control over the underlying infrastructure. A real-world scenario: an enterprise using AWS EC2 (IaaS) must patch the guest OS, whereas using Salesforce (SaaS) shifts all patching responsibility to the provider.
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
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SaaS — SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud computing service model where users access software applications over the internet on a subscription basis, with the provider managing the underlying infrastructure, platform, and application. This model eliminates the need for local installation and maintenance, as seen in services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are examples of cloud computing service models?
easyWhy A: PaaS (Platform as a Service) is a cloud computing service model that provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure. It includes operating systems, middleware, development tools, and database management, making it a core cloud service model alongside IaaS and SaaS.
Variation 2. Which TWO of the following are types of cloud computing service models?
mediumWhy A: Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing service model that provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure. It includes operating systems, middleware, development tools, and database management, enabling developers to focus solely on coding and deploying applications.
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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