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PK0-005 Practice Question: A project has a dependency where the software…
A project has a dependency where the software must be coded before it can be tested. This is an example of which type of dependency?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing mandatory dependencies with discretionary ones; candidates may think coding-before-testing is a best practice (discretionary) rather than a logical necessity, but it is a classic example of hard logic.
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
✓
Mandatory dependency
A dependency where software must be coded before it can be tested is a mandatory dependency because it is inherent to the nature of the work — testing cannot logically occur before coding. Mandatory dependencies are also called hard logic and are typically required by physical, contractual, or logical constraints. This is not a matter of preference or external influence, so it is not discretionary or external.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Discretionary dependency
Why it's wrong here
Coding before testing is a hard logic dependency inherent in the work, not a discretionary one chosen by the team. Discretionary dependencies arise where sequencing is a preference, such as running user-acceptance testing before integration testing when both orders are technically possible.
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Resource constraint
Why it's wrong here
A resource constraint concerns limited availability of people, equipment or budget, not the mandatory sequence between two activities. Coding must precede testing regardless of who performs it or how many staff exist; resource constraints would fit a scenario where a shared specialist or test environment is unavailable.
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Mandatory dependency
Why this is correct
Coding must precede testing because the artefact under test cannot exist otherwise; the sequence is inherent to the work itself, not imposed by the team or an external party. Mandatory dependencies arise from this hard logical or physical constraint, unlike discretionary or external ones.
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External dependency
Why it's wrong here
External dependencies involve parties outside the project, such as a vendor delivering hardware or a regulator granting approval. Coding and testing are both internal project activities, so their mandatory ordering is a hard logic dependency, not one imposed by an outside organisation.
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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 PK0-005 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 PK0-005 exam.