- A
A screenshot of one administrator's account showing current privileges.
Why wrong: A single screenshot does not prove that periodic reviews occurred or that exceptions were tracked across the full audit period.
- B
Signed access review records and remediation tickets from the access management process.
This is the best evidence because it directly shows the process was performed and that findings were handled. Signed review records demonstrate that quarterly reviews occurred, and remediation or exception tickets show that identified issues were tracked and resolved. Auditors look for traceable, repeatable evidence rather than isolated screenshots or verbal confirmation, so process records are the strongest support.
- C
The security policy that says access reviews must happen every quarter.
Why wrong: A policy states the requirement, but it does not prove the reviews were actually performed or that exceptions were closed.
- D
An email from the system administrator stating that reviews were completed on time.
Why wrong: An email may be helpful, but it is weak evidence compared with controlled process records and tracked remediation artifacts.
Quick Answer
The answer is signed access review records and remediation tickets from the access management process. This is the most appropriate audit evidence for privileged access reviews because it provides an objective, verifiable chain of custody showing both that the quarterly reviews were actually completed and that any exceptions—such as excessive permissions—were tracked to closure. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of audit evidence requirements under domain 3 (Implementation), specifically the principle that evidence must demonstrate a complete action lifecycle, not just a policy or screenshot. A common trap is choosing a policy document or a single log screenshot, which lacks proof of actual review completion and exception handling. Remember the memory tip: “Sign it, then fix it”—signed records prove the review happened, and remediation tickets prove the fix was tracked.
SY0-701 Security Program Management and Oversight Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security program management and oversight. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
An external auditor asks for proof that quarterly privileged access reviews were completed and that any exceptions were tracked to closure during the last year. Which evidence is MOST appropriate to provide?
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
Signed access review records and remediation tickets from the access management process.
Option B is correct because signed access review records provide verifiable proof that quarterly reviews were conducted, and remediation tickets demonstrate that any exceptions (e.g., excessive privileges) were tracked and resolved. This aligns with the principle of audit evidence: it must be objective, verifiable, and show a complete chain of actions from review to closure. A screenshot or policy alone lacks the audit trail of actual completion and exception handling.
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.
- ✗
A screenshot of one administrator's account showing current privileges.
Why it's wrong here
A single screenshot does not prove that periodic reviews occurred or that exceptions were tracked across the full audit period.
- ✓
Signed access review records and remediation tickets from the access management process.
Why this is correct
This is the best evidence because it directly shows the process was performed and that findings were handled. Signed review records demonstrate that quarterly reviews occurred, and remediation or exception tickets show that identified issues were tracked and resolved. Auditors look for traceable, repeatable evidence rather than isolated screenshots or verbal confirmation, so process records are the strongest support.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The security policy that says access reviews must happen every quarter.
Why it's wrong here
A policy states the requirement, but it does not prove the reviews were actually performed or that exceptions were closed.
- ✗
An email from the system administrator stating that reviews were completed on time.
Why it's wrong here
An email may be helpful, but it is weak evidence compared with controlled process records and tracked remediation artifacts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse policy documentation (Option C) or informal communication (Option D) with actual audit evidence, failing to recognize that only signed records and remediation tickets provide the verifiable, objective proof required by an external auditor.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In practice, privileged access reviews are often automated via Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) tools like SailPoint or Microsoft Identity Manager, which generate signed attestation reports and integrate with ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow) to track exception remediation. The audit trail must include timestamps, reviewer identities, and closure dates to satisfy frameworks like SOX or PCI DSS, which require evidence of review completion and exception resolution within defined SLAs.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Program Management and Oversight — This question tests Security Program Management and Oversight — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Signed access review records and remediation tickets from the access management process. — Option B is correct because signed access review records provide verifiable proof that quarterly reviews were conducted, and remediation tickets demonstrate that any exceptions (e.g., excessive privileges) were tracked and resolved. This aligns with the principle of audit evidence: it must be objective, verifiable, and show a complete chain of actions from review to closure. A screenshot or policy alone lacks the audit trail of actual completion and exception handling.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
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