The answer is a signed access review spreadsheet with reviewer, date, and exceptions. This is the strongest evidence because it provides non-repudiable documentation of a formal privileged access review, directly satisfying audit requirements by capturing the reviewer’s identity, the exact date of the review, and any exceptions noted. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of governance and audit controls—specifically how evidence must demonstrate accountability and completeness, not just activity. A common trap is choosing logs or policies, which only show that a system exists or that access was used, not that a human formally reviewed and approved it. Remember the memory tip: “Sign, date, except—don’t forget the direct evidence concept.”
SY0-701 Security Program Management and Oversight Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security program management and oversight. 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.
Exhibit
External audit request
--------------------------------------------------
Request: Provide proof of quarterly privileged access reviews for FY2025.
Evidence package received:
1. Signed access review spreadsheet with reviewer name, review date, and exceptions
2. SIEM export of administrator logins
3. Help desk ticket for a password reset
4. Screenshot of the access review policy
Based on the exhibit, which item is the strongest evidence that quarterly privileged access reviews occurred?
External audit request
--------------------------------------------------
Request: Provide proof of quarterly privileged access reviews for FY2025.
Evidence package received:
1. Signed access review spreadsheet with reviewer name, review date, and exceptions
2. SIEM export of administrator logins
3. Help desk ticket for a password reset
4. Screenshot of the access review policy
A
SIEM export of administrator logins.
Why wrong: Login logs show activity, but they do not prove a formal quarterly access review was performed.
B
Signed access review spreadsheet with reviewer, date, and exceptions.
This is the strongest evidence because it directly records the review activity, who performed it, when it occurred, and what exceptions were found.
C
Help desk ticket for a password reset.
Why wrong: A password reset ticket is operational evidence, but it has no direct connection to quarterly privileged access reviews.
D
Screenshot of the access review policy.
Why wrong: A policy shows the requirement exists, but it does not prove the required reviews actually happened.
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 spreadsheet with reviewer, date, and exceptions.
A signed access review spreadsheet with reviewer, date, and exceptions provides direct, non-repudiable evidence that a formal review of privileged access was completed. Unlike logs or policies, it explicitly documents the reviewer's identity, the date of review, and any exceptions, satisfying audit requirements for quarterly privileged access reviews.
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.
✗
SIEM export of administrator logins.
Why it's wrong here
Login logs show activity, but they do not prove a formal quarterly access review was performed.
✓
Signed access review spreadsheet with reviewer, date, and exceptions.
Why this is correct
This is the strongest evidence because it directly records the review activity, who performed it, when it occurred, and what exceptions were found.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Help desk ticket for a password reset.
Why it's wrong here
A password reset ticket is operational evidence, but it has no direct connection to quarterly privileged access reviews.
✗
Screenshot of the access review policy.
Why it's wrong here
A policy shows the requirement exists, but it does not prove the required reviews actually happened.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates mistake evidence of activity (like login logs) or policy existence for evidence of a completed review process, overlooking the need for documented attestation with reviewer identity and date.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Login logs show activity, but they do not prove a formal quarterly access review was performed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In practice, privileged access reviews often require a signed attestation form that includes a list of accounts, their permissions, and any exceptions granted. This form is typically stored in a governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platform or as a signed PDF, providing an immutable audit trail. Without such signed documentation, auditors cannot confirm that the review process was completed, as logs and policies alone do not prove human review and approval.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
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 spreadsheet with reviewer, date, and exceptions. — A signed access review spreadsheet with reviewer, date, and exceptions provides direct, non-repudiable evidence that a formal review of privileged access was completed. Unlike logs or policies, it explicitly documents the reviewer's identity, the date of review, and any exceptions, satisfying audit requirements for quarterly privileged access reviews.
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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