The answer is parallel test between primary and backup site and tabletop exercise. These are valid disaster recovery test types because a tabletop exercise involves a structured walkthrough of recovery procedures with key stakeholders, while a parallel test runs the backup site in tandem with the primary site to verify functionality without disrupting live operations. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of the NIST SP 800-34 framework, which distinguishes between validation tests like parallel and tabletop, versus simulations or unit tests that fall outside formal DR testing categories. A common trap is confusing a simulation with a tabletop exercise—remember that a tabletop is discussion-based, whereas a simulation involves actual technical execution. For a quick memory tip, think “Talk and Walk”: tabletop is the talk, parallel is the walk.
ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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 valid types of disaster recovery tests?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Tabletop exercise.
Options B and D are correct. Tabletop exercises and parallel tests are common DR test types. Option A is a simulation but not typically classified as a test type. Option C is unit testing unrelated to DR. Option E is a security assessment.
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.
✓
Tabletop exercise.
Why this is correct
Tabletop exercises involve walkthroughs of disaster scenarios.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Full-scale simulation without prior notification.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is not a standard DR test type; often used for specific exercises.
✗
Unit testing of individual applications.
Why it's wrong here
Unit testing is part of software development, not DR.
✗
Vulnerability scan.
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is a security assessment, not DR testing.
✓
Parallel test between primary and backup site.
Why this is correct
Parallel tests run systems concurrently to validate failover.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Tabletop exercise. — Options B and D are correct. Tabletop exercises and parallel tests are common DR test types. Option A is a simulation but not typically classified as a test type. Option C is unit testing unrelated to DR. Option E is a security assessment.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.
Question Discussion
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