Quick Answer
The answer is fingerprint and smart card, as this pairing combines something you are (biometric fingerprint) with something you have (a physical smart card), which satisfies the core requirement of multifactor authentication implementation methods by using two distinct authentication factors. In the context of the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your understanding that MFA must draw from at least two of the three factor categories: knowledge, possession, and inherence. A common trap is mistaking two items from the same category—like a password and a PIN—as MFA, when they are both something you know. The exam emphasizes that true MFA implementation methods require factors from different categories, so always verify that each factor belongs to a separate type. For a quick memory tip, remember the mnemonic “KPI” for Knowledge, Possession, and Inherence—if your chosen methods don’t hit at least two of these, it is not MFA.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of access controls. 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 THREE of the following are common methods for implementing multifactor authentication (MFA)?
Retina scan and facial recognition
Why wrong: Both are biometric (something you are), not MFA.
Password and SMS code
Something you know (password) + something you have (phone for SMS).
Smart card and PIN
Something you have (smart card) + something you know (PIN).
Password and security question
Why wrong: Both are knowledge factors, not true MFA.
Fingerprint and smart card
Something you are (fingerprint) + something you have (smart card).
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Password and SMS code
Option B is correct because it combines something you know (password) with something you have (SMS code sent to a registered device). This satisfies the MFA requirement of using at least two distinct authentication factors, making it significantly more secure than single-factor password-only authentication.
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.
Retina scan and facial recognition
Why it's wrong here
Both are biometric (something you are), not MFA.
Password and SMS code
Why this is correct
Something you know (password) + something you have (phone for SMS).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Smart card and PIN
Why this is correct
Something you have (smart card) + something you know (PIN).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Password and security question
Why it's wrong here
Both are knowledge factors, not true MFA.
Fingerprint and smart card
Why this is correct
Something you are (fingerprint) + something you have (smart card).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between using multiple instances of the same factor (e.g., two biometrics or two passwords) versus using factors from different categories, which is the core requirement for true MFA.
Detailed technical explanation
MFA requires factors from at least two different categories: knowledge (something you know), possession (something you have), or inherence (something you are). SMS-based OTPs rely on time-based or event-based algorithms (RFC 6238 or RFC 4226) and are delivered via SS7 or SMS gateways, which have known vulnerabilities like SIM swapping. Smart cards store private keys or certificates (e.g., X.509) and require a PIN to unlock, combining possession and knowledge.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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Access Controls — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Access Controls — This question tests Access Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Password and SMS code — Option B is correct because it combines something you know (password) with something you have (SMS code sent to a registered device). This satisfies the MFA requirement of using at least two distinct authentication factors, making it significantly more secure than single-factor password-only authentication.
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 multifactor authentication? (Choose two.)
easyWhy A: Multifactor authentication (MFA) requires at least two distinct factors from different categories: something you know, something you have, and something you are. A smart card is 'something you have,' and a PIN is 'something you know,' so combining them satisfies MFA requirements. This is a classic example used in access control systems like Common Access Cards (CAC) or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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