Examples of Checked Exceptions: SQLException, IOException, FileNotFoundException
Which THREE are checked exceptions in Java? (Choose three.)
Quick Answer
The correct answer is FileNotFoundException, along with SQLException and IOException, as these are all checked exceptions in Java. A checked exception is any class that extends Exception but not RuntimeException, meaning the compiler forces you to handle it with a try-catch block or declare it in the method signature using the throws clause. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, you will often see checked exceptions examples like these to test your understanding of compile-time error handling versus runtime exceptions. A common trap is confusing SQLException with an unchecked exception because it involves database errors, but since it directly extends Exception, it is checked. Similarly, FileNotFoundException and IOException are thrown during file operations and must be handled explicitly. To remember, think of the acronym SIF: SQLException, IOException, FileNotFoundException—all three force you to write handling code before your program will compile.
⚠ Common exam trap
Oracle often tests the distinction between checked and unchecked exceptions by including common RuntimeException subclasses (like NullPointerException and ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException) as distractors, exploiting the misconception that any exception must be handled.
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
✓
SQLException
SQLException is a checked exception in Java because it extends Exception directly (not RuntimeException). Checked exceptions must be either caught with a try-catch block or declared in the method signature using the throws clause. SQLException is thrown when there is a database access error or other SQL-related issues, forcing the developer to handle potential failures at compile time.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
Why it's wrong here
It is a RuntimeException (unchecked).
- ✓
SQLException
Why this is correct
It is a checked exception.
- ✗
NullPointerException
Why it's wrong here
It is a RuntimeException (unchecked).
- ✓
IOException
Why this is correct
It is a checked exception.
- ✓
FileNotFoundException
Why this is correct
It is a checked exception.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 1Z0-811
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 of the following exceptions is a checked exception?
easy- A.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
- B.ArithmeticException
- ✓ C.IOException
- D.NullPointerException
Why C: IOException is a checked exception in Java, meaning it must be either caught or declared in the method signature using a try-catch block or throws clause. Checked exceptions are subclasses of Exception (excluding RuntimeException and its subclasses), and IOException directly extends Exception, making it subject to compile-time checking.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 1Z0-811 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Oracle 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 1Z0-811 exam.