- A
Only in subclasses
Why wrong: Protected also allows access from same package classes, not only subclasses.
- B
Only within the same package
Why wrong: Protected methods are also accessible in subclasses, not only within the same package.
- C
Everywhere
Why wrong: That describes public access.
- D
Only within the same class
Why wrong: Protected methods are accessible outside the class, unlike private.
- E
Within the same package and subclasses
Protected access allows access within the same package and by subclasses even in different packages.
Question 232 of 509
1Z0-811 Object-Oriented Programming Practice Question
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. 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.
A class has a method that is marked as protected. Which statement is true about its accessibility?
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
✓
Within the same package and subclasses
In Java, the protected access modifier allows access within the same package and by subclasses (even if they are in different packages). Option E correctly states this combination, which is the precise definition of protected access as specified in the Java Language Specification (JLS §6.6.2).
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.
- ✗
Only in subclasses
Why it's wrong here
Protected also allows access from same package classes, not only subclasses.
- ✗
Only within the same package
Why it's wrong here
Protected methods are also accessible in subclasses, not only within the same package.
- ✗
Everywhere
Why it's wrong here
That describes public access.
- ✗
Only within the same class
Why it's wrong here
Protected methods are accessible outside the class, unlike private.
- ✓
Within the same package and subclasses
Why this is correct
Protected access allows access within the same package and by subclasses even in different packages.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse protected with package-private (default) access, forgetting that protected also grants access to subclasses in other packages, or they incorrectly think protected is as restrictive as private.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the Java compiler enforces protected access by checking the access context: if the accessing code is in a different package, it must be a subclass and the access must occur through a reference to the subclass type (not a superclass reference) to avoid bypassing encapsulation. This rule prevents code in a different package from accessing protected members on arbitrary instances of the superclass, a subtlety that can cause compile-time errors if violated.
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 practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-811 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 1Z0-811 question test?
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Within the same package and subclasses — In Java, the protected access modifier allows access within the same package and by subclasses (even if they are in different packages). Option E correctly states this combination, which is the precise definition of protected access as specified in the Java Language Specification (JLS §6.6.2).
What should I do if I get this 1Z0-811 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 25, 2026
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