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ITEE IT Passport practice questions

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Question 1Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which component of a computer is primarily responsible for executing program instructions and performing arithmetic and logic operations?

  1. The CPU Correct answer.
  2. The display controller
  3. The hard disk drive
  4. The power supply unit

Explanation

The central processing unit fetches, decodes, and executes instructions and contains the arithmetic logic unit. Storage devices hold data but do not execute instructions.

Question 2Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a spreadsheet, a formula is entered as =B2*C2 and then copied down one row. What does the copied formula reference?

  1. =B$2*C$2
  2. =B2*C2
  3. =B1*C1
  4. =B3*C3 Correct answer.

Explanation

By default, cell references are relative, so copying a formula one row down shifts each reference down by one row. Absolute references (with $) would stay fixed instead.

Question 3Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which type of software is an operating system classified as?

  1. Firmware stored in ROM
  2. A device driver
  3. System software Correct answer.
  4. Application software

Explanation

An operating system is system software that manages hardware and provides services to application programs. Application software performs user-facing tasks on top of the OS.

Question 4Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a relational database, what is a primary key?

  1. A constraint that forbids null values in any column
  2. A column that stores a copy of a key from another table
  3. A column or set of columns that uniquely identifies each row Correct answer.
  4. An index automatically created on every numeric column

Explanation

A primary key enforces uniqueness and non-null values for the chosen column(s), so each row can be identified. A foreign key, by contrast, references a key in another table.

Question 5Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which device forwards packets between different networks based on IP addresses?

  1. A hub
  2. A modem
  3. A router Correct answer.
  4. A repeater

Explanation

A router examines destination IP addresses and forwards packets between networks. Hubs and repeaters operate at the physical layer without address-based forwarding.

Question 6Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

What is the main purpose of encrypting data before sending it over a network?

  1. To compress the data so it travels faster
  2. To reduce the storage space needed on the server
  3. To guarantee the data arrives without errors
  4. To keep the contents confidential from eavesdroppers Correct answer.

Explanation

Encryption transforms plaintext into ciphertext so that intercepted data cannot be read without the key. Error detection and compression are separate functions.

Question 7Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which file format stores images using lossless compression and is well suited to graphics with few colors and sharp edges?

  1. PNG Correct answer.
  2. JPEG
  3. MP3
  4. CSV

Explanation

PNG uses lossless compression, preserving exact pixel values, and handles sharp edges and limited color palettes well. JPEG uses lossy compression suited to photographs.

Question 8Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a word processor, which feature automatically moves a word to the next line when it does not fit at the end of the current line?

  1. Word wrap Correct answer.
  2. Mail merge
  3. Track changes
  4. Spell check

Explanation

Word wrap reflows text so lines break at word boundaries without manual line breaks. Mail merge, track changes, and spell check serve unrelated editing purposes.

Question 9Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A program uses a loop to sum the integers from 1 to 100. Which control structure best expresses this repetition?

  1. An if statement
  2. A for loop Correct answer.
  3. A switch statement
  4. A try-catch block

Explanation

A for loop repeats a block a known number of times, which fits iterating from 1 to 100. Conditional statements select branches rather than repeat.

Question 10Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which SQL clause is used to filter rows returned by a query based on a condition?

  1. WHERE Correct answer.
  2. ORDER BY
  3. GROUP BY
  4. JOIN

Explanation

The WHERE clause specifies a condition that each row must satisfy to be included. ORDER BY sorts results, GROUP BY aggregates rows, and JOIN combines tables.

Question 11Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In the TCP/IP model, which layer is responsible for end-to-end reliable delivery using acknowledgments and retransmission?

  1. The network layer
  2. The transport layer Correct answer.
  3. The application layer
  4. The data link layer

Explanation

The transport layer, for example TCP, provides reliable end-to-end delivery with acknowledgments and retransmission. The network layer handles addressing and routing between hosts.

Question 12Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A company assigns private IP addresses to internal hosts and lets them reach the internet through a single public address. Which technology enables this?

  1. NAT Correct answer.
  2. VLAN
  3. DNS
  4. DHCP

Explanation

Network address translation rewrites private source addresses to a public address for outbound traffic. DNS resolves names, DHCP assigns addresses, and VLANs segment a LAN.

Question 13Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which characteristic distinguishes a public key infrastructure digital signature from simple encryption?

  1. It lets a recipient verify the signer's identity and detect tampering Correct answer.
  2. It compresses the message before transmission
  3. It guarantees the message will be delivered in order
  4. It hides the message contents from the recipient

Explanation

A digital signature is created with the sender's private key and verified with the public key, providing authentication and integrity. Confidentiality is a separate property provided by encryption.

Question 14Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A user receives an email that appears to come from a bank and asks them to click a link and enter credentials. Which attack does this describe?

  1. Denial of service
  2. Port scanning
  3. Phishing Correct answer.
  4. SQL injection

Explanation

Phishing uses deceptive messages to trick recipients into revealing credentials or other sensitive data. Denial of service, SQL injection, and port scanning target systems rather than deceiving users.

Question 15Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a relational database, which property ensures that a transaction is either fully completed or fully undone?

  1. Isolation
  2. Consistency
  3. Atomicity Correct answer.
  4. Durability

Explanation

Atomicity treats a transaction as a single all-or-nothing unit, so partial effects never persist. Isolation concerns concurrent transactions, and durability concerns persistence after commit.

Question 16Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which technique most directly reduces the risk of data loss from a disk hardware failure?

  1. Encrypting files on the disk
  2. Mirroring data across two disks Correct answer.
  3. Compressing files on the disk
  4. Defragmenting the disk regularly

Explanation

Mirroring keeps an identical copy on a second disk so one disk can fail without losing data. Compression, defragmentation, and encryption do not provide redundancy.

Question 17Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a spreadsheet, cell D1 contains =SUM(A1:A5) and A1 through A5 contain 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. What value does D1 display?

  1. 20
  2. 24
  3. 30 Correct answer.
  4. 40

Explanation

SUM adds all values in the range, so 2+4+6+8+10 equals 30. The formula aggregates the entire specified range rather than a subset.

Question 18Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which statement best describes the role of a database management system (DBMS)?

  1. It mediates access to data, enforcing integrity and concurrency control Correct answer.
  2. It stores data only as flat text files with no structure
  3. It replaces the need for any backup or recovery procedure
  4. It converts SQL queries directly into machine code for the CPU

Explanation

A DBMS provides controlled access to data, enforcing constraints and managing concurrent transactions. It does not eliminate the need for backups, nor does it compile queries directly to machine code.

Question 19Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A web page uses HTTPS. Which combination of services does HTTPS primarily provide?

  1. Confidentiality and integrity of the exchanged data Correct answer.
  2. Automatic compression of all images
  3. Guaranteed availability during traffic spikes
  4. Faster page rendering than HTTP

Explanation

HTTPS runs HTTP over TLS, providing encryption for confidentiality and integrity checks against tampering. It does not improve rendering speed, compress images automatically, or ensure availability.

Question 20Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which addressing scheme identifies a host by a 128-bit address?

  1. MAC address
  2. Subnet mask
  3. IPv4
  4. IPv6 Correct answer.

Explanation

IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, greatly expanding the address space compared with IPv4. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, and a MAC address is a 48-bit link-layer identifier.

Question 21Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In information design, what does the principle of contrast primarily help achieve?

  1. Making important elements stand out from surrounding content Correct answer.
  2. Ensuring every element uses a different color
  3. Guaranteeing accessibility for all users automatically
  4. Reducing the file size of images

Explanation

Contrast uses differences in size, color, or weight to distinguish key elements and guide attention. It does not require every element to differ, nor does it alone guarantee accessibility.

Question 22Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A user wants to find all rows in a table where the price column is greater than 100 and the category is 'book'. Which SQL expression correctly expresses this condition?

  1. WHERE price > 100 AND category = 'book' Correct answer.
  2. WHERE price > 100, category = 'book'
  3. WHERE price > 100 OR category = 'book'
  4. WHERE price > 100 NOT category = 'book'

Explanation

Both conditions must hold, so they are combined with the AND operator. Using OR would include rows meeting only one condition.

Question 23Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A hash function maps passwords to fixed-length digests. Why is storing only the hash of a password preferred over storing the plaintext?

  1. Hashing guarantees the password is strong
  2. The hash can be decrypted with a public key when needed
  3. Hashing makes the password shorter to type
  4. The original password cannot be easily recovered from the digest Correct answer.

Explanation

Cryptographic hashing is one-way, so a leaked digest does not readily reveal the password. Hashing is not reversible and says nothing about password strength.

Question 24Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Two processes each hold one resource and wait for the resource held by the other. Which condition does this describe?

  1. Thrashing
  2. Deadlock Correct answer.
  3. Race condition
  4. Starvation

Explanation

Deadlock occurs when processes form a circular wait, each holding a resource the other needs. Starvation is indefinite postponement, and thrashing is excessive paging activity.

Question 25Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A table is in third normal form (3NF). Which condition must hold in addition to being in second normal form?

  1. No non-key attribute depends transitively on the primary key Correct answer.
  2. All foreign keys must be removed from the table
  3. Every row must contain at least one null value
  4. Every column must be part of a composite primary key

Explanation

3NF eliminates transitive dependencies, so non-key attributes depend only on candidate keys. It does not require composite keys or removal of foreign keys.

Question 26Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which type of software is an operating system?

  1. System software Correct answer.
  2. Application software
  3. Firmware
  4. Middleware

Explanation

An operating system is classified as system software because it manages hardware and provides a platform for application programs. Application software performs user-oriented tasks, middleware connects components, and firmware is embedded in hardware.

Question 27Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a relational database, what does a primary key do?

  1. It sorts the rows in a table.
  2. It links two tables together.
  3. It encrypts sensitive columns.
  4. It uniquely identifies each row in a table. Correct answer.

Explanation

A primary key is a column or set of columns whose values are unique for every row and never null, so it uniquely identifies each record. Foreign keys link tables, sorting is a query operation, and encryption is a security feature.

Question 28Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which protocol is used to transfer web pages over the internet?

  1. SNMP
  2. HTTP Correct answer.
  3. SMTP
  4. FTP

Explanation

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the application-layer protocol for requesting and delivering web pages. SMTP is for email, FTP for file transfer, and SNMP for network management.

Question 29Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which of the following is an example of biometric authentication?

  1. Fingerprint scanning Correct answer.
  2. Smart card insertion
  3. PIN code typing
  4. Password entry

Explanation

Biometric authentication verifies identity using physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints. Passwords, smart cards, and PINs are knowledge- or possession-based methods, not biometrics.

Question 30Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A user wants to apply the same formatting to all slides in a presentation. Which feature is most appropriate?

  1. Slide master Correct answer.
  2. Slide sorter
  3. Speaker notes
  4. Animation pane

Explanation

The slide master stores the design and layout settings that apply to all slides based on it, so editing it updates every associated slide. Slide sorter arranges slides, speaker notes hold presenter text, and the animation pane manages effects.

Question 31Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a spreadsheet, cell B1 contains the formula =AVERAGE(A1:A4) and cells A1 to A4 contain 10, 20, 30, and 40. What value is displayed in B1?

  1. 20
  2. 25 Correct answer.
  3. 30
  4. 100

Explanation

The AVERAGE function adds the values (10+20+30+40 = 100) and divides by the count (4), giving 25. The other values do not result from this calculation.

Question 32Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which project management document defines the project's scope, deliverables, and major milestones?

  1. Work breakdown structure
  2. Risk register
  3. Project charter Correct answer.
  4. Gantt chart

Explanation

The project charter formally authorizes the project and outlines its scope, deliverables, and milestones. A Gantt chart schedules tasks, a risk register lists risks, and a WBS decomposes the work.

Question 33Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which action best helps prevent unauthorized access to a smartphone?

  1. Turning on Bluetooth
  2. Installing more apps
  3. Using a larger screen
  4. Enabling screen lock with a PIN Correct answer.

Explanation

A screen lock with a PIN requires authentication before the device can be used, blocking casual unauthorized access. Bluetooth, screen size, and app count do not provide authentication.

Question 34Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a relational database, which property of a transaction ensures that once it commits, its changes persist even after a system failure?

  1. Atomicity
  2. Durability Correct answer.
  3. Consistency
  4. Isolation

Explanation

Durability guarantees that committed changes are permanently stored and survive failures. Atomicity ensures all-or-nothing execution, consistency preserves integrity constraints, and isolation prevents interference between concurrent transactions.

Question 35Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A company wants to allow employees to access the corporate network securely from home over the internet. Which technology is most appropriate?

  1. VPN Correct answer.
  2. DHCP
  3. NAT
  4. LAN

Explanation

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel over the internet, letting remote users securely reach the corporate network. LAN covers a local area, NAT translates addresses, and DHCP assigns addresses.

Question 36Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

Which type of malware encrypts a user's files and demands payment for the decryption key?

  1. Adware
  2. Trojan horse
  3. Worm
  4. Ransomware Correct answer.

Explanation

Ransomware encrypts files and demands a ransom for the key. Adware displays unwanted ads, worms self-replicate across networks, and Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software.

Question 37Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a spreadsheet, cell C1 contains =IF(A1>10, "High", "Low"). If A1 contains 15, what is displayed in C1?

  1. TRUE
  2. High Correct answer.
  3. Low
  4. 15

Explanation

The IF function evaluates the condition A1>10; since 15 is greater than 10, it returns the first result, "High". The other outputs do not match the condition or the function's syntax.

Question 38Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In a word processor, which feature automatically creates a list of headings and page numbers from the document's headings?

  1. Mail merge
  2. Spell check
  3. Track changes
  4. Table of contents Correct answer.

Explanation

A table of contents is generated from heading styles and can include page numbers, updating automatically as the document changes. Mail merge combines a document with a data source, track changes records edits, and spell check verifies spelling.

Question 39Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

In information design, which color scheme is most appropriate for a presentation projected in a bright room?

  1. High contrast between text and background Correct answer.
  2. Low contrast between text and background
  3. Text and background in similar hues
  4. All text in light gray on white

Explanation

High contrast improves legibility when ambient light is strong, ensuring text stands out from the background. Low contrast, similar hues, and light gray on white reduce readability.

Question 40Computer systems, databases, networks, information security, information design and information media; use of office tools

A database table is in second normal form (2NF). Which condition must be met to also be in third normal form (3NF)?

  1. No non-key attribute depends transitively on the primary key. Correct answer.
  2. Every row is uniquely identified by a primary key.
  3. Every non-key attribute depends on the whole primary key.
  4. The table has no repeating groups.

Explanation

3NF requires that no non-key attribute depends transitively on the primary key, in addition to being in 2NF. Full functional dependency on the whole key is the requirement for 2NF, eliminating repeating groups gives 1NF, and having a primary key is a basic table property.

Question 41Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

A company wants to compare how much profit it earned from sales during the year. Which financial statement primarily shows this?

  1. The articles of incorporation
  2. The statement of cash flows
  3. The income statement Correct answer.
  4. The balance sheet

Explanation

The income statement reports revenues and expenses over a period and derives profit or loss. The balance sheet shows financial position at a point in time, and the cash flow statement tracks cash movements.

Question 42Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

In corporate activity, what does CSR most directly refer to?

  1. A firm's obligation to maximize short-term share price
  2. A firm's responsibility toward society and stakeholders Correct answer.
  3. A firm's internal rule for approving overtime pay
  4. A firm's contract with its external auditor

Explanation

CSR (corporate social responsibility) is the idea that a company should act responsibly toward society, the environment and stakeholders beyond mere profit. The other options describe financial, labor or audit matters.

Question 43Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

A manufacturer records the sequence of steps needed to turn raw material into a finished product, including who performs each step. Which management technique is this?

  1. A depreciation schedule
  2. A SWOT matrix
  3. A business process model Correct answer.
  4. A break-even chart

Explanation

A business process model describes the ordered activities, inputs and responsible roles that produce an output. Break-even charts, SWOT matrices and depreciation schedules serve other analytical purposes.

Question 44Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

Which activity belongs to the upstream (procurement) side of a supply chain rather than the downstream side?

  1. Handling a customer's product return
  2. Purchasing raw materials from a supplier Correct answer.
  3. Running a consumer loyalty program
  4. Delivering finished goods to a retailer

Explanation

Upstream activities involve sourcing inputs from suppliers, while downstream activities move finished products toward customers. Delivery, returns and loyalty programs all occur after production, on the customer side.

Question 45Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

In systems thinking, what is a feedback loop?

  1. A schedule for backing up data
  2. A list of all components in a system
  3. A path in which a system's output influences its own future input Correct answer.
  4. A one-way flow from input to output with no return path

Explanation

A feedback loop exists when part of a system's output is returned as input and affects later behavior, enabling self-correction or amplification. A purely one-way flow has no such influence.

Question 46Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

A team must sort customer complaints into categories such as billing, delivery and quality before counting them. Which step of problem solving does this represent?

  1. Documenting the project budget
  2. Evaluating the final result
  3. Structuring and categorizing the problem Correct answer.
  4. Implementing and monitoring a solution

Explanation

Before analyzing a problem, the raw information must be organized into meaningful categories, which is the structuring step. Implementation, evaluation and budgeting come later or belong to other activities.

Question 47Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

Which statement best describes decomposition in computational thinking?

  1. Encrypting data so it cannot be read
  2. Repeating a step until a condition becomes false
  3. Ignoring details that do not affect the answer
  4. Breaking a large problem into smaller parts that can be handled separately Correct answer.

Explanation

Decomposition means dividing a complex problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems. Repetition describes iteration, ignoring detail is abstraction, and encryption is a security measure.

Question 48Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

A manager compares two investment proposals by calculating the total cost and total benefit of each over five years. Which kind of thinking does this mainly illustrate?

  1. Copying the previous year's decision
  2. Random trial and error
  3. Logical comparison based on defined criteria Correct answer.
  4. Relying on the loudest opinion in the meeting

Explanation

Logical thinking evaluates alternatives against explicit, comparable criteria such as cost and benefit. Trial and error, opinion-driven choice and habit copying lack such structured comparison.

Question 49Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

A company adopts a system in which each department's sales data is entered once and shared with accounting and inventory. Which benefit does this integration mainly provide?

  1. Automatic reduction of employee headcount
  2. Elimination of duplicate data entry and reduced inconsistency Correct answer.
  3. Guaranteed increase in product quality
  4. Complete removal of the need for internal controls

Explanation

Integrating systems through shared data avoids entering the same information repeatedly and reduces conflicting versions of the data. It does not by itself improve product quality, cut staff automatically, or replace internal controls.

Question 50Corporate activities and related business operations; data utilization, systems thinking and logical thinking (computational thinking); problem analysis and problem solving techniques

A retailer's monthly sales figures for six months are 100, 120, 110, 130, 140 and 150 units. What is the mean monthly sales figure?

  1. 130 units
  2. 150 units
  3. 125 units Correct answer.
  4. 120 units

Explanation

The mean is the sum divided by the count: (100+120+110+130+140+150)=750, and 750/6=125. The other values are the median, an upper data point, or the maximum.