Which CNCF maturity stage immediately precedes Graduated?

Which CNCF maturity stage immediately precedes Graduated?

• A. Sandbox
• B. Archived
• C. Incubated
• D. Matured

Answer: (C)

The tested concept is understanding the progression of CNCF project maturity levels. Projects move from Sandbox to Incubating, and then to Graduated as they meet stricter governance, quality, and adoption criteria. The stage immediately before Graduated is Incubating (often shown as Incubated in some materials), reflecting a more formal development and governance structure than Sandbox but not yet at full production readiness. After Graduated, projects can be Archived if they’re no longer maintained. The other options aren’t correct because Sandbox is earlier in the lifecycle, Archived comes after graduation if a project is retired, and Matured isn’t a recognized CNCF maturity stage.

The tested concept is understanding the progression of CNCF project maturity levels. Projects move from Sandbox to Incubating, and then to Graduated as they meet stricter governance, quality, and adoption criteria. The stage immediately before Graduated is Incubating (often shown as Incubated in some materials), reflecting a more formal development and governance structure than Sandbox but not yet at full production readiness. After Graduated, projects can be Archived if they’re no longer maintained. The other options aren’t correct because Sandbox is earlier in the lifecycle, Archived comes after graduation if a project is retired, and Matured isn’t a recognized CNCF maturity stage.