AnthropicModel Selection and Optimization

Model Selection & Routing — CCDV-F Practice Question

A representative Claude Certified Developer - Foundations (CCDV-F) exam question on Model Selection & Routing. Work through it below, then read why each option is right or wrong.

This question is part of the free Claude Certified Developer - Foundations practice test.

Short answer

The correct answer is D. Use a smaller model for validated routine classification and escalate complex or uncertain cases to a stronger model.

Validated task-based routing applies capability where needed while controlling routine cost. Escalation should use measurable difficulty or confidence signals, not randomness.

The Question

An app handles simple intent classification and occasional complex contract analysis. Which design best balances quality and cost?

ASend each request to one randomly chosen model so that cost averages out over many requests

BRoute by input length only, sending every long request to the most capable model

CUse the most expensive model for every request, including the simple intent classifications

DUse a smaller model for validated routine classification and escalate complex or uncertain cases to a stronger modelCorrect

Why D is correct

Validated task-based routing applies capability where needed while controlling routine cost. Escalation should use measurable difficulty or confidence signals, not randomness.

Why the other options are wrong

Option A: Send each request to one randomly chosen model so that cost averages out over many requests

Option A does not satisfy the requirement in the scenario. Review the explanation above: the correct choice (D) is the only one that fully meets every constraint stated in the question.

Option B: Route by input length only, sending every long request to the most capable model

Option B does not satisfy the requirement in the scenario. Review the explanation above: the correct choice (D) is the only one that fully meets every constraint stated in the question.

Option C: Use the most expensive model for every request, including the simple intent classifications

Option C does not satisfy the requirement in the scenario. Review the explanation above: the correct choice (D) is the only one that fully meets every constraint stated in the question.

Key idea: Model Selection & Routing

Validated task-based routing applies capability where needed while controlling routine cost. Escalation should use measurable difficulty or confidence signals, not randomness. On the CCDV-F exam, questions in the "Model Selection and Optimization" domain test whether you can map a scenario's constraints to the right choice. Read the requirement carefully, eliminate options that violate any single constraint, and pick the one that satisfies all of them with the least operational overhead.

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