The answer is `useradd -m jdoe && passwd jdoe`, which correctly creates the user 'jdoe' with a home directory using the `-m` flag and then prompts for the password via the `passwd` command. This works because `useradd` alone does not set a password, and no single Linux command accomplishes both tasks at once; the `&&` operator ensures the password step runs only after the user is successfully created. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of user account management in Linux, specifically that `useradd -m` creates the home directory automatically while `passwd` handles password assignment—a common trap is thinking `useradd` can set the password inline with an option like `-p`, but that requires a pre-hashed string and is not the standard exam approach. Remember the mnemonic: "Make the user, then pass the word"—first `useradd -m` to make the home, then `passwd` to set the secret.
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. 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 technician needs to create a new user 'jdoe' with a home directory and set the password in one command. Which command accomplishes this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
This correctly creates the user with a home directory and then prompts to set the password.
B
adduser jdoe
Why wrong: adduser is a friendly frontend that may create home directory and prompt for password, but it is not a single command in the traditional sense; it is interactive.
C
useradd jdoe && passwd jdoe
Why wrong: useradd without -m does not create a home directory, which is required.
D
usermod -m jdoe
Why wrong: usermod modifies an existing user, it does not create a new user.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
useradd -m jdoe && passwd jdoe
This tests the useradd command with the -m option to create a home directory, and passwd to set the password. useradd -m jdoe creates the user and home directory; then passwd jdoe sets the password. No single command does both; the scenario implies two steps.
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.
✓
useradd -m jdoe && passwd jdoe
Why this is correct
This correctly creates the user with a home directory and then prompts to set the password.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
adduser jdoe
Why it's wrong here
adduser is a friendly frontend that may create home directory and prompt for password, but it is not a single command in the traditional sense; it is interactive.
✗
useradd jdoe && passwd jdoe
Why it's wrong here
useradd without -m does not create a home directory, which is required.
✗
usermod -m jdoe
Why it's wrong here
usermod modifies an existing user, it does not create a new user.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
adduser is a friendly frontend that may create home directory and prompt for password, but it is not a single command in the traditional sense; it is interactive.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 220-1202 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: useradd -m jdoe && passwd jdoe — This tests the useradd command with the -m option to create a home directory, and passwd to set the password. useradd -m jdoe creates the user and home directory; then passwd jdoe sets the password. No single command does both; the scenario implies two steps.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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