The answer is `chmod u+x script.sh`, because this command adds the execute permission specifically for the file’s owner (the "u" in "u+x") without altering permissions for the group or others. The existing permissions of 644 (rw-r--r--) grant read and write access to the owner but lack the execute bit, which is essential for running a shell script. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permission syntax and the `chmod` command, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where a user cannot run their own script. A common trap is confusing `chmod +x` (which adds execute for all users) with `chmod u+x` (which targets only the owner); the exam expects precise syntax. Remember the mnemonic: "u for user, plus x for execute" — when the owner needs to run their script, `u+x` is the fix.
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that they cannot execute a custom shell script they created in their home directory. The script is owned by the user and has permissions set to 644. Which command should be used to allow the owner to execute the script?
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.
Why wrong: This sets permissions to rwxr-xr-x, which does allow execution but is not the minimal change; it also adds group and others execute, which may be unnecessary.
B
chmod u+x script.sh
This adds execute permission only for the owner, preserving the existing read/write permissions for others.
C
chmod 644 script.sh
Why wrong: This is the current permission set and does not include execute, so it would not fix the issue.
D
chown user:user script.sh
Why wrong: This changes ownership but does not alter permissions; the script still lacks execute permission.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
chmod u+x script.sh
The correct answer is B because the chmod command with u+x adds execute permission for the owner. Permissions 644 (rw-r--r--) do not include execute, so the owner cannot run the script until execute is granted.
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.
✗
chmod 755 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This sets permissions to rwxr-xr-x, which does allow execution but is not the minimal change; it also adds group and others execute, which may be unnecessary.
✓
chmod u+x script.sh
Why this is correct
This adds execute permission only for the owner, preserving the existing read/write permissions for others.
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.
✗
chmod 644 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This is the current permission set and does not include execute, so it would not fix the issue.
✗
chown user:user script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This changes ownership but does not alter permissions; the script still lacks execute permission.
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.
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: chmod u+x script.sh — The correct answer is B because the chmod command with u+x adds execute permission for the owner. Permissions 644 (rw-r--r--) do not include execute, so the owner cannot run the script until execute is granted.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user reports that they cannot execute a custom shell script they placed in their home directory, even though they can read and write to it. The script has permissions -rw-r--r--. Which command should you use to resolve this issue?
easy
A.chmod 644 script.sh
✓ B.chmod 755 script.sh
C.chmod 777 script.sh
D.chmod u+x script.sh
Why B: The script has no execute permission for any user. Using chmod with the numeric value 755 sets read, write, and execute for the owner, and read and execute for group and others, allowing the user to run the script.
Variation 2. A user reports that they cannot execute a shell script they wrote in their home directory. The script has permissions -rw-r--r--. Which command should be used to allow the owner to execute the script?
easy
A.chmod 755 script.sh
✓ B.chmod u+x script.sh
C.chmod +r script.sh
D.chmod 644 script.sh
Why B: This question tests understanding of the chmod command for modifying file permissions. The script currently lacks execute permission for the owner; chmod u+x adds execute permission for the user (owner).
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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