Quick Answer
The correct command is chgrp -R datagroup /srv/data, which uses the -R flag to apply the group ownership change recursively to the directory and all its contents. This works because the chgrp command is specifically designed to change group ownership, and the -R (recursive) option ensures every file and subdirectory within /srv/data inherits the new group. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permissions and ownership management, often appearing as a scenario where an administrator must grant a group access to a shared directory. A common trap is confusing chgrp with chown; while chown -R :datagroup /srv/data also works, the exam expects chgrp as the direct tool for group-only changes. Remember the mnemonic: “chgrp -R gets the group from afar,” reinforcing that the -R flag reaches into every subfolder.
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 system administrator needs to change the group ownership of a directory /srv/data and all its contents to 'datagroup'. Which command will accomplish this recursively?
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.
chgrp -R datagroup /srv/data
chgrp with -R recursively changes the group ownership of the directory and all its contents.
chown datagroup: /srv/data
Why wrong: This changes the group of only the top-level directory, not its contents.
chmod -R g+rw /srv/data
Why wrong: This changes permissions, not group ownership.
groupmod -R datagroup /srv/data
Why wrong: groupmod modifies group properties, not file ownership.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
chgrp -R datagroup /srv/data
This tests the chown command with the -R option for recursive changes. chown -R :datagroup /srv/data changes the group for the directory and all files/subdirectories.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
chgrp -R datagroup /srv/data
Why this is correct
chgrp with -R recursively changes the group ownership of the directory and all its contents.
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.
chown datagroup: /srv/data
Why it's wrong here
This changes the group of only the top-level directory, not its contents.
chmod -R g+rw /srv/data
Why it's wrong here
This changes permissions, not group ownership.
groupmod -R datagroup /srv/data
Why it's wrong here
groupmod modifies group properties, not file ownership.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: chgrp -R datagroup /srv/data — This tests the chown command with the -R option for recursive changes. chown -R :datagroup /srv/data changes the group for the directory and all files/subdirectories.
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.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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