Quick Answer
The answer is `systemctl status httpd`. This command is correct because it leverages systemd’s service manager to display the Apache HTTP server’s current state—whether it is active (running) or inactive—along with its process ID, memory footprint, and the most recent journal log entries, all in a single output. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to combine service verification with log inspection, a common real-world troubleshooting task. A frequent trap is choosing `systemctl restart httpd` or `journalctl -u httpd` alone, but only `systemctl status httpd` fulfills both the status check and the recent log requirement simultaneously. To remember this, think of the status command as a “one-stop shop” for service health: it shows you the pulse (status) and the recent history (logs) in one glance.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. 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 company needs to verify that the Apache HTTP server is running and see its current status along with recent log entries. Which command should be used?
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.
systemctl status httpd
Correct: Displays service status and recent log entries.
service httpd status
Why wrong: Shows service status but no log output.
journalctl -u httpd
Why wrong: Shows logs for the service but not current status.
systemctl list-units --type=service
Why wrong: Lists all services, not specific to httpd.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
systemctl status httpd
The `systemctl status httpd` command is correct because it provides a comprehensive view of the Apache HTTP server's current state (active/inactive), its process ID, memory usage, and the most recent log entries from the service's journal. This aligns with the question's requirement to both verify the service is running and see its status along with recent log entries, all in a single command output.
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.
systemctl status httpd
Why this is correct
Correct: Displays service status and recent log entries.
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.
service httpd status
Why it's wrong here
Shows service status but no log output.
journalctl -u httpd
Why it's wrong here
Shows logs for the service but not current status.
systemctl list-units --type=service
Why it's wrong here
Lists all services, not specific to httpd.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `systemctl status` with `journalctl -u`, thinking both provide the same information, but `journalctl` lacks the live status and process details that `systemctl status` includes.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows service status but no log output.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `systemctl status` queries the systemd manager via D-Bus to retrieve the unit's active state, main PID, and the last 10 lines of the unit's journal (controlled by `journalctl`). In a real-world scenario, if Apache crashes frequently, `systemctl status httpd` immediately shows the exit code and recent error logs, helping administrators diagnose issues without manually grepping log files.
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 XK0-005 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: systemctl status httpd — The `systemctl status httpd` command is correct because it provides a comprehensive view of the Apache HTTP server's current state (active/inactive), its process ID, memory usage, and the most recent log entries from the service's journal. This aligns with the question's requirement to both verify the service is running and see its status along with recent log entries, all in a single command output.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 25, 2026
This XK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the XK0-005 exam.
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