Quick Answer
The correct answer is `ExecStart`, `Restart`, and `Type`, as these are all valid directives in the `[Service]` section of a systemd unit file. `ExecStart` defines the command to run when the service starts, `Restart` controls the service’s automatic restart behavior (e.g., `always` or `on-failure`), and `Type` specifies the service’s startup process mode, such as `simple` or `forking`. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, you must distinguish these from invalid directives like `ExecStopPost` or `KillMode`, which belong to other sections or are not standard. A common trap is confusing `RestartSec` (a valid directive) with `Restart` itself—remember that `Restart` is the policy, while `RestartSec` is the delay. For a quick memory tip, think of the three pillars of a service: what to run (`ExecStart`), how to run it (`Type`), and when to run it again (`Restart`).
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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 Linux administrator is writing a systemd service unit file. Which three of the following directives are valid in the [Service] section? (Select THREE.)
Restart
Controls restart behavior of the service process.
After
Why wrong: Belongs in the [Unit] section, defining ordering.
Requires
Why wrong: Belongs in the [Unit] section, expressing dependency on other units.
User
Specifies the user under which the service process runs.
ExecStart
Specifies the command to start the service.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Restart
A is correct because `Restart` is a valid directive in the `[Service]` section of a systemd service unit file. It controls whether and how the service is restarted when it exits, with common values like `always`, `on-failure`, or `no`. This directive is essential for ensuring service resilience in production environments.
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.
Restart
Why this is correct
Controls restart behavior of the service process.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
After
Why it's wrong here
Belongs in the [Unit] section, defining ordering.
Requires
Why it's wrong here
Belongs in the [Unit] section, expressing dependency on other units.
User
Why this is correct
Specifies the user under which the service process runs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ExecStart
Why this is correct
Specifies the command to start the service.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `[Unit]` and `[Service]` section directives, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly apply dependency or ordering directives like `After` or `Requires` to the `[Service]` section, when they are only valid in `[Unit]`.
Detailed technical explanation
The `[Service]` section in a systemd unit file is specifically for service process management directives, such as `ExecStart`, `ExecStop`, `Restart`, `User`, and `Group`. Under the hood, systemd parses these directives to configure the cgroup and process lifecycle, with `Restart` triggering a restart based on exit status or signal. A real-world scenario: setting `Restart=always` with `RestartSec=5` ensures a critical web server recovers automatically from crashes, while `User` drops privileges to a non-root account for security.
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
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FAQ
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Restart — A is correct because `Restart` is a valid directive in the `[Service]` section of a systemd service unit file. It controls whether and how the service is restarted when it exits, with common values like `always`, `on-failure`, or `no`. This directive is essential for ensuring service resilience in production environments.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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