hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A Linux administrator needs to implement a cron…
A Linux administrator needs to implement a cron job that runs a script every day at 2:30 PM. Which TWO cron schedule expressions are equivalent?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the 24-hour vs 12-hour clock confusion in cron expressions, where candidates mistakenly use '2' for 2 PM instead of converting to '14'.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
30 14 * * *
In cron syntax, the first field is minute (0-59), the second is hour (0-23) in 24-hour format. 2:30 PM corresponds to hour 14 in 24-hour time. Therefore, '30 14 * * *' correctly specifies the job runs at minute 30 of hour 14 every day. Option A and E are identical and both use the correct 24-hour representation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
30 14 * * *
Why this is correct
2:30 PM.
- ✗
30 2 * * * PM
Why it's wrong here
Not standard; cron uses 24-hour.
- ✗
30 2 * * *
Why it's wrong here
2:30 AM.
- ✗
30 2 * * *
Why it's wrong here
2:30 AM.
- ✓
30 14 * * *
Why this is correct
2:30 PM.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
Key term
cron
Cron is a time-based job scheduler in Unix-like operating systems that automatically runs commands or scripts at specified dates and times.
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