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XK0-006 Practice Question: A security policy requires that user passwords…
A security policy requires that user passwords must expire every 90 days. Which command can enforce this policy for user 'jsmith'?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse `usermod -e` (account expiry) with `chage -M` (password expiry), or assume `passwd -x` works without the correct syntax, leading them to pick a command that either targets the wrong attribute or has an invalid option order.
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
✓
chage -M 90 jsmith
The `chage -M 90 jsmith` command sets the maximum number of days a password is valid for user 'jsmith' to 90, which enforces the 90-day expiration policy. The `-M` option directly modifies the `PASS_MAX_DAYS` field in `/etc/shadow`, and `chage` is the standard tool for managing password aging on Linux systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
usermod -e 90 jsmith
Why it's wrong here
Sets the account expiry date, not password age.
- ✓
chage -M 90 jsmith
Why this is correct
Sets the maximum password age to 90 days.
- ✗
passwd -x 90 jsmith
Why it's wrong here
Sets the maximum number of days before a password change is required, but chage is the preferred tool.
- ✗
chfn -f 90 jsmith
Why it's wrong here
Modifies finger information, not password aging.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.