Quick Answer
The answer is the systemd timer unit. This is the correct choice because systemd timers are the native unit type designed for scheduling tasks at specified intervals, such as every 15 minutes, and they work by triggering a corresponding .service unit file. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of modern Linux process automation, often contrasting systemd timers with traditional cron jobs—a common trap is confusing the timer unit with the service unit itself. Remember that the timer controls the when, while the service defines the what. A useful memory tip: think of a timer as an alarm clock that wakes up a service to do its job, making it the direct replacement for cron in systemd-based distributions.
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 system administrator needs to run a script every 15 minutes. Which systemd unit type is used to schedule this?
systemd timer
Timer units can be configured with OnCalendar or OnUnitActiveSec to run every 15 minutes.
at job
Why wrong: at schedules one-time tasks, not recurring every 15 minutes.
anacron
Why wrong: Anacron is for tasks that need to run regardless of system uptime but not at minute-level precision.
cron job
Why wrong: Cron is a separate service, not a systemd unit type; the question specifies 'systemd unit type'.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
systemd timer
Systemd timers are the native systemd unit type for scheduling tasks at specified intervals, such as every 15 minutes. They replace traditional cron jobs in systemd-based Linux distributions and are defined with a .timer unit file that triggers a corresponding .service unit. This makes option A correct because the question explicitly asks for the systemd unit type used for scheduling.
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.
systemd timer
Why this is correct
Timer units can be configured with OnCalendar or OnUnitActiveSec to run every 15 minutes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
at job
Why it's wrong here
at schedules one-time tasks, not recurring every 15 minutes.
anacron
Why it's wrong here
Anacron is for tasks that need to run regardless of system uptime but not at minute-level precision.
cron job
Why it's wrong here
Cron is a separate service, not a systemd unit type; the question specifies 'systemd unit type'.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates familiar with traditional Linux scheduling immediately think of cron, but the question explicitly asks for a 'systemd unit type,' making cron a distractor despite its functional similarity.
Detailed technical explanation
Systemd timers use monotonic or real-time timers; for a 15-minute interval, a monotonic timer with OnCalendar=*:0/15 or OnUnitActiveSec=15min is typical. Timers offer features like persistent timers (catch-up after downtime) and randomized delays to avoid thundering herd problems, which cron does not natively provide. In real-world scenarios, systemd timers are preferred in modern Linux environments for better integration with systemd's logging and dependency management.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: systemd timer — Systemd timers are the native systemd unit type for scheduling tasks at specified intervals, such as every 15 minutes. They replace traditional cron jobs in systemd-based Linux distributions and are defined with a .timer unit file that triggers a corresponding .service unit. This makes option A correct because the question explicitly asks for the systemd unit type used for scheduling.
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 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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