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 systems administrator needs to automate the execution of a backup script every day at 2:00 AM using a systemd service. Which unit type should the administrator create?
A .service unit
Why wrong: A service unit defines a process to run but does not schedule it.
A .path unit
Why wrong: A path unit triggers based on file system changes.
A .mount unit
Why wrong: A mount unit manages file system mount points.
A .timer unit
A timer unit triggers a service unit on a schedule.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A .timer unit
A .timer unit is the correct choice because systemd timers are designed to schedule and trigger the execution of other units (such as services) at specific times or intervals. By creating a .timer unit that activates at 2:00 AM daily and a corresponding .service unit for the backup script, the administrator can automate the backup using systemd's built-in scheduling mechanism, which is more reliable and integrated than cron for systemd-managed systems.
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.
A .service unit
Why it's wrong here
A service unit defines a process to run but does not schedule it.
A .path unit
Why it's wrong here
A path unit triggers based on file system changes.
A .mount unit
Why it's wrong here
A mount unit manages file system mount points.
A .timer unit
Why this is correct
A timer unit triggers a service unit on a schedule.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse .timer units with .service units, mistakenly thinking a .service unit alone can handle scheduling, but systemd requires a separate timer unit to define the schedule and trigger the service.
Detailed technical explanation
systemd timers use monotonic or real-time (calendar) event expressions, defined in the [Timer] section with directives like OnCalendar=daily 02:00:00. The timer unit must be enabled and started, and it will activate the associated .service unit (specified via the Unit= directive or by matching names) at the scheduled time. Unlike cron, systemd timers can handle missed executions due to system downtime by using the Persistent=true directive, ensuring the backup runs after the system resumes.
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.
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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: A .timer unit — A .timer unit is the correct choice because systemd timers are designed to schedule and trigger the execution of other units (such as services) at specific times or intervals. By creating a .timer unit that activates at 2:00 AM daily and a corresponding .service unit for the backup script, the administrator can automate the backup using systemd's built-in scheduling mechanism, which is more reliable and integrated than cron for systemd-managed systems.
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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