- A
chmod a+x script.sh
Why wrong: This adds execute for all users, which is too broad.
- B
chmod 755 script.sh
Why wrong: This sets rwxr-xr-x, adding execute for group and others, which is more than required.
- C
chmod u+x script.sh
This adds execute permission for the owner only.
- D
chmod 744 script.sh
Why wrong: This sets rwxr--r--, which does not add execute for owner (it already has it from 644? Actually 644 is rw-r--r--, so 744 is rwxr--r--, adding execute for owner. But the question asks to add execute for owner, and 744 is a valid way, but the best answer is u+x because it directly adds without assuming current permissions. However, 744 does add execute, but it also changes group and other permissions to read-only, which might not be desired. In a multiple-choice question, u+x is more precise.)
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 technician notices a script fails to execute because the user does not have permission. The script currently has permissions 644. The technician needs to add execute permission for the owner only. Which command accomplishes this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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
chmod u+x script.sh
The script currently has permissions 644, meaning the owner has read/write (6), group has read (4), and others have read (4). The requirement is to add execute permission for the owner only. The command `chmod u+x script.sh` adds (+) execute (x) permission to the user (u) — the owner — without affecting group or others. This is the precise and minimal command to achieve the goal.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
chmod a+x script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This adds execute for all users, which is too broad.
- ✗
chmod 755 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This sets rwxr-xr-x, adding execute for group and others, which is more than required.
- ✓
chmod u+x script.sh
Why this is correct
This adds execute permission for the owner only.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
chmod 744 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This sets rwxr--r--, which does not add execute for owner (it already has it from 644? Actually 644 is rw-r--r--, so 744 is rwxr--r--, adding execute for owner. But the question asks to add execute for owner, and 744 is a valid way, but the best answer is u+x because it directly adds without assuming current permissions. However, 744 does add execute, but it also changes group and other permissions to read-only, which might not be desired. In a multiple-choice question, u+x is more precise.)
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'add execute for owner only' with setting permissions to 755 or using `a+x`, not realizing that `u+x` is the precise symbolic method to add execute solely for the user class without affecting group or others.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `chmod` command uses symbolic mode (e.g., u+x) to modify permissions relative to the current state, while numeric mode (e.g., 755) sets permissions absolutely. Using symbolic mode is safer when only adding a specific permission because it preserves existing permissions for other classes. In a real-world scenario, a script might have setuid or ACLs that could be unintentionally altered by a numeric chmod, whereas `chmod u+x` only toggles the execute bit for the owner.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
System Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: chmod u+x script.sh — The script currently has permissions 644, meaning the owner has read/write (6), group has read (4), and others have read (4). The requirement is to add execute permission for the owner only. The command `chmod u+x script.sh` adds (+) execute (x) permission to the user (u) — the owner — without affecting group or others. This is the precise and minimal command to achieve the goal.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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