- A
dig domain.com MX
dig domain.com MX queries the MX records.
- B
ping domain.com
Why wrong: ping only tests network connectivity, not DNS records.
- C
host -t mx domain.com
Why wrong: host can also query MX, but dig is the primary tool in the syllabus.
- D
nslookup -type=mx domain.com
Why wrong: nslookup works but dig is more common; however nslookup can also query MX records.
Question 942 of 1,000
XK0-005 Troubleshooting Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. 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 user wants to look up the mail exchange (MX) records for a domain. Which command should be used?
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
✓
dig domain.com MX
The `dig` command is a flexible DNS lookup utility that can query any record type by specifying it after the domain name. `dig domain.com MX` directly queries the DNS for mail exchange records, which specify the mail servers responsible for receiving email for the domain. This is the most straightforward and commonly used command for this purpose in Linux.
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.
- ✓
dig domain.com MX
Why this is correct
dig domain.com MX queries the MX records.
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.
- ✗
ping domain.com
Why it's wrong here
ping only tests network connectivity, not DNS records.
- ✗
host -t mx domain.com
Why it's wrong here
host can also query MX, but dig is the primary tool in the syllabus.
- ✗
nslookup -type=mx domain.com
Why it's wrong here
nslookup works but dig is more common; however nslookup can also query MX records.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think `nslookup` or `host` are incorrect because they are older tools, but they can technically query MX records; however, Cisco tests the understanding that `dig` is the preferred and most comprehensive DNS query tool for Linux troubleshooting.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
MX records include a priority value (preference) that determines the order in which mail servers should be tried; lower numbers indicate higher priority. `dig` displays this priority along with the mail server hostname, and also shows the TTL and the authoritative nameserver, which is critical for diagnosing email delivery issues. In real-world scenarios, a missing or misconfigured MX record can cause email to bounce, and `dig` is the go-to tool for verifying these records.
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.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Common DNS Record Types
| Record | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | IPv4 address mapping | example.com → 93.184.216.34 |
| AAAA | IPv6 address mapping | example.com → 2606:2800::1 |
| CNAME | Alias to another hostname | www → example.com |
| MX | Mail server for domain | example.com → mail.example.com (priority 10) |
| TXT | Text data (SPF, DKIM, verification) | v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all |
| NS | Authoritative name servers | example.com NS ns1.example.com |
| PTR | Reverse DNS (IP → hostname) | 34.216.184.93.in-addr.arpa → example.com |
| SOA | Zone authority record | Primary NS, admin email, serial, TTL defaults |
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.
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Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: dig domain.com MX — The `dig` command is a flexible DNS lookup utility that can query any record type by specifying it after the domain name. `dig domain.com MX` directly queries the DNS for mail exchange records, which specify the mail servers responsible for receiving email for the domain. This is the most straightforward and commonly used command for this purpose in Linux.
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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