XK0-006 Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user wants to look up the mail exchange (MX) records for a domain. Which command should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers think `nslookup` or `host` are incorrect because they are older tools, but they can technically query MX records; however, the exam tests the understanding that `dig` is the preferred and most comprehensive DNS query tool for Linux troubleshooting.
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
Key term
Utility
Utility, in IT service management, is the measure of a service's functionality that ensures it is fit for purpose by meeting the specific needs of the customer.
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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.