Quick Answer
The answer is `chmod u+x script.sh`. This command is correct because the current permissions `-rw-rw-r--` indicate the owner (user) has read and write access but no execute permission, which is why `./script.sh` fails. The `u+x` notation adds the execute bit specifically for the user who owns the file, addressing the problem with minimal security risk by not granting execute to the group or others. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of symbolic permission modes and the principle of least privilege—a common trap is choosing `chmod +x script.sh`, which adds execute for all three categories (user, group, others) unnecessarily. The exam often presents scenarios where the administrator owns the script but forgot to set the execute bit after writing it. A solid memory tip: think of `u+x` as "user eXecute"—you only need to give the owner the power to run their own script, not everyone else.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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.
After writing a script, the administrator cannot execute it with './script.sh'. The permissions are '-rw-rw-r--'. Which command makes the script executable?
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.
chmod u+x script.sh
Adds execute for the owner.
chmod +x script.sh
Why wrong: Equivalent to a+x, gives execute to all, not minimally.
chmod g-x script.sh
Why wrong: Removes execute for group.
chmod a+rwx script.sh
Why wrong: Gives read,write,execute to all – too permissive.
Answer choices
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
Option A is correct because the current permissions (`-rw-rw-r--`) show that the owner lacks execute permission. The command `chmod u+x script.sh` adds execute permission for the user (owner) only, which is the minimal and most secure way to make the script executable by the administrator who owns it. This directly addresses the requirement without granting unnecessary permissions to the group or others.
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.
chmod u+x script.sh
Why this is correct
Adds execute for the owner.
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 +x script.sh
Why it's wrong here
Equivalent to a+x, gives execute to all, not minimally.
chmod g-x script.sh
Why it's wrong here
Removes execute for group.
chmod a+rwx script.sh
Why it's wrong here
Gives read,write,execute to all – too permissive.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `chmod +x` (which adds execute for all) and `chmod u+x` (which adds execute only for the owner), expecting candidates to recognize that the minimal permission change is the correct answer.
Detailed technical explanation
In Linux, file permissions are stored as a 12-bit mode (9 bits for user/group/other permissions, plus setuid, setgid, and sticky bits). The `chmod` command accepts symbolic modes like `u+x` (add execute for user) or octal modes like `755` (owner: rwx, group: r-x, others: r-x). The `./script.sh` invocation requires the execute bit to be set; without it, the shell returns 'Permission denied'. In real-world scenarios, granting only `u+x` is preferred for personal scripts to avoid accidental execution by other users or security risks from group-writable directories.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — study guide chapter
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CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
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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: chmod u+x script.sh — Option A is correct because the current permissions (`-rw-rw-r--`) show that the owner lacks execute permission. The command `chmod u+x script.sh` adds execute permission for the user (owner) only, which is the minimal and most secure way to make the script executable by the administrator who owns it. This directly addresses the requirement without granting unnecessary permissions to the group or others.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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