Quick Answer
The answer is Requires. This directive creates a strong dependency, meaning systemd will actively ensure the specified mount unit is active before attempting to start the service; if the mount fails, the service will also fail. In contrast, After only orders startup timing without enforcing the mount’s success, Wants is a weaker dependency that allows the service to start even if the mount fails, and BindsTo ties the service’s lifecycle so tightly that stopping the mount stops the service. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of systemd dependency directives in real-world scenarios like a remote NFS mount causing a service failure—a common trap is confusing ordering with dependency. Remember the memory tip: “Requires” demands the mount be ready; “After” just waits politely.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. 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.
An administrator needs to determine why a service failed to start due to an unresponsive network filesystem. Which systemd unit dependency directive should be added to ensure the service starts only after the remote filesystem is mounted?
Wants
Why wrong: Wants is a weaker dependency; the service may start even if mount fails.
After
Why wrong: After only orders startup, does not ensure mount is active.
BindsTo
Why wrong: BindsTo ties the service lifecycle to the mount unit; not typical for mount dependency.
Requires
Requires creates a strong dependency; the mount must be active for the service to start.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Requires
The correct directive is 'Requires' to create a strong dependency on the mount unit. 'After' only orders units, 'Wants' is a weaker dependency, and 'BindsTo' binds the service lifecycle. For a required mount, 'Requires' ensures the mount is active when the service starts.
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.
Wants
Why it's wrong here
Wants is a weaker dependency; the service may start even if mount fails.
After
Why it's wrong here
After only orders startup, does not ensure mount is active.
BindsTo
Why it's wrong here
BindsTo ties the service lifecycle to the mount unit; not typical for mount dependency.
Requires
Why this is correct
Requires creates a strong dependency; the mount must be active for the service to start.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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 XK0-005 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Requires — The correct directive is 'Requires' to create a strong dependency on the mount unit. 'After' only orders units, 'Wants' is a weaker dependency, and 'BindsTo' binds the service lifecycle. For a required mount, 'Requires' ensures the mount is active when the service starts.
Identify which XK0-005 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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