The answer is that the module name uses the wrong fully qualified collection name (FQCN). The correct module for restarting a service on a systemd-based Linux host is `ansible.builtin.service`, not `ansible.builtin.systemd_service`, which does not exist in the `ansible.builtin` collection. This error occurs because Ansible’s FQCN must match an exact module path; the `ansible.builtin.systemd` module exists for systemd-specific control, but the generic `ansible.builtin.service` module is the proper cross-init choice here. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of Ansible module naming conventions and the importance of using correct FQCNs to avoid “module not found” errors—a common trap where candidates confuse module names with service manager types. Remember the memory tip: “Service is the standard; systemd is the specialist”—use `ansible.builtin.service` for most service tasks, and only reach for `ansible.builtin.systemd` when you need systemd-specific features like masked units.
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
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.
An Ansible playbook includes the following task: 'ansible.builtin.service: name=nginx state=restarted'. However, the playbook fails with 'module not found'. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The module name uses the wrong FQCN. The correct module is 'ansible.builtin.systemd_service'.
The error 'module not found' indicates that Ansible cannot locate the module specified in the task. The correct fully qualified collection name (FQCN) for the service module in the `ansible.builtin` collection is `ansible.builtin.service`, not `ansible.builtin.systemd_service`. The `systemd_service` module does not exist in the `ansible.builtin` collection; the correct module for managing systemd services is `ansible.builtin.systemd`, but the standard service module (`ansible.builtin.service`) works across init systems and is the appropriate choice here.
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.
✗
The playbook is not in the correct directory.
Why it's wrong here
Directory doesn't affect module existence.
✓
The module name uses the wrong FQCN. The correct module is 'ansible.builtin.systemd_service'.
Why this is correct
The module 'service' has been replaced by 'systemd_service' in newer Ansible.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The target host does not have nginx installed.
Why it's wrong here
Module not found error is on control node, not target.
✗
The control node does not have Python installed.
Why it's wrong here
Python is not directly related to module name resolution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume a systemd-specific module name exists (like `systemd_service`) because of the `state=restarted` parameter, but the correct module is simply `ansible.builtin.service`, which handles restarts across all init systems.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ansible modules are identified by their FQCN, which includes the collection namespace and module name. The `ansible.builtin` collection contains the `service` module, which abstracts service management across different init systems (systemd, sysvinit, upstart). Using a non-existent FQCN like `ansible.builtin.systemd_service` causes Ansible to fail during module resolution before any task execution on the target host. In real-world scenarios, this often happens when candidates confuse module names from documentation or assume a systemd-specific module exists without verifying the collection's module list.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The module name uses the wrong FQCN. The correct module is 'ansible.builtin.systemd_service'. — The error 'module not found' indicates that Ansible cannot locate the module specified in the task. The correct fully qualified collection name (FQCN) for the service module in the `ansible.builtin` collection is `ansible.builtin.service`, not `ansible.builtin.systemd_service`. The `systemd_service` module does not exist in the `ansible.builtin` collection; the correct module for managing systemd services is `ansible.builtin.systemd`, but the standard service module (`ansible.builtin.service`) works across init systems and is the appropriate choice here.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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