The answer is `systemctl status httpd.service`, because this command provides a concise view of the unit’s current state along with the most recent journal entries, which directly reveal the error message that caused the failure. When a service enters a failed state, `systemctl status` displays the exit code, process ID, and the last few log lines from the journal, making it the fastest way to pinpoint the root cause without filtering or parsing additional output. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to troubleshoot failed services efficiently—a common trap is reaching for `journalctl -u` first, which shows more history but lacks the immediate failure context that `status` provides. Remember the mnemonic: “Status shows the stink—the last few lines of failure in a blink.”
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
UNIT LOAD ACTIVE SUB DESCRIPTION
sshd.service loaded active running OpenSSH Daemon
httpd.service loaded failed failed Apache HTTP Server
An administrator runs 'systemctl list-units' and sees that httpd.service is in a failed state. To quickly see the error message that caused the failure, 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.
Refer to the exhibit.
UNIT LOAD ACTIVE SUB DESCRIPTION
sshd.service loaded active running OpenSSH Daemon
httpd.service loaded failed failed Apache HTTP Server
A
systemctl show httpd.service -p ExecMainStatus
Why wrong: This shows the exit status of the main process, but not the error message or log output.
B
journalctl -p err -u httpd.service
Why wrong: This shows only error messages, but systemctl status provides the most relevant output for a quick diagnosis.
C
systemctl status httpd.service
systemctl status shows the unit status along with the last few log entries that led to the failure.
D
systemd-analyze blame
Why wrong: This shows service start times and does not help with a failed service.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
systemctl status httpd.service
Option B is correct. systemctl status displays the unit's state and recent journal entries showing the error. Option A filters errors but may not show the immediate failure cause as concisely. Option C shows properties. Option D analyzes boot time.
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.
✗
systemctl show httpd.service -p ExecMainStatus
Why it's wrong here
This shows the exit status of the main process, but not the error message or log output.
✗
journalctl -p err -u httpd.service
Why it's wrong here
This shows only error messages, but systemctl status provides the most relevant output for a quick diagnosis.
✓
systemctl status httpd.service
Why this is correct
systemctl status shows the unit status along with the last few log entries that led to the failure.
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.
✗
systemd-analyze blame
Why it's wrong here
This shows service start times and does not help with a failed service.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows the exit status of the main process, but not the error message or log output.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
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.
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: systemctl status httpd.service — Option B is correct. systemctl status displays the unit's state and recent journal entries showing the error. Option A filters errors but may not show the immediate failure cause as concisely. Option C shows properties. Option D analyzes boot time.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
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.
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.
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