Quick Answer
The answer is `echo 'user1:password' | chpasswd` because the `chpasswd` command is specifically designed to read username:password pairs from standard input, enabling a non-interactive password change in a single pipeline. This makes it ideal for provisioning scripts where you need to set a password without manual prompts, as the `echo` command feeds the plaintext pair directly into `chpasswd`, which then hashes and applies it. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of automation tools versus interactive commands; a common trap is choosing `useradd -p` with a plaintext password, but that option requires a pre-hashed string, not raw text. Another pitfall is assuming `passwd` accepts a password as an argument—it does not, for security reasons. Remember the memory tip: "Echo the pair, pipe to chpasswd, and the password is set without a care."
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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.
A system administrator wants to create a new user and set a password in a single command as part of a provisioning script. Which command accomplishes this?
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.
passwd user1 password
Why wrong: passwd does not accept password as argument.
echo 'user1:password' | chpasswd
correctly reads from stdin.
useradd -m -p password user1
Why wrong: -p expects encrypted password.
usermod -p password user1
Why wrong: usermod does not set password.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
echo 'user1:password' | chpasswd
Option B is correct because the `chpasswd` command reads username:password pairs from standard input, allowing a single command to create or update a user's password. When combined with `echo`, it sets the password for a new or existing user in one line, which is ideal for provisioning scripts. The `-p` option in `useradd` expects an already-hashed password, not a plaintext one, and `passwd` does not accept the password as an argument for security reasons.
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.
passwd user1 password
Why it's wrong here
passwd does not accept password as argument.
echo 'user1:password' | chpasswd
Why this is correct
correctly reads from stdin.
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.
useradd -m -p password user1
Why it's wrong here
-p expects encrypted password.
usermod -p password user1
Why it's wrong here
usermod does not set password.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume `passwd` or `useradd -p` can accept a plaintext password directly, but the exam tests the understanding that these commands require either interactive input or a pre-hashed password, making `chpasswd` the correct choice for a single-command plaintext password set.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `chpasswd` uses the `crypt()` function to hash the password before updating `/etc/shadow`, and it can be configured to use different hash algorithms (e.g., SHA-512) via the `-c` option. In provisioning scripts, using `echo` with `chpasswd` avoids interactive prompts and keeps the script non-interactive, but the password is still visible in the shell history and process list unless handled via a file or variable. A real-world scenario is automated VM provisioning where you need to set a temporary password for a new user without manual intervention.
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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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: echo 'user1:password' | chpasswd — Option B is correct because the `chpasswd` command reads username:password pairs from standard input, allowing a single command to create or update a user's password. When combined with `echo`, it sets the password for a new or existing user in one line, which is ideal for provisioning scripts. The `-p` option in `useradd` expects an already-hashed password, not a plaintext one, and `passwd` does not accept the password as an argument for security reasons.
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 11, 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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