Quick Answer
The answer is the `local stratum 10` directive in `/etc/chrony.conf`. This parameter tells chronyd to treat the local system clock as a valid time source at stratum 10, which can cause significant time drift because chronyd may prefer this local clock over the configured NTP servers, especially if the local clock is unstable or drifting. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this is a classic trap: administrators often assume adding multiple NTP servers guarantees accuracy, but a misconfigured local stratum overrides them, leading to drift rather than synchronization. The key concept is that `local stratum` forces chronyd to trust the local clock as a reference, bypassing external sources. A useful memory tip is "local stratum = local problem"—if you see drift despite multiple servers, check for a local stratum directive that’s too low or misconfigured.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is tasked with setting up a new server that will run a time-sensitive application. The system must have accurate time synchronization. The administrator configures chronyd and adds four NTP servers. After verifying, the administrator notices that the system time drifts significantly. Which configuration parameter in /etc/chrony.conf is most likely causing the drift despite multiple servers?
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.
pollinterval 2
Why wrong: Small pollinterval increases polling, reducing drift.
minsources 2
Why wrong: Minimum sources to synchronize; if too low, might tolerate inaccurate sources.
makestep 100 -1
Why wrong: Large makestep allows stepping if required.
maxslewrate 1000
Why wrong: Large maxslewrate allows fast slewing, not drift.
local stratum 10
Declares local clock as a high-priority time source, overriding NTP servers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
local stratum 10
Option C is correct because if the local clock is set as a prefer time source with high trust, chronyd may use it over NTP servers, causing drift. Option A is wrong because a large maxslewrate can cause rapid time adjustments but not drift. Option B is wrong because a large makestep would allow stepping, not cause drift. Option D is wrong because a small pollinterval would increase polling frequency, reducing drift. Option E is wrong because minsources is the minimum number of sources to synchronize; if set too low, it might accept inaccurate time, but drift is more likely due to local clock behavior.
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.
pollinterval 2
Why it's wrong here
Small pollinterval increases polling, reducing drift.
minsources 2
Why it's wrong here
Minimum sources to synchronize; if too low, might tolerate inaccurate sources.
makestep 100 -1
Why it's wrong here
Large makestep allows stepping if required.
maxslewrate 1000
Why it's wrong here
Large maxslewrate allows fast slewing, not drift.
local stratum 10
Why this is correct
Declares local clock as a high-priority time source, overriding NTP servers.
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.
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: local stratum 10 — Option C is correct because if the local clock is set as a prefer time source with high trust, chronyd may use it over NTP servers, causing drift. Option A is wrong because a large maxslewrate can cause rapid time adjustments but not drift. Option B is wrong because a large makestep would allow stepping, not cause drift. Option D is wrong because a small pollinterval would increase polling frequency, reducing drift. Option E is wrong because minsources is the minimum number of sources to synchronize; if set too low, it might accept inaccurate time, but drift is more likely due to local clock behavior.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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