Quick Answer
The correct answer is every 5 minutes, as defined by the cron expression `*/5 * * * *`. This works because the `*/5` in the minute field tells the cron daemon to execute the script at every interval that is a multiple of 5, starting from minute 0, while the asterisks in the remaining fields mean every hour, every day, every month, and every day of the week. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, you will often see cron expressions in exhibits or command outputs, testing your ability to interpret scheduling syntax quickly. A common trap is confusing the step value `*/5` with a list like `5,10,15`—remember that `*/5` runs at 0, 5, 10, and so on, not just at minute 5. For a quick memory tip, think of the slash as “step by”: the asterisk means “every,” so `*/5` means “every step of 5 minutes.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit. ``` $ crontab -l */5 * * * * /usr/local/bin/healthcheck.sh ```
Based on the exhibit, how often does the healthcheck.sh script run?
Refer to the exhibit. ``` $ crontab -l */5 * * * * /usr/local/bin/healthcheck.sh ```
Every 5 days
Why wrong: Incorrect interval.
Every 5 minutes
Correct interpretation.
Every 5 hours
Why wrong: Incorrect interval.
Every 5 seconds
Why wrong: Not possible.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Every 5 minutes
The cron expression `*/5 * * * *` in the crontab file means the script runs every 5 minutes. The `*/5` in the minute field triggers execution every 5 minutes, while the asterisks in the hour, day, month, and weekday fields mean every hour, every day, every month, and every day of the week, respectively.
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.
Every 5 days
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect interval.
Every 5 minutes
Why this is correct
Correct interpretation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Every 5 hours
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect interval.
Every 5 seconds
Why it's wrong here
Not possible.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between cron fields: candidates confuse the minute field with the hour field, thinking `*/5` means every 5 hours instead of every 5 minutes, especially when the context is a health check that might logically run less frequently.
Detailed technical explanation
Cron uses five fields (minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week) with `*/n` meaning 'every n units' in that field. The `*` wildcard matches all values, so `*/5 * * * *` runs at minutes 0,5,10,...,55 of every hour. In real-world scenarios, this is common for health checks that need frequent polling without overwhelming system resources, as sub-minute intervals would require systemd timers or a custom loop with sleep.
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
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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: Every 5 minutes — The cron expression `*/5 * * * *` in the crontab file means the script runs every 5 minutes. The `*/5` in the minute field triggers execution every 5 minutes, while the asterisks in the hour, day, month, and weekday fields mean every hour, every day, every month, and every day of the week, respectively.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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