The correct answer includes the cron schedule, the command to execute, and the PATH variable. The schedule, written as five time-and-date fields (minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week), defines when the script runs—here, 0 2 * * * for daily at 2 AM. The command field specifies the script and its log output, such as /path/to/script.sh >> /var/log/monitor.log 2>&1. The PATH variable is essential because cron runs with a minimal environment; without explicitly setting PATH=/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin, the script may fail to locate executables like system commands or custom binaries. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding that cron jobs do not inherit a user’s shell environment, so missing PATH is a common trap—candidates often forget it, assuming the script will find commands. A memory tip: “Schedule, Script, and Search Path” — the three S’s of a reliable crontab entry.
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
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.
An administrator wants to ensure a critical monitoring script runs every day at 2 AM and sends output to a log file. Which THREE items are essential in the crontab entry? (Select THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SHELL=/bin/bash
Option A is correct because the SHELL variable in a crontab entry defines which shell interpreter is used to execute the cron job. By default, cron uses /bin/sh, but setting SHELL=/bin/bash ensures that bash-specific syntax, aliases, and features (such as [[ ]] or source) are available for the monitoring script. Without this, the script might fail if it relies on bash extensions.
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.
✓
SHELL=/bin/bash
Why this is correct
If the script uses bash-specific features, setting SHELL is required; otherwise, cron uses /bin/sh.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
RUNLEVEL=3
Why it's wrong here
RUNLEVEL is not a cron-related variable; it is used by init systems.
✓
0 2 * * * /usr/local/bin/script.sh
Why this is correct
This is the cron schedule and command; it is essential.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
MAILTO=admin@example.com
Why it's wrong here
MAILTO is optional; the output can be redirected to a log file instead.
✓
PATH=/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin
Why this is correct
A proper PATH ensures commands in the script are found without absolute paths.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that MAILTO is required for logging output, when in fact output redirection (e.g., >> /var/log/script.log 2>&1) is what sends output to a file, and MAILTO is only for email delivery.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
MAILTO is optional; the output can be redirected to a log file instead.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cron reads the crontab file and sets environment variables like SHELL, PATH, and MAILTO before executing the command. If SHELL is not explicitly set, cron defaults to /bin/sh, which on many systems is a symlink to dash or a minimal POSIX shell that lacks bash-specific features. The PATH variable is also critical because cron runs with a minimal environment (often just /usr/bin:/bin), so specifying PATH=/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin ensures the script or its dependencies can be found without absolute paths.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: SHELL=/bin/bash — Option A is correct because the SHELL variable in a crontab entry defines which shell interpreter is used to execute the cron job. By default, cron uses /bin/sh, but setting SHELL=/bin/bash ensures that bash-specific syntax, aliases, and features (such as [[ ]] or source) are available for the monitoring script. Without this, the script might fail if it relies on bash extensions.
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.
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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