Quick Answer
The answer is chmod g+w /data/projects. This command is correct because the directory’s current permissions, drwxr-x---, grant the projects group read and execute access but not write access, which is why the user—though a member of that group—cannot modify files. The chmod utility modifies permission bits, and the syntax g+w specifically adds the write permission for the group owner without altering user or other permissions. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of symbolic permission notation and group ownership, often appearing as a straightforward troubleshooting question where the trap is confusing the group owner with the user owner or mistakenly using chown instead of chmod. A common memory tip is to think of the permission string as three triads: user, group, other; the g in g+w targets the group triad directly. Remember the mnemonic “Group Gets Write” to recall that g+w is the precise fix when a group member lacks write access to a directory they should be able to edit.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user cannot access a directory '/data/projects' even though they are in the 'projects' group. The directory permissions are 'drwxr-x---' and the group owner is 'projects'. Which command should the administrator run to grant the group write permission?
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.
chmod g+w /data/projects
Adds write permission for the group.
chmod o+w /data/projects
Why wrong: This adds write for others, which is not needed.
chmod u+w /data/projects
Why wrong: This adds write for the owner, not the group.
chown :projects /data/projects
Why wrong: The group is already set to projects.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
chmod g+w /data/projects
The directory '/data/projects' has permissions 'drwxr-x---', meaning the group owner 'projects' currently has read and execute (r-x) but not write (w) access. Since the user is a member of the 'projects' group, the administrator needs to add write permission for the group using 'chmod g+w /data/projects'. This directly modifies the group permission bits to grant write access without affecting other permissions.
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.
chmod g+w /data/projects
Why this is correct
Adds write permission for the group.
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.
chmod o+w /data/projects
Why it's wrong here
This adds write for others, which is not needed.
chmod u+w /data/projects
Why it's wrong here
This adds write for the owner, not the group.
chown :projects /data/projects
Why it's wrong here
The group is already set to projects.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between changing ownership (chown) and changing permissions (chmod), and candidates mistakenly think that setting the group owner again will grant write access, when in fact only chmod modifies the permission bits.
Detailed technical explanation
Linux file permissions are stored as a 12-bit mode word: 3 bits for setuid/setgid/sticky, 3 bits for user (owner), 3 bits for group, and 3 bits for others. The 'chmod g+w' command uses symbolic mode to add the write bit (value 2) to the group triplet, effectively changing the group permissions from r-x (5) to rwx (7). In a real-world scenario, if a shared project directory requires group collaboration, the administrator must ensure the group has write permission; otherwise, group members can list and traverse the directory but cannot create, delete, or modify files within it.
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.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: chmod g+w /data/projects — The directory '/data/projects' has permissions 'drwxr-x---', meaning the group owner 'projects' currently has read and execute (r-x) but not write (w) access. Since the user is a member of the 'projects' group, the administrator needs to add write permission for the group using 'chmod g+w /data/projects'. This directly modifies the group permission bits to grant write access without affecting other permissions.
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 30, 2026
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