XK0-006 Automation, Orchestration, and Scripting Practice Question
In a Bash script, what is the correct way to check if a file named '/etc/passwd' exists and is a regular file?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is assuming `-e` (exists) is sufficient when the question specifically asks for a regular file — candidates often pick `-e` because it 'checks existence'.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
if [ -f /etc/passwd ]
The `-f` test operator in Bash returns true only if the path exists AND is a regular file (not a directory, device, or symlink to a non-regular file). This exactly matches the requirement to check that /etc/passwd exists and is a regular file.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
if [ -r /etc/passwd ]
Why it's wrong here
-r checks if file is readable.
- ✗
if [ -e /etc/passwd ]
Why it's wrong here
The -e test only confirms the path exists, so a directory named /etc/passwd would also pass. The -f test is what verifies existence plus regular-file type. Testing mere existence is useful for checking whether a path is present before creating or deleting it.
- ✗
if [ -s /etc/passwd ]
Why it's wrong here
-s checks if file exists and is non-empty.
- ✓
if [ -f /etc/passwd ]
Why this is correct
The -f unary test operator returns true when the path exists and is a regular file, excluding directories and other special types. Used inside [ ], it satisfies the requirement to verify that /etc/passwd exists as a regular file.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
Bash script
A Bash script is a text file containing a sequence of commands for the Unix shell Bash, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline system administration on Linux and macOS.
Key term
passwd
passwd is a command-line utility used on Linux and Unix-like systems to change a user's password, typically stored in an encrypted format in the /etc/shadow file.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.