Quick Answer
The answer is `user ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL`. This sudoers entry is correct because it uses the `NOPASSWD` tag to bypass the default password requirement, while the three `ALL` fields grant the user permission to run any command from any host as any target user, including root. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of the sudoers file syntax, specifically the order of fields: host list, target user list, and command list. A common trap is confusing the `NOPASSWD` placement—it must immediately precede the command list, not the target user. Remember the mnemonic "HTC" for Host, Target, Command, and that `NOPASSWD` is a tag that overrides the default authentication requirement.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 needs to allow a user to run all commands as root without a password. Which sudoers entry accomplishes this?
user ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
This entry allows passwordless execution of all commands.
user ALL=(ALL) !ALL
Why wrong: This entry denies all commands.
user ALL=(ALL) PASSWD: ALL
Why wrong: This is not a valid sudoers syntax.
user ALL=(ALL) ALL
Why wrong: This entry requires a password to execute commands.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
user ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
Option A is correct because the sudoers entry `user ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL` grants the user permission to run any command as any user (including root) without being prompted for a password. The `NOPASSWD` tag overrides the default password requirement, and the `ALL` specifications cover the host list, target user list, and command list.
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.
user ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
Why this is correct
This entry allows passwordless execution of all commands.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
user ALL=(ALL) !ALL
Why it's wrong here
This entry denies all commands.
user ALL=(ALL) PASSWD: ALL
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid sudoers syntax.
user ALL=(ALL) ALL
Why it's wrong here
This entry requires a password to execute commands.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the default behavior of `ALL` (which still requires a password) with the `NOPASSWD` tag, leading them to select option D thinking it allows passwordless execution.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This entry denies all commands.
Detailed technical explanation
The sudoers file is parsed left to right, and the `NOPASSWD` tag is a flag that applies to the following command list until another tag overrides it. In practice, if a user has both a `NOPASSWD` entry and a `PASSWD` entry for overlapping commands, the last matching entry takes precedence, which can lead to unexpected password prompts if the order is not carefully managed.
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.
Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: user ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL — Option A is correct because the sudoers entry `user ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL` grants the user permission to run any command as any user (including root) without being prompted for a password. The `NOPASSWD` tag overrides the default password requirement, and the `ALL` specifications cover the host list, target user list, and command list.
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 25, 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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