Quick Answer
The answer is `dig +trace example.com`. This command is the correct choice because it performs a full iterative DNS resolution, starting from the root nameservers and following each referral step-by-step down to the authoritative nameservers for the queried domain, thereby displaying the complete query path as requested. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to isolate DNS failures by verifying the entire resolution chain, not just the final answer—a common trap is confusing `dig` without `+trace` (which only shows cached or recursive results) with the full path output. To remember this, think of `+trace` as “track the trail”: it forces `dig` to walk the entire DNS hierarchy, revealing exactly where a resolution breaks, whether at a root, TLD, or authoritative server.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 server is unable to resolve hostnames via DNS. The /etc/resolv.conf file appears correct. Which command can be used to test DNS resolution and display the full query path?
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.
nslookup example.com
Why wrong: Basic DNS lookup, does not show full path.
host example.com
Why wrong: Simple forward lookup.
resolvectl query example.com
Why wrong: Used with systemd-resolved, not standard DNS trace.
dig +trace example.com
Correct: Traces the full DNS resolution path.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
dig +trace example.com
The `dig +trace example.com` command performs a full iterative DNS resolution from the root nameservers down to the authoritative nameservers for the queried domain, displaying each step of the query path. This is the correct choice because the question specifically asks to 'display the full query path,' which `+trace` provides by following referrals step by step, unlike simpler queries that only show the final answer.
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.
nslookup example.com
Why it's wrong here
Basic DNS lookup, does not show full path.
host example.com
Why it's wrong here
Simple forward lookup.
resolvectl query example.com
Why it's wrong here
Used with systemd-resolved, not standard DNS trace.
dig +trace example.com
Why this is correct
Correct: Traces the full DNS resolution path.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse simple DNS lookup tools (like `nslookup` or `host`) with the `dig +trace` option, assuming any DNS query tool can show the full resolution path, but only `dig +trace` explicitly performs and displays each iterative step.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Basic DNS lookup, does not show full path.
Detailed technical explanation
The `dig +trace` command works by first querying a root nameserver (from the root hints file) for the TLD nameservers, then querying a TLD nameserver for the authoritative nameservers of the domain, and finally querying an authoritative nameserver for the actual resource records. This iterative process is defined in RFC 1034 and is essential for diagnosing delegation issues, missing glue records, or misconfigured NS records that a simple recursive query would mask.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
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: dig +trace example.com — The `dig +trace example.com` command performs a full iterative DNS resolution from the root nameservers down to the authoritative nameservers for the queried domain, displaying each step of the query path. This is the correct choice because the question specifically asks to 'display the full query path,' which `+trace` provides by following referrals step by step, unlike simpler queries that only show the final answer.
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 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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