Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the -sC option runs Nmap’s default set of scripts. This option is a shorthand for --script=default, which activates a curated collection of non-intrusive enumeration scripts designed to gather common reconnaissance data like service banners, HTTP titles, and SSL certificate details without requiring manual script selection. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this option often appears in command-analysis questions where you must distinguish it from more aggressive script categories like -sC combined with -sV for version detection. A common trap is confusing -sC with -sV alone—remember that -sC focuses on script-based enumeration, not just version fingerprinting. For a quick memory tip, think of “C” as standing for “Common scripts” or “Collection,” reinforcing that it loads the default script library automatically.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. 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.
A tester is using the following Nmap command: nmap -sC -sV -p 1-65535 target_ip. What is the primary purpose of the -sC option?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Use default scripts
-sC enables default NSE scripts for service enumeration and vulnerability detection.
Scan all ports
Why wrong: Scanning all ports is specified by -p- (all ports) or -p 1-65535.
Perform a version scan
Why wrong: Version scan is done with -sV.
Do a SYN scan
Why wrong: SYN scan is the default scan type or specified with -sS.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use default scripts
The -sC option in Nmap is equivalent to --script=default, which runs a collection of common, non-intrusive enumeration scripts against the target. These scripts perform tasks such as service banner grabbing, HTTP title extraction, and SSL/TLS certificate retrieval, providing valuable reconnaissance data without requiring manual script selection.
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.
Use default scripts
Why this is correct
-sC enables default NSE scripts for service enumeration and vulnerability detection.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Scan all ports
Why it's wrong here
Scanning all ports is specified by -p- (all ports) or -p 1-65535.
Perform a version scan
Why it's wrong here
Version scan is done with -sV.
Do a SYN scan
Why it's wrong here
SYN scan is the default scan type or specified with -sS.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse -sC with -sV or -sS, because all three options start with 's' and are commonly used together, but each has a distinct function that must be memorized for the exam.
Detailed technical explanation
The default scripts in Nmap are stored in the scripts/ directory and are selected based on the 'default' category in their script metadata. These scripts are designed to be safe and non-disruptive, but they can still generate noticeable traffic; for stealthier operations, testers often use -sC in combination with --script-trace to debug script behavior or --script-updatedb to ensure the script database is current.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach 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.
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FAQ
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — This question tests Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use default scripts — The -sC option in Nmap is equivalent to --script=default, which runs a collection of common, non-intrusive enumeration scripts against the target. These scripts perform tasks such as service banner grabbing, HTTP title extraction, and SSL/TLS certificate retrieval, providing valuable reconnaissance data without requiring manual script selection.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This PT0-002 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 PT0-002 exam.
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