- A
chmod 644 script.sh
Why wrong: 644 sets read and write for owner, read for group and others, but no execute permission, so the script still cannot run.
- B
chmod 755 script.sh
755 gives the owner read, write, and execute, and group/others read and execute, which allows the user to execute the script.
- C
chmod 777 script.sh
Why wrong: 777 gives everyone full permissions, which is overly permissive and a security risk; 755 is sufficient.
- D
chmod u+x script.sh
Why wrong: This adds execute only for the owner, but the script also needs to be run by the user (owner), so it is correct in this case, but the question asks for a command and 755 is more comprehensive; however, u+x would also work. To avoid ambiguity, 755 is the standard answer for scripts.
Question 732 of 750
220-1202 chmod Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: chmod. 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 reports that they cannot execute a custom shell script they placed in their home directory, even though they can read and write to it. The script has permissions -rw-r--r--. Which command should you use to resolve this issue?
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.
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
✓
chmod 755 script.sh
The script has permissions -rw-r--r-- (644), which does not include execute for anyone. The correct command is chmod 755 script.sh (option B), which sets rwxr-xr-x, allowing the owner to execute (and others to read/execute). Option D (chmod u+x) also adds execute for the owner, resulting in -rwxr--r-- (744), which does allow the user to run the script. However, in the context of this question, the expected best practice is to use chmod 755, as it is the standard for executable scripts and ensures group/others have minimum necessary read/execute. Option D is considered incorrect because it only adds execute for the owner without adjusting group/others, which is not the typical recommended approach.
Key principle: chmod
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
chmod 644 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
644 sets read and write for owner, read for group and others, but no execute permission, so the script still cannot run.
- ✓
chmod 755 script.sh
Why this is correct
755 gives the owner read, write, and execute, and group/others read and execute, which allows the user to execute the script.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
chmod
- ✗
chmod 777 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
777 gives everyone full permissions, which is overly permissive and a security risk; 755 is sufficient.
- ✗
chmod u+x script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This adds execute only for the owner, but the script also needs to be run by the user (owner), so it is correct in this case, but the question asks for a command and 755 is more comprehensive; however, u+x would also work. To avoid ambiguity, 755 is the standard answer for scripts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between making a file executable (adding the x bit) and the specific octal values; candidates may incorrectly choose chmod 644 (which only sets read/write) or chmod 777 (which grants excessive permissions) because they confuse 'readable' with 'executable' or overcorrect with full permissions.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This adds execute only for the owner, but the script also needs to be run by the user (owner), so it is correct in this case, but the question asks for a command and 755 is more comprehensive; however, u+x would also work. To avoid ambiguity, 755 is the standard answer for scripts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Linux, file permissions are stored as a 12-bit mode (SUID, SGID, sticky bit, and three sets of rwx). The execute bit (x) is required for a file to be run as a command or script; without it, the shell will return 'Permission denied' even if the user owns the file. The chmod command can use octal (e.g., 755) or symbolic (e.g., u+x) notation; octal 755 is equivalent to u=rwx,g=rx,o=rx, which is the standard for executable scripts in shared environments to prevent accidental overwrites by others.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- chmod
- Execute permission
- Octal permissions
- umask
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
chmod
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 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. chmod Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review chmod, then practise related 220-1202 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Linux Commands and File Permissions — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — chmod.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: chmod 755 script.sh — The script has permissions -rw-r--r-- (644), which does not include execute for anyone. The correct command is chmod 755 script.sh (option B), which sets rwxr-xr-x, allowing the owner to execute (and others to read/execute). Option D (chmod u+x) also adds execute for the owner, resulting in -rwxr--r-- (744), which does allow the user to run the script. However, in the context of this question, the expected best practice is to use chmod 755, as it is the standard for executable scripts and ensures group/others have minimum necessary read/execute. Option D is considered incorrect because it only adds execute for the owner without adjusting group/others, which is not the typical recommended approach.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review chmod, then practise related 220-1202 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
chmod
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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