- A
chmod 755 script.sh
Why wrong: 755 sets rwxr-xr-x, which gives execute to owner, group, and others; while it works, it grants more permissions than needed.
- B
chmod u+x script.sh
This adds execute permission only for the owner, which is exactly what is required.
- C
chmod +r script.sh
Why wrong: This adds read permission, not execute; the script already has read permission.
- D
chmod 644 script.sh
Why wrong: 644 sets rw-r--r--, which does not include execute permission for anyone.
Question 496 of 750
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions 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. 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 user reports that they cannot execute a shell script they wrote in their home directory. The script has permissions -rw-r--r--. Which command should be used to allow the owner to execute the script?
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 u+x script.sh
The script currently has permissions -rw-r--r--, meaning the owner has read and write but not execute. The command chmod u+x adds execute permission for the owner (u) without affecting other permissions. This directly addresses the user's inability to execute the script by granting the missing execute bit to the owner.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 755 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
755 sets rwxr-xr-x, which gives execute to owner, group, and others; while it works, it grants more permissions than needed.
- ✓
chmod u+x script.sh
Why this is correct
This adds execute permission only for the owner, which is exactly what is required.
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.
- ✗
chmod +r script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This adds read permission, not execute; the script already has read permission.
- ✗
chmod 644 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
644 sets rw-r--r--, which does not include execute permission for anyone.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between adding a specific permission (u+x) versus setting an absolute mode (755), where candidates may choose 755 because it 'works' without recognizing it unnecessarily grants execute to group and others.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
File permissions in Linux are stored as a 12-bit mode word; the execute bit (bit 0 for owner) is essential for the kernel to treat a file as a program during an execve() syscall. Without the execute bit, the shell will refuse to run the script even if the shebang line is correct, returning 'Permission denied'. In real-world scenarios, administrators often use chmod u+x for personal scripts to avoid accidentally granting execute to others, maintaining security while enabling functionality.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: chmod u+x script.sh — The script currently has permissions -rw-r--r--, meaning the owner has read and write but not execute. The command chmod u+x adds execute permission for the owner (u) without affecting other permissions. This directly addresses the user's inability to execute the script by granting the missing execute bit to the owner.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
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