- A
chmod 755 script.sh
Why wrong: This sets permissions to rwxr-xr-x, which does allow execution but is not the minimal change; it also adds group and others execute, which may be unnecessary.
- B
chmod u+x script.sh
This adds execute permission only for the owner, preserving the existing read/write permissions for others.
- C
chmod 644 script.sh
Why wrong: This is the current permission set and does not include execute, so it would not fix the issue.
- D
chown user:user script.sh
Why wrong: This changes ownership but does not alter permissions; the script still lacks execute permission.
Question 517 of 750
How to Use chmod u+x to Allow Owner to Execute a Script
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 custom shell script they created in their home directory. The script is owned by the user and has permissions set to 644. 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.
Quick Answer
The answer is `chmod u+x script.sh`, because this command adds the execute permission specifically for the file’s owner (the "u" in "u+x") without altering permissions for the group or others. The existing permissions of 644 (rw-r--r--) grant read and write access to the owner but lack the execute bit, which is essential for running a shell script. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permission syntax and the `chmod` command, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where a user cannot run their own script. A common trap is confusing `chmod +x` (which adds execute for all users) with `chmod u+x` (which targets only the owner); the exam expects precise syntax. Remember the mnemonic: "u for user, plus x for execute" — when the owner needs to run their script, `u+x` is the fix.
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 has permissions 644, which means the owner has read/write (6) but not execute. To allow the owner to execute the script, you need to add the execute permission for the owner. The command `chmod u+x script.sh` adds execute permission for the user (owner) only, which is the correct and minimal change to resolve the issue.
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
This sets permissions to rwxr-xr-x, which does allow execution but is not the minimal change; it also adds group and others execute, which may be unnecessary.
- ✓
chmod u+x script.sh
Why this is correct
This adds execute permission only for the owner, preserving the existing read/write permissions for others.
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 644 script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This is the current permission set and does not include execute, so it would not fix the issue.
- ✗
chown user:user script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This changes ownership but does not alter permissions; the script still lacks execute permission.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose `chmod 755` (Option A) because it is a common permission set for scripts, but the question specifically asks to allow only the owner to execute, making `chmod u+x` the precise and correct answer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Linux, file permissions are stored as a 12-bit mode (including setuid, setgid, and sticky bits). The execute bit (x) is required for a file to be run as a program or script; without it, the shell will refuse to execute the file even if the shebang line is correct. A common real-world scenario is when a script is copied from a Windows system or created with a text editor that defaults to 644, requiring the user to explicitly add execute permission before the script can be run.
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.
Visual reference
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.
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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 — 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 has permissions 644, which means the owner has read/write (6) but not execute. To allow the owner to execute the script, you need to add the execute permission for the owner. The command `chmod u+x script.sh` adds execute permission for the user (owner) only, which is the correct and minimal change to resolve the issue.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 220-1202
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. 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?
easy- A.chmod 644 script.sh
- ✓ B.chmod 755 script.sh
- C.chmod 777 script.sh
- D.chmod u+x script.sh
Why B: 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.
Variation 2. 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?
easy- A.chmod 755 script.sh
- ✓ B.chmod u+x script.sh
- C.chmod +r script.sh
- D.chmod 644 script.sh
Why B: 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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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