Question 483 of 750

Linux Commands and File Permissions →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

How to Use cp -a to Preserve Permissions, Ownership, and Timestamps

This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 technician needs to copy a directory tree from /home/user/docs to a backup location /backup/docs, preserving all permissions, ownership, and timestamps. Which command should they use?

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.

A
cp -r /home/user/docs /backup/docs
Why wrong: The -r flag copies recursively but does not preserve ownership or timestamps.
B
cp -a /home/user/docs /backup/docs
The -a (archive) option preserves all attributes including permissions, ownership, and timestamps.
C
cp -p /home/user/docs /backup/docs
Why wrong: The -p flag preserves timestamps but does not copy recursively; it would fail on a directory.
D
rsync -r /home/user/docs /backup/docs
Why wrong: rsync with -r copies recursively but does not preserve permissions and ownership by default; -a would be needed.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The answer is `cp -a /home/user/docs /backup/docs`. The `-a` (archive) flag is the correct choice because it combines several critical options into one: it copies recursively (`-r`), preserves the original file permissions, ownership, and timestamps, and also retains symbolic links as links rather than following them. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file management and metadata preservation, often appearing in scenarios involving backups or system migrations. A common trap is choosing `cp -r` instead, which copies files recursively but resets timestamps and ownership to the current user and system time. Remember that `-a` is your all-in-one archive tool for duplicating directory trees with full fidelity. A helpful memory tip: think of the “a” in `-a` as standing for “archive” or “all attributes” — it keeps everything intact.

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

✓

cp -a /home/user/docs /backup/docs

Option B is correct because the `cp -a` (archive) command preserves all file attributes, including permissions, ownership, and timestamps, while recursively copying the entire directory tree. This is the most comprehensive single command for duplicating a directory with full metadata integrity.

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.

✗
cp -r /home/user/docs /backup/docs
Why it's wrong here
The -r flag copies recursively but does not preserve ownership or timestamps.
✓
cp -a /home/user/docs /backup/docs
Why this is correct
The -a (archive) option preserves all attributes including permissions, ownership, and timestamps.
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.
✗
cp -p /home/user/docs /backup/docs
Why it's wrong here
The -p flag preserves timestamps but does not copy recursively; it would fail on a directory.
✗
rsync -r /home/user/docs /backup/docs
Why it's wrong here
rsync with -r copies recursively but does not preserve permissions and ownership by default; -a would be needed.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

CompTIA often tests the distinction between `-p` and `-a` by making candidates think preserving permissions and timestamps is sufficient, while the key requirement to preserve ownership is only met by `-a` (or running `-p` as root).

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

The `-a` flag in `cp` is equivalent to `-dR --preserve=all`, which combines recursive copying with preservation of symbolic links, permissions, ownership, timestamps, and ACLs. Under the hood, `cp -a` uses the `utimensat()` and `fchown()` system calls to restore timestamps and ownership after copying, ensuring the backup is an exact replica. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for system backups or migrating user home directories where file metadata must remain intact for security and auditing.

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.

Related 220-1202 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.

Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.

Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.

Windows Administrative Tools practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.

macOS Features and Tools practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.

Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.

Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.

Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.

Physical Security Controls practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.

Logical Security Concepts practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.

Wireless Security Protocols practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.

Malware Types and Removal practice questions

Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.

Practice this exam

Start a free 220-1202 practice session

Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.

10 questions 20 questions 30 questions 50 questions Timed 30

220-1202 practice-test guide →Study guide →Browse all practice tests

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: cp -a /home/user/docs /backup/docs — Option B is correct because the `cp -a` (archive) command preserves all file attributes, including permissions, ownership, and timestamps, while recursively copying the entire directory tree. This is the most comprehensive single command for duplicating a directory with full metadata integrity.

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 →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

Keep practising

Question Discussion

Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.

Loading comments…

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.