Quick Answer
The answer is the `groups` and `id` commands. Both are correct because they directly display the group memberships of the current user without requiring any arguments. The `groups` command outputs a simple list of all group names the user belongs to, while `id` provides a more detailed view, including the user’s UID, GID, and every supplementary group, making it equally reliable for this task. On the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator LFCS exam, this question tests your understanding of fundamental user and group management utilities, often appearing in the "User and Group Management" domain. A common trap is assuming that only `groups` works, but `id` is equally valid and actually preferred in scripts for its structured output. To remember this, think of the mnemonic "ID Groups" — both `id` and `groups` are the two commands you need to identify group membership.
This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of user and group management. 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.
Which TWO commands can be used to display the groups to which the current user belongs? (Select exactly two.)
cat /etc/group
Why wrong: Lists all groups, not just those of the current user.
groupmems -l
Why wrong: groupmems lists members of a group, not groups of a user.
id
Displays user identity including group memberships.
getent group
Why wrong: Lists all groups from configured sources.
groups
Displays the groups of the current user.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
id
The `id` command (option C) displays the current user's UID, GID, and all supplementary group memberships. When run without arguments, it shows the effective user and group IDs along with all groups the user belongs to, making it a direct and reliable way to list group membership.
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.
cat /etc/group
Why it's wrong here
Lists all groups, not just those of the current user.
groupmems -l
Why it's wrong here
groupmems lists members of a group, not groups of a user.
id
Why this is correct
Displays user identity including group memberships.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
getent group
Why it's wrong here
Lists all groups from configured sources.
groups
Why this is correct
Displays the groups of the current user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse commands that list all system groups (like `cat /etc/group` or `getent group`) with commands that specifically show only the groups of the current user, leading them to select options A or D as correct.
Detailed technical explanation
The `id` command reads the user's real and effective UID/GID from the kernel, and for supplementary groups it queries the group membership list stored in the kernel's credential structure (via `getgroups()` system call). The `groups` command similarly calls `getgroups()` and prints the group names, but it does not show the numeric IDs. In real-world scenarios, when a user is added to a new group via `usermod -aG`, the change only takes effect on next login; `id` will reflect the current session's groups, which may differ from those in `/etc/group` until the user re-authenticates.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the LFCS 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
User and Group Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
User and Group Management — This question tests User and Group Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: id — The `id` command (option C) displays the current user's UID, GID, and all supplementary group memberships. When run without arguments, it shows the effective user and group IDs along with all groups the user belongs to, making it a direct and reliable way to list group membership.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation 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 LFCS exam.
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