LFCS Service Configuration Practice Question
A custom systemd service unit file has been created but the service fails to start with 'Exec format error'. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Linux Foundation often tests the distinction between 'Exec format error' and other startup failures, trapping candidates who confuse permission issues (chmod +x) with the missing shebang requirement for interpreted scripts.
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
✓
The ExecStart command path is incorrect or missing shebang
The 'Exec format error' in systemd indicates that the binary or script specified in the ExecStart directive cannot be executed, typically because the path is incorrect, the file is not executable, or (most commonly) the script lacks a valid shebang line (e.g., #!/bin/bash). Without a shebang, the kernel does not know which interpreter to use, causing an execve() failure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The unit file has incorrect permissions
Why it's wrong here
Permissions on the unit file do not affect execution format.
- ✗
The user does not have permission to start the service
Why it's wrong here
Permission errors show 'permission denied', not exec format.
- ✗
The service is disabled
Why it's wrong here
Disabling affects boot start, not execution.
- ✓
The ExecStart command path is incorrect or missing shebang
Why this is correct
An invalid executable or missing interpreter causes exec format error.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.