Quick Answer
The answer is to use either `pvcreate /dev/sdb1` or `fdisk /dev/sdb` with the partition type set to 8e. Both commands achieve the same goal: `pvcreate` directly initializes a block device or existing partition as a physical volume by writing LVM metadata to it, while `fdisk` with type 8e marks a partition specifically for LVM use, which then requires `pvcreate` to finalize it as a physical volume. On the LFCS exam, this tests your understanding that a physical volume is the foundational layer of LVM, and the common trap is forgetting that `fdisk` alone does not create the PV—it only sets the partition type, so you must still run `pvcreate` afterward. A reliable memory tip is to think of "8e" as "eight equals LVM" and remember that `pvcreate` is the actual creation command, while `fdisk` is just the preparation step.
This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of storage 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 create a new physical volume for use with LVM? (Choose two.)
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
Why wrong: mkfs creates a filesystem, not a PV.
pvresize /dev/sdb1
Why wrong: pvresize resizes an existing PV.
pvcreate /dev/sdb1
pvcreate directly initializes a physical volume.
fdisk /dev/sdb (then set type to 8e)
fdisk can create an LVM partition that can later be used by pvcreate.
pvdisplay /dev/sdb1
Why wrong: pvdisplay shows information, does not create.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
pvcreate /dev/sdb1
Option C is correct because `pvcreate /dev/sdb1` initializes a block device (or partition) as a physical volume (PV) for LVM, writing LVM metadata to the device. This is the standard command to create a new PV, making it available for inclusion in a volume group.
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.
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
mkfs creates a filesystem, not a PV.
pvresize /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
pvresize resizes an existing PV.
pvcreate /dev/sdb1
Why this is correct
pvcreate directly initializes a physical volume.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
fdisk /dev/sdb (then set type to 8e)
Why this is correct
fdisk can create an LVM partition that can later be used by pvcreate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
pvdisplay /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
pvdisplay shows information, does not create.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse filesystem creation (`mkfs`) with LVM physical volume creation, or mistake query commands (`pvdisplay`) or resize commands (`pvresize`) for creation commands, leading them to select incorrect options that do not actually initialize a new PV.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
pvdisplay shows information, does not create.
Detailed technical explanation
When `pvcreate` runs, it writes LVM metadata (typically in the first few sectors of the device) containing a UUID, device size, and label header. This metadata allows LVM to recognize the device as a PV and manage it within volume groups. A common real-world scenario is preparing a new disk or partition for LVM by first using `fdisk` or `parted` to set the partition type to 0x8E (Linux LVM), then running `pvcreate` on that partition.
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.
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FAQ
Storage Management — This question tests Storage Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: pvcreate /dev/sdb1 — Option C is correct because `pvcreate /dev/sdb1` initializes a block device (or partition) as a physical volume (PV) for LVM, writing LVM metadata to the device. This is the standard command to create a new PV, making it available for inclusion in a volume group.
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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