LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
A Linux administrator needs to determine which kernel modules are currently loaded on a running system. The administrator also wants to see the module dependencies and the use count for each module. Which command should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse commands that inspect module files and metadata, such as modinfo or depmod, with the command that reports modules currently loaded in the running kernel.
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
✓
lsmod
lsmod queries the kernel's loaded module list by reading /proc/modules and presents each module with its memory size, use count, and dependencies. That output lets an administrator confirm whether a needed driver is active and whether it is in use. Tools like modinfo and depmod operate on module files and metadata, not on the runtime state of loaded modules.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
lsmod
Why this is correct
lsmod reads /proc/modules and prints the currently loaded modules along with their size, use count, and dependencies. This directly matches the requirement to see loaded modules with dependencies and use counts. It is the standard tool for verifying whether a module such as a filesystem or network driver is active.
- ✗
depmod
Why it's wrong here
depmod analyzes module dependencies and writes them to modules.dep for use by modprobe. It does not display the currently loaded modules or their use counts. Running depmod is a maintenance step after adding modules, not a way to inspect the live kernel module state.
- ✗
modprobe -l
Why it's wrong here
The -l option historically listed all available module files, not loaded modules, and it has been removed in modern kmod versions. It cannot show use counts or dependencies of currently loaded modules. The correct tool for loaded modules is lsmod, which reads kernel state rather than module file locations.
- ✗
modinfo
Why it's wrong here
modinfo displays metadata about a module file, such as author, license, parameters, and dependencies, but it does not list which modules are currently loaded in the running kernel. It is useful before loading a module, not for inspecting the live module list. It also does not show use counts.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official LPI exam blueprint
This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 exam.