Quick Answer
The answer is /etc/modules. This file is correct because it provides a simple, distribution-agnostic method to specify kernel modules that should be loaded automatically at boot; the system’s init process reads this file early in the boot sequence and runs modprobe for each module name listed, one per line, ensuring the module is available before dependent services start. On the LPIC-1 exam, this question tests your understanding of persistent kernel module configuration versus temporary loading with modprobe or insmod, and a common trap is confusing /etc/modules with /etc/modprobe.d/ (which controls module options and aliases, not auto-loading). For systemd-based distributions, the equivalent is /etc/modules-load.d/*.conf, but the classic /etc/modules remains the standard answer for LPIC-1. Memory tip: think of /etc/modules as the “permanent passenger list” for modules that must board at every boot.
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of system architecture. 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.
An administrator needs to ensure that a specific kernel module is loaded automatically at boot. Which file should be used to permanently load the module?
/etc/modprobe.d/modules.conf
Why wrong: This is for modprobe options, not auto-loading.
/etc/sysconfig/modules
Why wrong: This file is not standard; some distributions use /etc/sysconfig/modules/ but not a single file.
/etc/modules
Modules listed in /etc/modules are loaded at boot.
/etc/conf.modules
Why wrong: This is an older configuration file, not commonly used.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/etc/modules
Option C is correct because on modern Linux systems using a standard init system, the file /etc/modules (or /etc/modules-load.d/*.conf on systemd-based distributions) is read at boot to load specified kernel modules automatically. This file lists module names one per line, and the kernel's module loading mechanism processes it early in the boot sequence to ensure the module is available before services that depend on it start.
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.
/etc/modprobe.d/modules.conf
Why it's wrong here
This is for modprobe options, not auto-loading.
/etc/sysconfig/modules
Why it's wrong here
This file is not standard; some distributions use /etc/sysconfig/modules/ but not a single file.
/etc/modules
Why this is correct
Modules listed in /etc/modules are loaded at boot.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/etc/conf.modules
Why it's wrong here
This is an older configuration file, not commonly used.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the configuration file for module options (/etc/modprobe.d/*.conf) with the file that lists modules to load at boot (/etc/modules), or they mistakenly recall the obsolete /etc/conf.modules from older Linux distributions.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the kernel's module loading at boot is handled by the init system: on systemd, systemd-modules-load.service reads files in /etc/modules-load.d/ and /run/modules-load.d/ (with /etc/modules as a legacy fallback on some distributions). This mechanism uses the finit_module() syscall to load modules, which is faster and more secure than modprobe because it bypasses user-space dependency resolution. A real-world scenario is loading the 'tun' module for VPN interfaces or 'vboxdrv' for VirtualBox, where failure to load early can cause services to fail.
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 LPIC-1 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.
System Architecture — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
System Architecture practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-1 questions
522 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-1 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to GNU and Unix Commands.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Devices, Filesystems and FHS.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Linux Installation and Package Management.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Essential System Services and Networking.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Administrative Tasks.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Shells, Scripting and Data Management.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to System Architecture.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 scenario.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
System Architecture — This question tests System Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /etc/modules — Option C is correct because on modern Linux systems using a standard init system, the file /etc/modules (or /etc/modules-load.d/*.conf on systemd-based distributions) is read at boot to load specified kernel modules automatically. This file lists module names one per line, and the kernel's module loading mechanism processes it early in the boot sequence to ensure the module is available before services that depend on it start.
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.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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.
Sign in to join the discussion.