The answer is that only the root filesystem (/) and /boot will be checked by fsck at boot time. This is determined by the fifth field in /etc/fstab, known as the dump field, where a non-zero value signals that the filesystem should be included in the boot-time check; in this case, both / and /boot have a dump value greater than zero, while /mnt/data and swap are set to zero and thus skipped. The sixth field, the pass number, then dictates the order of checking, but only filesystems with a non-zero dump field are considered at all. On the LPIC-1 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the /etc/fstab structure and how fsck interacts with it, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly focus on the pass number instead of the dump field. A reliable memory tip is to think of the dump field as the “go” signal—if it’s zero, fsck won’t go there.
LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
/ and /boot only
The /etc/fstab entry shows that only the root filesystem (/) and /boot have a non-zero value in the dump field (the fifth field). The fsck command at boot time checks filesystems with a dump value greater than 0, in the order specified by the pass number (the sixth field). Since /mnt/data and swap have a dump value of 0, they are skipped.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
All filesystems except NFS
Why it's wrong here
Pass 0 means not checked.
✗
/, /boot, and /mnt/data
Why it's wrong here
/mnt/data has pass 0.
✗
/, /boot, and swap
Why it's wrong here
Swap is not checked.
✓
/ and /boot only
Why this is correct
Correct: pass numbers 1 and 2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the dump field with the pass field, assuming that a non-zero pass number alone triggers a check, but fsck actually requires both a non-zero dump field and a non-zero pass number to perform the check.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The dump field in /etc/fstab is a legacy mechanism used by the dump backup utility, but fsck at boot time uses it to determine which filesystems to check. The pass number (sixth field) controls the order: filesystems with the same pass number are checked in parallel, while the root filesystem typically has pass 1 and others have pass 2. A pass number of 0 means the filesystem is never checked, even if the dump field is non-zero.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: / and /boot only — The /etc/fstab entry shows that only the root filesystem (/) and /boot have a non-zero value in the dump field (the fifth field). The fsck command at boot time checks filesystems with a dump value greater than 0, in the order specified by the pass number (the sixth field). Since /mnt/data and swap have a dump value of 0, they are skipped.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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.
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.