- A
The NTP servers are unreachable due to a firewall blocking UDP port 123.
Why wrong: While possible, the 'ntpq -p' would typically show the server entries with 'reach' if the service is running, even if unreachable; also, the question states the service is active, but no output suggests ntpd is not communicating.
- B
The ntpd daemon is configured to only adjust the clock gradually and refuses to make large time jumps by default.
ntpd will not step the time if the offset is too large; the -g flag or ntpdate command should be used initially.
- C
The ntp.conf file is missing the 'pool' directive; instead, 'server' lines are used incorrectly.
Why wrong: Using 'server' lines is perfectly valid for specifying NTP servers.
- D
The ntpd service is not enabled to start at boot, so it stopped after the administrator logged out.
Why wrong: The status shows 'active (running)', so it is currently running.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the ntpd daemon is refusing to synchronize because it is designed to only make gradual clock adjustments, and when faced with a large clock offset—such as one of several minutes or hours—it will not step the time by default. This behavior stems from the NTP protocol’s philosophy of slewing the clock slowly to avoid disrupting system processes, with a typical threshold of 128 milliseconds; any offset beyond that causes ntpd to essentially halt synchronization, which explains why the `ntpq -p` command returns no output even though the service is running. On the LPIC-1 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how ntpd handles time discrepancies versus the `ntpdate` command or the `-g` option, which allows a one-time large step. A common trap is assuming a running service means active synchronization, but the key is that ntpd logs a “time reset” refusal. Remember the memory tip: “NTP slews, it doesn’t jump—large offsets make it stop.”
LPIC-1 Essential System Services and Networking Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of essential system services and networking. 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.
A junior system administrator is tasked with setting up a new Linux server that will act as a network time client. The server must synchronize its clock with the external NTP pool servers 0.pool.ntp.org, 1.pool.ntp.org, and 2.pool.ntp.org. The administrator installs the ntp package and edits /etc/ntp.conf to include the following lines:
server 0.pool.ntp.org server 1.pool.ntp.org server 2.pool.ntp.org
However, after restarting the ntpd service, the administrator notices that the system time does not appear to be synchronized. The command 'ntpq -p' returns no output. The administrator checks the status of the ntpd service with 'systemctl status ntp' and sees that the service is active (running). What is the most likely reason for the synchronization failure?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 ntpd daemon is configured to only adjust the clock gradually and refuses to make large time jumps by default.
B is correct because the ntpd daemon, by default, will not make large time jumps (more than a certain threshold, typically 128 ms) and instead gradually slews the clock. If the system clock is significantly out of sync (e.g., by minutes or hours), ntpd will refuse to step the time and may appear to do nothing, resulting in no output from 'ntpq -p' until the daemon has had time to adjust or until the offset is corrected manually. The administrator likely started ntpd with a large clock offset, and the daemon is waiting for the clock to drift naturally or for a manual intervention.
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.
- ✗
The NTP servers are unreachable due to a firewall blocking UDP port 123.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the 'ntpq -p' would typically show the server entries with 'reach' if the service is running, even if unreachable; also, the question states the service is active, but no output suggests ntpd is not communicating.
- ✓
The ntpd daemon is configured to only adjust the clock gradually and refuses to make large time jumps by default.
Why this is correct
ntpd will not step the time if the offset is too large; the -g flag or ntpdate command should be used initially.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The ntp.conf file is missing the 'pool' directive; instead, 'server' lines are used incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
Using 'server' lines is perfectly valid for specifying NTP servers.
- ✗
The ntpd service is not enabled to start at boot, so it stopped after the administrator logged out.
Why it's wrong here
The status shows 'active (running)', so it is currently running.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a running service with configured servers should immediately synchronize, overlooking ntpd's default conservative behavior of refusing large time jumps, which is a common cause of apparent synchronization failure in exam scenarios.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While possible, the 'ntpq -p' would typically show the server entries with 'reach' if the service is running, even if unreachable; also, the question states the service is active, but no output suggests ntpd is not communicating.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The ntpd daemon implements a discipline algorithm that by default uses a 'step threshold' (typically 128 ms) and a 'slew threshold' (typically 128 ms to 1000 s). If the clock offset exceeds the step threshold, ntpd will log a message and refuse to step unless the 'tinker step' directive or the '-g' option is used to allow a one-time step at startup. In practice, administrators often use 'ntpdate' or the '-g' flag to initially set the clock close to the correct time before starting ntpd, or they configure 'iburst' on server lines to speed up initial synchronization.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LPIC-1 question test?
Essential System Services and Networking — This question tests Essential System Services and Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The ntpd daemon is configured to only adjust the clock gradually and refuses to make large time jumps by default. — B is correct because the ntpd daemon, by default, will not make large time jumps (more than a certain threshold, typically 128 ms) and instead gradually slews the clock. If the system clock is significantly out of sync (e.g., by minutes or hours), ntpd will refuse to step the time and may appear to do nothing, resulting in no output from 'ntpq -p' until the daemon has had time to adjust or until the offset is corrected manually. The administrator likely started ntpd with a large clock offset, and the daemon is waiting for the clock to drift naturally or for a manual intervention.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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