LPIC-2 System Security Practice Question
A security policy requires that all users must change their passwords every 90 days. Which command enforces maximum password age for an existing user 'jdoe'?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the `-M` (maximum password age) option with the `-E` (account expiration) option, as both use a numeric argument but control entirely different aspects of user account lifecycle.
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
✓
chage -M 90 jdoe
The `chage -M 90 jdoe` command sets the maximum number of days a password is valid for user 'jdoe' to 90 days, enforcing the security policy. The `-M` option directly controls the password aging parameter that defines when the password must be changed, as stored in `/etc/shadow`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
chage -M 90 jdoe
Why this is correct
Sets maximum number of days a password is valid.
- ✗
passwd -f jdoe
Why it's wrong here
Forces a password change but does not set aging.
- ✗
usermod -e 90 jdoe
Why it's wrong here
usermod -e sets account expiration, not password aging.
- ✗
chage -E 90 jdoe
Why it's wrong here
-E sets account expiration date, not password age.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.