Quick Answer
The answer is `chage -M 90 jdoe`. This command enforces a 90-day maximum password age for the user 'jdoe' by directly modifying the password aging field in `/etc/shadow`, where the `-M` option sets the maximum number of days a password remains valid before a forced change. On the LPIC-2 exam, this tests your understanding of local password policy management, often appearing alongside questions about `passwd` or `usermod`; a common trap is confusing `-M` (maximum days) with `-m` (minimum days) or `-W` (warning period). To set password aging with chage command, remember that `-M` stands for "Maximum" lifespan, while `-m` is for the minimum interval between changes. A reliable memory tip is to think of "M" as "Must change after" and "m" as "Must wait before."
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of system security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 security policy requires that all users must change their passwords every 90 days. Which command enforces maximum password age for an existing user 'jdoe'?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
chage -M 90 jdoe
Sets maximum number of days a password is valid.
passwd -f jdoe
Why wrong: Forces a password change but does not set aging.
usermod -e 90 jdoe
Why wrong: usermod -e sets account expiration, not password aging.
chage -E 90 jdoe
Why wrong: -E sets account expiration date, not password age.
Answer choices
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`.
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.
chage -M 90 jdoe
Why this is correct
Sets maximum number of days a password is valid.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing 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.
Detailed technical explanation
The `chage` command modifies the password aging information in `/etc/shadow`, specifically the third field (last password change) and fifth field (maximum password age). The maximum password age is defined in days and is checked by PAM modules like `pam_unix.so` during authentication; when the current time exceeds the last change plus the maximum age, the user is forced to change their password. In a real-world scenario, combining `-M 90` with `-W 7` (warning days) and `-I 5` (inactive days) provides a complete password expiration policy.
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-2 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.
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FAQ
System Security — This question tests System Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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`.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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