LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A system has multiple kernels installed. Which command shows the version of the currently booted kernel?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse listing installed kernels (via package managers or `/boot`) with identifying the currently running kernel, leading them to pick options like `rpm -qa | grep kernel` or `ls /boot`.
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
✓
uname -r
The `uname -r` command specifically displays the kernel release (version) of the currently running operating system. It reads this information directly from the `/proc/sys/kernel/osrelease` virtual file, which is populated by the kernel at boot time. This makes it the most direct and reliable method to identify the active kernel version.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
rpm -qa | grep kernel
Why it's wrong here
This lists installed kernel packages, not the running kernel.
- ✓
uname -r
Why this is correct
uname -r prints just the kernel release of the currently running kernel.
- ✗
cat /proc/version
Why it's wrong here
/proc/version shows kernel version but includes additional information; uname is more specific.
- ✗
ls /boot
Why it's wrong here
ls /boot lists all kernels, not the currently running one.
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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.