This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of linux kernel and system startup. 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 system has multiple kernels installed. Which command shows the version of the currently booted kernel?
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.
rpm -qa | grep kernel
Why wrong: This lists installed kernel packages, not the running kernel.
uname -r
uname -r prints just the kernel release of the currently running kernel.
cat /proc/version
Why wrong: /proc/version shows kernel version but includes additional information; uname is more specific.
ls /boot
Why wrong: ls /boot lists all kernels, not the currently running one.
Answer choices
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often 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`.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
/proc/version shows kernel version but includes additional information; uname is more specific.
Detailed technical explanation
The `uname` system call (syscall `__NR_uname` on x86_64) retrieves kernel identity data from the `utsname` structure, which is maintained in memory by the kernel. The `-r` flag extracts the `release` field, typically formatted as `major.minor.patch-<distribution-specific>`. This command works even if `/proc` is not mounted, making it essential for troubleshooting in early boot stages or minimal recovery environments.
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
Linux Kernel and System Startup — This question tests Linux Kernel and System Startup — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
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 25, 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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