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.
To list all currently loaded kernel modules, which command is used?
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.
lsmod
lsmod lists all loaded kernel modules.
kmod -l
Why wrong: kmod is a wrapper for kernel module commands, but 'kmod -l' is not valid; use lsmod.
modlist
Why wrong: modlist is not a standard Linux command.
modules_loaded
Why wrong: modules_loaded is not a command.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
lsmod
The correct command to list all currently loaded kernel modules is `lsmod`. It reads the `/proc/modules` file and displays the module name, size, used count, and a list of dependent modules. This is the standard and most direct method on Linux systems.
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.
lsmod
Why this is correct
lsmod lists all loaded kernel modules.
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.
kmod -l
Why it's wrong here
kmod is a wrapper for kernel module commands, but 'kmod -l' is not valid; use lsmod.
modlist
Why it's wrong here
modlist is not a standard Linux command.
modules_loaded
Why it's wrong here
modules_loaded is not a command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse `lsmod` with `modprobe` or `kmod` options, or assume a non-existent command like `modlist` is correct because it sounds plausible.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
kmod is a wrapper for kernel module commands, but 'kmod -l' is not valid; use lsmod.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `lsmod` parses `/proc/modules`, which is a virtual file maintained by the kernel that shows the current state of all loaded modules. The output includes the module size in bytes, the number of references (used count), and a list of other modules that depend on it. This information is critical for troubleshooting module dependencies and for safely unloading modules with `rmmod`.
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.
Linux Kernel and System Startup — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Linux Kernel and System Startup practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-2 questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 LPIC-2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-2 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Linux Kernel and System Startup.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Advanced Networking Configuration.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to DNS, Web and Mail Services.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to File Sharing and Samba.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to System Security.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Network Client Management.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 scenario.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: lsmod — The correct command to list all currently loaded kernel modules is `lsmod`. It reads the `/proc/modules` file and displays the module name, size, used count, and a list of dependent modules. This is the standard and most direct method on Linux systems.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.