LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Which systemd target is equivalent to the traditional SysV runlevel 3 (multi-user text mode)?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse rescue.target (runlevel 1) with multi-user.target (runlevel 3) because both lack a GUI, but rescue.target is for single-user recovery with minimal services, not for normal multi-user text-mode operation.
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
✓
multi-user.target
In systemd, multi-user.target is the direct equivalent of SysV runlevel 3, which provides a multi-user text-mode environment without a graphical desktop. This target starts all essential system services and network support but does not launch a display manager, making it the standard for headless servers and maintenance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
rescue.target
Why it's wrong here
rescue.target is equivalent to single-user mode (runlevel 1).
- ✗
graphical.target
Why it's wrong here
graphical.target corresponds to runlevel 5 with a display manager.
- ✓
multi-user.target
Why this is correct
This target provides a multi-user, non-graphical environment.
- ✗
emergency.target
Why it's wrong here
emergency.target is a minimal environment for emergency repair, not runlevel 3.
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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.