This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of block devices, filesystems and advanced storage. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Which THREE of the following are correct about RAID 1 in mdadm? (Select THREE)
It provides striping.
Why wrong: Striping is RAID 0.
It can have a hot spare.
Hot spare can be configured.
It requires at least 2 disks.
Minimum of 2 disks for mirroring.
It provides mirroring.
RAID 1 is mirroring.
It uses a bitmap for resync.
Why wrong: Bitmap is optional, not a defining feature.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It can have a hot spare.
RAID 1 in mdadm provides mirroring, where data is written identically to two or more disks. A hot spare is supported: if a disk fails, mdadm automatically rebuilds the mirror onto the spare. This requires at least 2 disks to form the mirror.
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.
It provides striping.
Why it's wrong here
Striping is RAID 0.
It can have a hot spare.
Why this is correct
Hot spare can be configured.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It requires at least 2 disks.
Why this is correct
Minimum of 2 disks for mirroring.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It provides mirroring.
Why this is correct
RAID 1 is mirroring.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It uses a bitmap for resync.
Why it's wrong here
Bitmap is optional, not a defining feature.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse RAID 1 with RAID 0 or RAID 5, assuming striping or mandatory bitmaps are part of RAID 1, when in fact mirroring and hot spare support are the key characteristics tested.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, mdadm RAID 1 uses a 'write-intent bitmap' to record which blocks are out of sync, allowing faster resync after a crash. In practice, a hot spare is configured with the --spare-devices option, and mdadm automatically activates it upon detecting a failed disk via the kernel's MD driver. This is critical for high-availability setups where manual intervention is unacceptable.
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.
Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage 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
Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — This question tests Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: It can have a hot spare. — RAID 1 in mdadm provides mirroring, where data is written identically to two or more disks. A hot spare is supported: if a disk fails, mdadm automatically rebuilds the mirror onto the spare. This requires at least 2 disks to form the mirror.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
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.