LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Which TWO of the following commands can be used to list currently loaded kernel modules? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse listing available modules on disk (Option C) with listing currently loaded modules, or mistakenly think `modinfo` or `depmod` can enumerate loaded modules when they are designed for module metadata and dependency resolution, respectively.
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
✓
cat /proc/modules
`/proc/modules` is a virtual file maintained by the kernel that lists all currently loaded kernel modules, including their size, usage count, and dependent modules. Reading this file provides a real-time snapshot of the kernel's module state. Option E is correct because `lsmod` is a user-space utility that parses `/proc/modules` and formats the output in a human-readable table, making it the standard command for listing loaded modules.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
modinfo -l
Why it's wrong here
modinfo displays information about a specific module, not a list. The -l option is invalid.
- ✓
cat /proc/modules
Why this is correct
/proc/modules directly shows the kernel's current modules; cat displays it.
- ✗
ls /lib/modules/$(uname -r)
Why it's wrong here
This lists available module files, not the currently loaded ones.
- ✗
depmod -e
Why it's wrong here
depmod generates module dependency files; it does not list loaded modules.
- ✓
lsmod
Why this is correct
lsmod formats the contents of /proc/modules and is a standard command to list loaded modules.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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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.