Quick Answer
The answer is `chmod u+x script.sh`, which adds execute permission for the file owner only. This is correct because the script’s current permissions `-rw-r--r--` grant the owner read and write but no execute bit; the `u+x` notation specifically targets the user (owner) class, adding the execute flag without altering group or others. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding of symbolic mode in `chmod`, a fundamental skill for managing script execution and file security. A common trap is using `chmod +x script.sh`, which adds execute for all classes (owner, group, others), potentially over-permitting the file—a subtle but critical distinction in RHCSA scenarios where least privilege matters. To remember: think “u” for “user” (owner), and “+x” as “add execute”—the owner alone gets the power to run the script.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of essential tools. 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.
A user reports that a script in their home directory fails to execute. The script has permissions -rw-r--r-- and is owned by the user. Which command will allow execution for the owner?
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.
chmod u+r script.sh
Why wrong: Adds read, not execute.
chmod a+x script.sh
Why wrong: Adds execute for all, not just owner.
chmod u+x script.sh
Adds execute for owner.
chmod u-x script.sh
Why wrong: Removes execute for owner.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
chmod u+x script.sh
The script currently has permissions `-rw-r--r--`, meaning the owner has read and write but not execute. To allow the owner to execute it, you need to add the execute permission for the owner only. `chmod u+x script.sh` adds the execute bit for the user (owner) without affecting group or others, which is the precise requirement.
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.
chmod u+r script.sh
Why it's wrong here
Adds read, not execute.
chmod a+x script.sh
Why it's wrong here
Adds execute for all, not just owner.
chmod u+x script.sh
Why this is correct
Adds execute for owner.
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.
chmod u-x script.sh
Why it's wrong here
Removes execute for owner.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between adding execute permission for the owner only versus adding it for all users, and the trap here is that candidates might choose `a+x` (option B) thinking it is the simplest solution, but the question explicitly asks for execution for the owner.
Detailed technical explanation
In Linux, file permissions are stored as a 12-bit value in the inode, with the execute bit (bit 0 for owner, bit 3 for group, bit 6 for others) controlling whether the file can be run as a program or script. The `chmod` command uses symbolic mode (e.g., `u+x`) to modify the permission bits directly; `u+x` sets the owner execute bit without altering the sticky, setuid, or setgid bits. In a real-world scenario, a user might need to run a personal script from their home directory, and adding only owner execute avoids unnecessary security exposure.
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 EX200 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
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: chmod u+x script.sh — The script currently has permissions `-rw-r--r--`, meaning the owner has read and write but not execute. To allow the owner to execute it, you need to add the execute permission for the owner only. `chmod u+x script.sh` adds the execute bit for the user (owner) without affecting group or others, which is the precise requirement.
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 30, 2026
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