- A
Mount point
Correct. The mount point specifies where the filesystem will be attached to the directory tree and is required.
- B
Device
Correct. The device field identifies the block device (by path, UUID, or label) and is mandatory.
- C
Dump field
Incorrect. Although the dump field is present in the six-column format, it is not considered one of the three mandatory fields as it defaults to 0 if omitted.
- D
Filesystem type
Why wrong: Correct. The filesystem type (e.g., ext4, xfs) tells the system how to interpret the device and is required.
- E
UUID
Why wrong: Incorrect. UUID is not a separate field; it is a valid way to specify the device, but the required field is the device identifier itself.
Question 10 of 537
Which Fields Are Required in Every /etc/fstab Entry?
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of configure local storage. 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.
Which three fields are present in every /etc/fstab entry? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Mount point
Every /etc/fstab entry consists of six whitespace-separated fields: device, mount point, filesystem type, options, dump, and pass. Although dump and pass can be omitted and default to 0, the dump field is considered present in every entry due to its default value. The question asks for three fields that are present in every entry; these include the mount point (A), device (B), and dump field (C). The filesystem type (D) is also present, but the question requires exactly three choices, and the dump field is often overlooked. UUID (E) is not a separate field; it is a method to specify the device.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Mount point
Why this is correct
Correct. The mount point specifies where the filesystem will be attached to the directory tree and is required.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Device
Why this is correct
Correct. The device field identifies the block device (by path, UUID, or label) and is mandatory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Dump field
Why this is correct
Incorrect. Although the dump field is present in the six-column format, it is not considered one of the three mandatory fields as it defaults to 0 if omitted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Filesystem type
Why it's wrong here
Correct. The filesystem type (e.g., ext4, xfs) tells the system how to interpret the device and is required.
- ✗
UUID
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. UUID is not a separate field; it is a valid way to specify the device, but the required field is the device identifier itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often think the dump field is optional and thus not present in every entry, but it defaults to 0, making it a field present in all entries. The question asks for fields present, not only mandatory ones.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The /etc/fstab format is defined as six whitespace-separated fields: device, mount point, filesystem type, mount options, dump, and pass. The first three are mandatory; mount options default to 'defaults' if omitted, and dump/pass default to 0. In a real-world scenario, omitting the mount point or filesystem type causes mount to fail with an error, while a missing device field leaves the system unable to locate the block device.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Configure local storage — This question tests Configure local storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Mount point — Every /etc/fstab entry consists of six whitespace-separated fields: device, mount point, filesystem type, options, dump, and pass. Although dump and pass can be omitted and default to 0, the dump field is considered present in every entry due to its default value. The question asks for three fields that are present in every entry; these include the mount point (A), device (B), and dump field (C). The filesystem type (D) is also present, but the question requires exactly three choices, and the dump field is often overlooked. UUID (E) is not a separate field; it is a method to specify the device.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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