- A
journalctl -u sshd
Filters journal by unit name.
- B
systemctl status sshd
Why wrong: Shows current status, not full journal entries.
- C
journalctl _SYSTEMD_UNIT=sshd.service
Filters journal by systemd unit variable.
- D
grep sshd /var/log/messages
Why wrong: This searches a traditional log file, not the journal.
- E
tail -f /var/log/secure
Why wrong: This reads the traditional auth log, not the journal.
Question 257 of 537
EX200 Operate running systems Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 two commands can be used to view systemd journal entries for the sshd service?
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
✓
journalctl -u sshd
Option A is correct because `journalctl -u sshd` filters the systemd journal to show only log entries associated with the `sshd.service` unit. This is the standard way to view service-specific logs in a systemd-based system, as it uses the unit name directly. Option C is also correct because `_SYSTEMD_UNIT=sshd.service` is a systemd journal field that matches the exact unit name, providing an equivalent filter to `-u sshd`.
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.
- ✓
journalctl -u sshd
Why this is correct
Filters journal by unit name.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
systemctl status sshd
Why it's wrong here
Shows current status, not full journal entries.
- ✓
journalctl _SYSTEMD_UNIT=sshd.service
Why this is correct
Filters journal by systemd unit variable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
grep sshd /var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
This searches a traditional log file, not the journal.
- ✗
tail -f /var/log/secure
Why it's wrong here
This reads the traditional auth log, not the journal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
On Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems with systemd, the primary logging mechanism is the journal. The trap is that candidates may mistakenly use `systemctl status sshd` (which only shows a snippet) or rely on legacy syslog files like `/var/log/messages` or `/var/log/secure` instead of `journalctl`.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows current status, not full journal entries.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The systemd journal stores logs in a binary format under `/var/log/journal/` (persistent) or `/run/log/journal/` (volatile), and uses structured metadata fields like `_SYSTEMD_UNIT`, `_PID`, and `_COMM` for filtering. The `-u` flag in `journalctl` is a shorthand for `_SYSTEMD_UNIT=`, but it also automatically appends `.service` if omitted, making `journalctl -u sshd` equivalent to `journalctl _SYSTEMD_UNIT=sshd.service`. In real-world scenarios, using `journalctl -u sshd --since today` or `--until` allows precise time-based auditing of service logs, which is critical for troubleshooting intermittent issues.
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?
Operate running systems — This question tests Operate running systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: journalctl -u sshd — Option A is correct because `journalctl -u sshd` filters the systemd journal to show only log entries associated with the `sshd.service` unit. This is the standard way to view service-specific logs in a systemd-based system, as it uses the unit name directly. Option C is also correct because `_SYSTEMD_UNIT=sshd.service` is a systemd journal field that matches the exact unit name, providing an equivalent filter to `-u sshd`.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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