Quick Answer
The answer is mkdir and install -d. Both commands can create a mount point directory, with mkdir being the standard tool for making any new directory, and install -d serving a dual purpose by creating the directory while also setting appropriate permissions if needed. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding that a mount point is simply an empty directory where a filesystem attaches, so any command that creates a directory works, but the trap is that commands like touch or cp do not create directories. The install command is often overlooked because it is primarily used for copying files, but its -d flag specifically creates directories, making it a valid alternative. A useful memory tip: think of mkdir as the "make directory" default, and remember that install -d is like a "setup" command that can prepare the mount point in one step.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. 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 TWO commands can be used to create a new directory that will serve as a mount point?
install -d /mnt/newmount
Creates directory.
touch /mnt/newmount
Why wrong: Creates a file.
ln -s /mnt /mnt/newmount
Why wrong: Creates symlink.
mkdir /mnt/newmount
Creates directory.
ln /mnt /mnt/newmount
Why wrong: Creates hard link (fails on directory).
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
install -d /mnt/newmount
Option A is correct because `install -d /mnt/newmount` creates the directory `/mnt/newmount` if it does not already exist, setting it up as a mount point. Option D is correct because `mkdir /mnt/newmount` is the standard command to create a directory, which can then be used as a mount point for a filesystem.
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.
install -d /mnt/newmount
Why this is correct
Creates directory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
touch /mnt/newmount
Why it's wrong here
Creates a file.
ln -s /mnt /mnt/newmount
Why it's wrong here
Creates symlink.
mkdir /mnt/newmount
Why this is correct
Creates directory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ln /mnt /mnt/newmount
Why it's wrong here
Creates hard link (fails on directory).
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between creating a file (`touch`) and creating a directory (`mkdir` or `install -d`), leading candidates to mistakenly think any new filesystem object can serve as a mount point.
Detailed technical explanation
A mount point must be an existing directory in the filesystem hierarchy; the kernel uses the directory's inode to attach the mounted filesystem. The `install` command is often used in scripts because it can create parent directories with `-d` and set permissions in one step, while `mkdir` is the more common interactive tool. Both commands create a directory with a unique inode, which is required for a successful mount operation.
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
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FAQ
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: install -d /mnt/newmount — Option A is correct because `install -d /mnt/newmount` creates the directory `/mnt/newmount` if it does not already exist, setting it up as a mount point. Option D is correct because `mkdir /mnt/newmount` is the standard command to create a directory, which can then be used as a mount point for a filesystem.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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