The correct solution is to modify the script to use absolute paths for all file references, such as /opt/scripts/config.ini, because cron jobs execute with a highly restricted environment, including a minimal PATH that does not include the script’s directory. When the script uses a relative path like ./config.ini, the cron job’s working directory defaults to the user’s home directory—/root for root cron—so the configuration file is never found, even though the script runs perfectly when executed manually from /opt/scripts. This scenario tests your understanding of cron’s limited shell environment, a classic trap on the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam where candidates often overlook that cron does not inherit the user’s interactive PATH or working directory. The key memory tip is “cron is a minimalist”—it strips away your environment, so always hardcode full paths in scripts and crontab commands to avoid relative path failures.
EX200 Essential Tools Practice Question
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.
You are a system administrator for a company running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8. A developer reports that a script which runs daily at 2 AM is failing. The script is located at /opt/scripts/backup.sh and is owned by root. The developer says the script runs fine when executed manually with './backup.sh' from the /opt/scripts directory. The script is scheduled via a root crontab entry: '0 2 * * * /opt/scripts/backup.sh'. However, the script fails because it cannot find a configuration file located at './config.ini'. What is the most likely cause and the correct solution?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cron uses a different PATH. Modify the script to use absolute paths for all files, including config.ini.
The script fails because cron jobs run with a minimal environment, including a restricted PATH that typically does not include the script's directory. When the script uses a relative path like './config.ini', the cron job's working directory is not /opt/scripts (it defaults to the user's home directory, /root for root cron), so the file is not found. The correct solution is to modify the script to use absolute paths, such as /opt/scripts/config.ini, ensuring it works regardless of the cron environment.
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.
✓
Cron uses a different PATH. Modify the script to use absolute paths for all files, including config.ini.
Why this is correct
Absolute paths resolve the working directory issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The configuration file is missing. Copy config.ini to /root.
Why it's wrong here
It exists in /opt/scripts; better to use absolute path.
✗
The cron job runs as a different user. Change the cron job to run as the developer's user.
Why it's wrong here
The job runs as root; changing user won't fix relative path.
✗
The script is not executable. Run chmod +x /opt/scripts/backup.sh.
Why it's wrong here
It runs manually, so it is executable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume the script's working directory is the same as the script's location, but cron sets the working directory to the user's home directory, not the script's directory.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cron jobs execute with a minimal environment, setting PATH to /usr/bin:/bin by default, and the working directory to the crontab owner's home directory (e.g., /root for root). This contrasts with interactive shells that inherit the user's full environment. A common best practice is to always use absolute paths in scripts run by cron, or set the working directory explicitly at the top of the script (e.g., cd /opt/scripts) before using relative paths.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cron uses a different PATH. Modify the script to use absolute paths for all files, including config.ini. — The script fails because cron jobs run with a minimal environment, including a restricted PATH that typically does not include the script's directory. When the script uses a relative path like './config.ini', the cron job's working directory is not /opt/scripts (it defaults to the user's home directory, /root for root cron), so the file is not found. The correct solution is to modify the script to use absolute paths, such as /opt/scripts/config.ini, ensuring it works regardless of the cron environment.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This EX200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat 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 EX200 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.