- A
by-path
Why wrong: by-path is not a valid method; it is a udev symlink and is not parsed by mount when reading /etc/fstab.
- B
LABEL
LABEL is a valid method; filesystem labels are set with e2label or tune2fs and can be used in /etc/fstab.
- C
PARTUUID
PARTUUID is a valid method; it identifies the partition and is supported in /etc/fstab for persistent block device identification.
- D
UUID
UUID is a valid method; filesystem UUIDs are commonly used in /etc/fstab for reliable identification.
- E
/dev/sda1
Why wrong: /dev/sda1 is not considered a valid method because device names can change and are not persistent; they are not recommended for use in /etc/fstab.
Question 144 of 537
Valid Methods to Identify a Block Device in /etc/fstab: UUID, LABEL, and Device Name
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. A key principle to apply: uUID. 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 of the following are valid methods to identify a block device in /etc/fstab?
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
✓
LABEL
The valid methods to identify a block device in /etc/fstab are by filesystem UUID, filesystem LABEL, and partition UUID (PARTUUID). These are persistent identifiers supported by mount. Device names like /dev/sda1 are not recommended because they can change and are not considered reliable identifiers in this context. Option A (by-path) is a udev symlink and not used by mount. Therefore, the correct three options are B, C, and D.
Key principle: UUID
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
by-path
Why it's wrong here
by-path is not a valid method; it is a udev symlink and is not parsed by mount when reading /etc/fstab.
- ✓
LABEL
Why this is correct
LABEL is a valid method; filesystem labels are set with e2label or tune2fs and can be used in /etc/fstab.
Related concept
UUID
- ✓
PARTUUID
Why this is correct
PARTUUID is a valid method; it identifies the partition and is supported in /etc/fstab for persistent block device identification.
Related concept
UUID
- ✓
UUID
Why this is correct
UUID is a valid method; filesystem UUIDs are commonly used in /etc/fstab for reliable identification.
Related concept
UUID
- ✗
/dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
/dev/sda1 is not considered a valid method because device names can change and are not persistent; they are not recommended for use in /etc/fstab.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common misconception is that all udev symlinks (by-path, by-id) are valid in /etc/fstab, but mount only supports UUID, LABEL, PARTUUID, and PARTLABEL. Device names (e.g., /dev/sda1) are also often considered invalid due to non-persistent naming.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, /etc/fstab entries are parsed by mount(8) which uses blkid(8) to resolve LABEL= and UUID= to actual device nodes. The kernel itself does not understand labels; instead, the mount command queries the udev database or reads the filesystem superblock directly. A real-world scenario: when using LVM or software RAID, device names like /dev/sda1 can change after a reboot, so using LABEL or UUID ensures the correct filesystem is mounted regardless of device ordering.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- UUID
- LABEL
- PARTUUID
- /etc/fstab
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
UUID
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. UUID 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.
Review uUID, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Configure local storage — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Configure local storage practice questions
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Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Configure local storage — This question tests Configure local storage — UUID.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: LABEL — The valid methods to identify a block device in /etc/fstab are by filesystem UUID, filesystem LABEL, and partition UUID (PARTUUID). These are persistent identifiers supported by mount. Device names like /dev/sda1 are not recommended because they can change and are not considered reliable identifiers in this context. Option A (by-path) is a udev symlink and not used by mount. Therefore, the correct three options are B, C, and D.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Review uUID, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
UUID
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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