This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. 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.
Exhibit
● httpd.service - The Apache HTTP Server
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/httpd.service; disabled; vendor preset: disabled)
Active: failed (Result: exit-code) since Mon 2025-03-10 09:23:45 EDT; 5min ago
Docs: man:httpd.service(8)
Process: 12345 ExecStart=/usr/sbin/httpd $OPTIONS -k start (code=exited, status=1/FAILURE)
Main PID: 12345 (code=exited, status=1/FAILURE)
Status: "Total requests: 0; Current requests/sec: 0; Current traffic: 0 B/sec"
Tasks: 0 (limit: 23132)
Memory: 0B
CGroup: /system.slice/httpd.service
Mar 10 09:23:45 server1 systemd[1]: Starting The Apache HTTP Server...
Mar 10 09:23:45 server1 httpd[12345]: [Mon Mar 10 09:23:45.123456 2025] [core:error] [pid 12345] (13)Permission denied: AH00035: access to /var/www/html/index.html denied (status 403)
Mar 10 09:23:45 server1 httpd[12345]: (13)Permission denied: AH00035: access to /var/www/html/index.html denied
Mar 10 09:23:45 server1 systemd[1]: httpd.service: Child 12345 belongs to httpd.service
Mar 10 09:23:45 server1 systemd[1]: httpd.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=1/FAILURE
Mar 10 09:23:45 server1 systemd[1]: httpd.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
Refer to the exhibit. What is the most likely cause of the httpd service failure?
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
✓
SELinux context on /var/www/html/index.html is incorrect.
The httpd service fails because SELinux enforces a security context on the web content files. If the context of /var/www/html/index.html is not set to httpd_sys_content_t, the Apache process (running under the httpd_t domain) is denied read access to the file, even if file permissions are correct. This causes the service to start but fail to serve the page, often logged as a 'Permission denied' error in /var/log/audit/audit.log.
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.
✗
The httpd service is disabled.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Being disabled does not prevent manual start; it only affects automatic start at boot.
✗
The Apache configuration has a syntax error.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: No syntax error message appears in the log; the error is about file access.
✗
The /var/www/html directory does not exist.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: The error says 'access to /var/www/html/index.html denied' implying the file exists.
✓
SELinux context on /var/www/html/index.html is incorrect.
Why this is correct
Correct: 'Permission denied' with access denied error is typical of SELinux denials.
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume file permissions (e.g., 644) are the only access control, overlooking SELinux as a mandatory access control system that can block access even when traditional permissions are correct.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux uses Type Enforcement (TE) to confine processes. The Apache process runs in the httpd_t domain, and by default it can only read files labeled httpd_sys_content_t. If a file is mislabeled (e.g., default_t or user_home_t), SELinux denies access with an AVC denial logged to /var/log/audit/audit.log. The restorecon command or chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t can fix this. In real-world scenarios, this is a common issue when moving or copying files from non-standard locations, as SELinux contexts are not preserved by default cp commands.
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.
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: SELinux context on /var/www/html/index.html is incorrect. — The httpd service fails because SELinux enforces a security context on the web content files. If the context of /var/www/html/index.html is not set to httpd_sys_content_t, the Apache process (running under the httpd_t domain) is denied read access to the file, even if file permissions are correct. This causes the service to start but fail to serve the page, often logged as a 'Permission denied' error in /var/log/audit/audit.log.
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.