Quick Answer
The answer is to use either `ls -Z` or `stat` to check the SELinux context of a file. Both commands reveal the security label assigned to a file, which includes the SELinux user, role, type, and sensitivity level—critical for enforcing mandatory access control policies. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, you must know that `ls -Z` appends the context to the standard file listing, while `stat test.txt` displays the context in its detailed output under the “Context” field. A common trap is confusing `ls -Z` with `ls -z` (which does nothing for SELinux) or forgetting that `stat` shows the context without needing a special flag. To remember, think: “Z for SELinux, stat for full context.”
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of deploy, configure, and maintain 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 are correct ways to check the SELinux context of a file named 'test.txt'? (Choose exactly two.)
ls -Z test.txt
ls -Z shows SELinux context.
ls -l test.txt
Why wrong: ls -l does not show SELinux context.
sestatus
Why wrong: Shows overall SELinux status.
getenforce
Why wrong: Shows enforcing mode, not file context.
stat test.txt
stat shows SELinux context in output.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ls -Z test.txt
Option A is correct because `ls -Z` displays the SELinux security context of files, including user, role, type, and sensitivity level. The `-Z` option is specifically designed to show SELinux context information for files and processes.
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.
ls -Z test.txt
Why this is correct
ls -Z shows SELinux context.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ls -l test.txt
Why it's wrong here
ls -l does not show SELinux context.
sestatus
Why it's wrong here
Shows overall SELinux status.
getenforce
Why it's wrong here
Shows enforcing mode, not file context.
stat test.txt
Why this is correct
stat shows SELinux context in output.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between commands that show SELinux status (`sestatus`, `getenforce`) versus commands that show file-level SELinux context (`ls -Z`, `stat`), trapping candidates who confuse system-wide status with per-file attributes.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
ls -l does not show SELinux context.
Detailed technical explanation
The SELinux context displayed by `ls -Z` follows the format `user:role:type:sensitivity`, where the type (e.g., `unconfined_u:object_r:user_home_t:s0`) is the primary attribute used for access control decisions. The `stat` command with no options also shows SELinux context by default on systems with SELinux enabled, making option E correct as well. In real-world scenarios, verifying file contexts is critical when troubleshooting SELinux denials, as mislabeled files (e.g., a web server file with `user_home_t` instead of `httpd_sys_content_t`) will cause access failures.
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
Deploy, configure, and maintain systems — This question tests Deploy, configure, and maintain systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: ls -Z test.txt — Option A is correct because `ls -Z` displays the SELinux security context of files, including user, role, type, and sensitivity level. The `-Z` option is specifically designed to show SELinux context information for files and processes.
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
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.
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