Quick Answer
The correct answer is the `getenforce` and `sestatus` commands, as both are standard tools for displaying the current SELinux mode. `getenforce` returns a concise output showing whether SELinux is in Enforcing, Permissive, or Disabled mode, while `sestatus` provides a detailed status report that includes the current mode along with the loaded policy and the mode from the configuration file. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this question tests your ability to quickly verify SELinux’s operational state, a fundamental skill for troubleshooting access denials and ensuring security compliance. A common trap is confusing `setenforce` (which changes the mode) with `getenforce` (which only displays it), so remember that “get” retrieves information while “set” modifies it. For a quick memory tip, think of “get” as grabbing the mode and “status” as showing the full picture—both give you the answer without altering the system.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of deploy, configure, and maintain systems. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 display the current SELinux mode?
setenforce
Why wrong: Changes SELinux mode, does not display it.
ausearch
Why wrong: Searches audit logs, not for displaying mode.
getenforce
Displays current SELinux mode.
sestatus
Shows SELinux status including current mode.
semanage
Why wrong: Manages SELinux policy, does not display mode.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
getenforce
The `getenforce` command (option C) displays the current SELinux mode as either Enforcing, Permissive, or Disabled. The `sestatus` command (option D) provides a detailed status report including the current mode, the loaded policy, and the mode from the configuration file. Both are standard tools for querying the SELinux operational state.
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.
setenforce
Why it's wrong here
Changes SELinux mode, does not display it.
ausearch
Why it's wrong here
Searches audit logs, not for displaying mode.
getenforce
Why this is correct
Displays current SELinux mode.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
sestatus
Why this is correct
Shows SELinux status including current mode.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
semanage
Why it's wrong here
Manages SELinux policy, does not display mode.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between commands that *query* state versus those that *modify* state, so candidates may confuse `setenforce` (which changes mode) with `getenforce` (which displays mode).
Detailed technical explanation
SELinux modes are stored in the kernel and can be checked via the `/sys/fs/selinux/enforce` pseudo-file (1 for Enforcing, 0 for Permissive) or the `selinuxfs` mount point. The `getenforce` command reads this file directly, while `sestatus` reads both the kernel state and the configuration from `/etc/selinux/config`. In a real-world scenario, after a temporary mode change with `setenforce`, `getenforce` shows the runtime mode, whereas `sestatus` also shows the persistent mode from the config file, which can differ if the system has not been rebooted.
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: getenforce — The `getenforce` command (option C) displays the current SELinux mode as either Enforcing, Permissive, or Disabled. The `sestatus` command (option D) provides a detailed status report including the current mode, the loaded policy, and the mode from the configuration file. Both are standard tools for querying the SELinux operational state.
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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