Practise in a virtual machine.
One commenter recommends an Ubuntu virtual machine in free VirtualBox, adding that yum and rpm work much like apt. They stress that output-based questions rarely make sense unless you have run the commands.
CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006) Exam Guide
Validates knowledge of Linux system management, services and users, security, automation and scripting, and troubleshooting.
Linux+ tests whether you can run Linux servers from the command line, covering storage, services, users, security, scripting and troubleshooting. Expect command output, logs and configuration files. Learn the objectives with one course or book, practise every task in your own virtual machines, then use timed tests to find gaps.
Understand the exam
Syllabus
1.0System management23%
- 1.1Explain basic Linux concepts.
- 1.2Summarize Linux device management concepts and tools.
- 1.3Manage storage in a Linux system.Scenario
- 1.4Manage network services and configurations on a Linux server.Scenario
- 1.5Manage a Linux system using common shell operations.Scenario
- 1.6Perform backup and restore operations for a Linux server.Scenario
- 1.7Summarize virtualization on Linux systems.
Example scenario: A new disk has been added to a server running out of space in /var. How would you make the extra space available without reinstalling?
2.0Services and user management20%
- 2.1Manage files and directories on a Linux system.Scenario
- 2.2Perform local account management in a Linux environment.Scenario
- 2.3Manage processes and jobs in a Linux environment.Scenario
- 2.4Configure and manage software in a Linux environment.Scenario
- 2.5Manage Linux using systemd.Scenario
- 2.6Manage applications in a container on a Linux server.Scenario
Example scenario: A web service fails to start after a reboot. Which commands would you run to see why?
3.0Security18%
- 3.1Summarize authorization, authentication, and accounting methods.
- 3.2Configure and implement firewalls on a Linux system.Scenario
- 3.3Apply operating system (OS) hardening techniques on a Linux system.Scenario
- 3.4Explain account hardening techniques and best practices.
- 3.5Explain cryptographic concepts and technologies in a Linux environment.
- 3.6Explain the importance of compliance and audit procedures.
Example scenario: SSH logs show thousands of failed root logins from the internet. Which settings would you change first?
4.0Automation, orchestration, and scripting17%
- 4.1Summarize the use cases and techniques of automation and orchestration in a Linux environment.
- 4.2Perform automated tasks using shell scripting.Scenario
- 4.3Summarize Python basics used for Linux system administration.
- 4.4Implement version control using Git.Scenario
- 4.5Summarize best practices and responsible uses of artificial intelligence (AI).
Example scenario: You need to create the same ten user accounts on twenty servers. How would you automate it and keep the script under version control?
5.0Troubleshooting22%
- 5.1Summarize monitoring concepts and configurations in a Linux system.
- 5.2Analyze and troubleshoot hardware, storage, and Linux OS issues.Scenario
- 5.3Analyze and troubleshoot networking issues on a Linux system.Scenario
- 5.4Analyze and troubleshoot security issues on a Linux system.Scenario
- 5.5Analyze and troubleshoot performance issues.Scenario
Example scenario: A server responds slowly and the load average is high, but CPU use is low. What would you check next?
Official XK0-006 exam objectives · XK0-006 (V8)
Format
- Questions
- Up to 90
- Duration
- 90 min
- Passing score
- 720 / 900
- Delivery
- Test centre or online
- Languages
- English
Question types
Choose the best answer from the options, or the stated number of answers when a question asks for more than one.
CertUp example
A shell script must stop as soon as any command in it fails. Which line near the top does this?
Show answer
A. set -e exits the script when a command returns an error. set -x only prints each command as it runs.
Complete a hands-on task in a simulated environment, such as configuring a setting, reading output or putting steps in order.
CertUp example
Put these steps in order to add a new disk to a server and keep it mounted after a reboot.
Show answer
Partition the disk, create a file system on the partition, mount it at a directory, then add an entry to /etc/fstab. The file system must exist before it can be mounted, and fstab makes the mount permanent.
Make a study plan
Read the objectives and set up two virtual machines, one Debian-based and one Red Hat-based. Choose one main course or book, and practise every command as you learn it.
Most candidates spend 60–120 hours. Plan for the low end if you use Linux daily; plan for the high end if the command line is new to you.
- 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.5 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.53 h
- 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.27 h
- 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.5 h
Learn the core concepts
Use one complete XK0-006 course or the Sybex book as your main resource, and the objectives as your checklist. Practise everything on your own Linux virtual machines.
Best complete courseCompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006) Complete Certification Course
Best low-cost courseCompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006) Complete Course & Exam
Best bookCompTIA Linux+ Study Guide: Exam XK0-006, 6th editionRun every command yourself. Install a Debian-based and a Red Hat-based distribution in free virtualization software, and repeat each task on both until you can do it without notes.
Practice with mock exams
Use timed tests to find weak domains, then go back to your virtual machines and run the commands you missed. Read the output carefully, because many questions depend on it.
See all 5 Linux+ practice tests →Are you ready?
- You can explain what a command's output shows and what you would run next.
- You can fix a failed service, a full disk and a permission error without notes.
- You can finish a timed practice exam with time left to review.
Prepare for exam day
Buy a voucher and schedule with Pearson VUE. The voucher is valid for 12 months, subject to the exam retirement date.
At a test centre
Testing from home
- Bring the identification listed in your appointment confirmation, with the same name as your booking.
- Arrive at the time specified in your confirmation and store personal belongings as instructed.
- Use the exam tutorial before the 90-minute timer starts.
- Run the OnVUE system test on the computer and connection you will use.
- Prepare a private room and clear your desk.
- Have your accepted ID ready and begin check-in at the time stated in your confirmation.
Advice from exam takers
Learn the commands before the options.
One candidate who passed with the Sybex book and daily Linux use suggests building virtual machines for the labs and focusing on ACLs, logs, cron and scripting.