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Exam Information
Official specifications published by CompTIA
Exam Format
90 min
90
720
Intermediate
Registration
$358 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
Validity
3 years
Retake the current Linux+ exam; Complete CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program; Earn higher-level CompTIA certifications
XK0-004 Exam Topics and Domains
XK0-004 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with ssh, aa-complain, aa-enforce, aa-status, and more.
1
Hardware and System Configuration
21%
Explain Linux boot process concepts
Boot LoadersBoot OptionsBoot Process
- Configure and troubleshoot boot loaders
- Understand different boot methods and options
- Handle boot process failures
Given a scenario, install, configure, and monitor kernel modules
Kernel Module ManagementModule Configuration
- Manage kernel modules effectively
- Configure module parameters
- Monitor module status
Given a scenario, configure and verify network connection parameters
Network Configuration
- Configure network connection parameters
- Verify network connectivity
- Troubleshoot network issues
Given a scenario, manage storage in a Linux environment
Storage Management
- Manage storage devices and partitions
- Configure file systems
- Implement LVM solutions
2
Systems Operation and Maintenance
26%
Given a scenario, conduct software installations, configurations, updates, and removals
Package TypesPackage Management ToolsBuild ToolsRepository Management
- Install software using various package managers
- Compile and install software from source
- Manage package repositories
Given a scenario, manage users and groups
User and Group CreationUser and Group ModificationUser and Group DeletionUser and Group QueriesQuotas and ProfilesUser System Files
- Create and manage user accounts and groups
- Configure user quotas and profiles
- Understand user account system files
Given a scenario, create, modify, and redirect files
File Operations
- Create and modify files
- Use file redirection operators
- Chain commands with pipes
3
Security
19%
Given a scenario, implement cybersecurity best practices
Security Hardening
- Implement system hardening techniques
- Apply security best practices
Given a scenario, configure and implement appropriate access and authentication methods
Authentication MethodsPublic Key InfrastructureVPN Client
- Configure authentication methods
- Implement PKI
- Set up VPN client access
Given a scenario, implement logging services
System Logging
- Configure logging services
- Analyze and interpret system logs
Given a scenario, implement and configure firewalls
Firewall Configuration
- Configure and manage firewalls
- Create firewall rules
- Troubleshoot firewall configurations
Given a scenario, configure and execute remote connectivity for system management
Remote Access
- Configure remote access
- Secure remote connections
- Manage systems remotely
Given a scenario, implement and configure SELinux or AppArmor
SELinuxAppArmor
- Configure and manage SELinux
- Configure and manage AppArmor
- Implement mandatory access controls
Given a scenario, implement backup, restore, and verify data
Backup and Restore
- Implement backup solutions
- Restore data from backups
- Verify data integrity
4
Linux Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
20%
Given a scenario, analyze system properties and remediate accordingly
System Analysis
- Analyze system properties
- Identify performance issues
- Remediate system problems
Given a scenario, analyze system processes in order to optimize performance
Process Management
- Manage system processes
- Optimize process performance
- Control process priorities
Given a scenario, analyze and troubleshoot user issues
User Access Issues
- Troubleshoot user access issues
- Resolve permission problems
- Fix account-related issues
Given a scenario, analyze and troubleshoot application and hardware issues
Application IssuesHardware Issues
- Troubleshoot application issues
- Diagnose hardware problems
- Use diagnostic tools effectively
5
Automation and Scripting
14%
Given a scenario, deploy and execute basic BASH scripts
BASH Scripting FundamentalsScript Execution
- Write basic BASH scripts
- Execute scripts properly
- Debug scripting issues
Given a scenario, carry out version control using Git
Git FundamentalsGit Workflow
- Use Git for version control
- Manage code repositories
- Collaborate using Git
Summarize orchestration processes and concepts
Automation ConceptsJob Scheduling
- Understand orchestration concepts
- Schedule automated tasks
- Implement automation workflows
How do I earn this certification?
Passing XK0-004 earns the CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004) certification. It sits in the Linux Administration track.
Current Level Exams
XK0-004 - CompTIA Linux+Retired January 16, 2023 - replaced by XK0-005
Next Level Options
- XK0-005 - CompTIA Linux+ (Current Version)Updated version with cloud and containerization focus
- CS0-003 - CompTIA CySA+Security analyst path
- PT0-002 - CompTIA PenTest+ Penetration testing specialization
- SK0-005 - CompTIA Server+Server administration expertise
Alternative Paths
- RHCSA - Red Hat Certified System Administrator Vendor-specific Linux certification
- LPI 101-500 - LPIC-1 Exam 101 Alternative vendor-neutral Linux certification
- LPI 102-500 - LPIC-1 Exam 102 Completes LPIC-1 certification
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for XK0-004.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRED
- Last content update: 2019-09-01
- Announcement date: 2021-08-01
Updates
- Systemd Latest Service management focus remains critical across all versions
- SELinux Latest Mandatory access controls remain fundamental security topic
- Git Latest Version control increasingly important for automation
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Linux administrators and System administrators.
- CompTIA A+ certification
- CompTIA Network+ certification
- 9-12 months of hands-on Linux administration experience