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CompTIA · Linux & Systems · Associate

CompTIA Linux+ exam guide

Exam XK0-006

CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006) validates distribution-neutral Linux administration skills: system management, services and users, security, troubleshooting, and automation with scripting and orchestration. Linux runs most cloud and server workloads, making it a core skill for sysadmin, DevOps and security roles.

QuestionsUp to 90
Time limit90 minutes
Passing score720 (100-900 scale)
Exam fee$399 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or online proctored (OnVUE)

Format: Multiple choice and performance-based. Fee note: 2026 US retail price.

Who it's for

Junior Linux and systems administrators with about 12 months of hands-on Linux server experience.

What the exam covers

System Management23%
Services and User Management20%
Security18%
Automation, Orchestration, and Scripting17%
Troubleshooting22%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: About 12 months of hands-on Linux server experience; A+, Network+ or Server+ or equivalent knowledge.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years. Renew through CompTIA Continuing Education: earn 50 CEUs in the 3-year cycle and pay the $150 CE fee, or pass a newer version or a higher-level CompTIA exam that renews it automatically, or complete the matching CertMaster CE course.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Managing files, storage, LVM and boot processes
  • Managing packages, services and systemd
  • Configuring users, groups and permissions
  • Hardening with firewalls, SELinux/AppArmor and SSH
  • Bash and Python scripting, Git and Ansible basics
  • Containers and orchestration basics
  • Troubleshooting performance, storage and network problems

Job roles

Linux AdministratorSystems AdministratorDevOps Engineer (junior)Cloud EngineerSite Reliability Engineer (junior)Technical Support Engineer

DoD 8140

Recognized in the DoD 8140 qualification matrix for system administration work roles. Open the DoD Workforce Navigator

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Set up a Linux VM lab (one RHEL-family and one Debian-family distro) and review the XK0-006 objectives.
  2. Week 2: System management (23%): boot process, storage, LVM, file systems, packages, kernel modules.
  3. Week 3: Services and users and security: systemd units, networking, permissions, ACLs, SELinux, firewalls, SSH keys.
  4. Week 4: Automation, orchestration and scripting: Bash scripts, Python basics, Git, Ansible, containers.
  5. Week 5: Troubleshooting (22%): logs, journalctl, performance tools, disk and network issues.
  6. Week 6: Timed practice exams; repeat every command from missed questions in the lab.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Practice commands by typing them; PBQs test exact syntax and flags.
  • Know both apt and dnf package workflows; the exam is distribution-neutral.
  • Be comfortable reading a short Bash script and spotting its output or bug.
  • Troubleshooting is 22%; know which log or tool to check first.
  • Learn permission math (chmod octal) and special bits (SUID, SGID, sticky).

Key terms for this exam

All 161 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does Linux+ cost?

$399 USD at CompTIA's 2026 US retail price.

Linux+ vs RHCSA?

Linux+ is multiple choice plus simulations and vendor-neutral; RHCSA is a fully hands-on Red Hat exam. Many take Linux+ first, then RHCSA.

Does Linux+ expire?

Yes. It is valid 3 years; renew with 50 CEUs and the $150 CE fee.

Is Linux+ worth it?

Yes for DoD system administration roles and as structured preparation for cloud and DevOps work.

What changed in XK0-006?

V8 reorganized the domains and added more on automation, orchestration, containers and security.

Official page: www.comptia.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.