Linux+ XK0-005 Domain Breakdown

• System Management (32%) — The largest domain: file systems, package management, storage, hardware management, and system configuration
• Security (21%) — User and group permissions, file access controls, SELinux/AppArmor, firewall management, and hardening techniques
• Scripting, Containers & Automation (19%) — Shell scripting basics, container fundamentals (Docker), orchestration concepts, and automation tooling
• Troubleshooting (28%) — Diagnosing and resolving system, network, storage, and application issues in Linux environments

Exam Day Logistics

• Questions: Up to 90 (includes performance-based questions)
• Time: 90 minutes
• Passing Score: 720/900
• Cost: $338
• Recommended Experience: CompTIA A+ certification or 12 months of Linux administration experience

How to Study

Linux+ is a hands-on exam that rewards practical experience — System Management (32%) and Troubleshooting (28%) together make up 60% of the test and both require command-line fluency. The best way to study for Linux+ is to use the command line every day alongside practice questions. Use the Cover6 Train Up method: start with 25-question domain-focused sessions to find your gaps, build to 50 and 75-question mixed sets, then run timed 90-question full exams until you’re consistently scoring 80% or above. Performance-based questions will test real tasks like configuring permissions, writing basic scripts, and troubleshooting services — so hands-on lab practice in a Linux VM is a must. The study guide included with the Cover6 Linux+ practice exam explains the command-level rationale behind every answer. If you’re new to Linux, budget 8–10 weeks; if you already work in Linux daily, 4–6 weeks is realistic.