Linux Foundation / CNCF LFCA: Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate

Last checked October 22, 2026 against the official Linux Foundation / CNCF exam page.

1. Question 1Linux fundamentals

   Which component of a Linux system is responsible for managing hardware resources and providing services to applications?

   1. AThe desktop environment
   2. BThe kernel
   3. CThe shell only
   4. DThe web browser
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   Correct answer: B

   The kernel manages hardware and provides system services. The shell is an interface, the desktop environment is a user interface, and the browser is an application.

2. Question 2Cloud and containers

   A team wants to package an application and its dependencies so that it runs the same way on any host with a container engine. Which technology provides this?

   1. ASpreadsheets
   2. BContainers
   3. CVirtual desktops
   4. DBare metal installs only
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   Correct answer: B

   Containers package applications with dependencies for consistent execution. Virtual desktops, spreadsheets and bare-metal installs do not provide this packaging model.

3. Question 3Networking

   Which protocol translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses?

   1. ASSH
   2. BHTTP
   3. CSMTP
   4. DDNS
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   Correct answer: D

   DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses. HTTP serves web content, SMTP sends email, and SSH provides secure remote access.

4. Question 4Operating systems

   Which Linux distribution family is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and uses the RPM package format?

   1. AAlpine Linux only
   2. BDebian-based systems only
   3. CFedora-based systems such as RHEL, Rocky Linux, or AlmaLinux
   4. DArch Linux only
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   Correct answer: C

   RHEL-family distributions such as Rocky and AlmaLinux use RPM packages. Debian and Arch use other formats, and Alpine uses APK.

5. Question 5Security

   A user must create a strong password for a Linux account. Which guidance is most appropriate?

   1. AUse a long passphrase that is unique and not reused across accounts
   2. BUse the username as the password
   3. CUse a password shared with the team
   4. DUse a common word with a number at the end
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   Correct answer: A

   Long, unique passphrases resist guessing and reuse risk. Usernames, shared passwords and simple common words are weak.