Which command runs a short SMART test on a device?

• A. sudo smartctl -t long /dev/sdX
• B. sudo smartctl -t quick /dev/sdX
• C. sudo smartctl -t short /dev/sdX
• D. sudo smartctl --test short /dev/sdX

Answer: (C)

Self-tests are built-in diagnostics that drives can run to check their health. To trigger one with smartctl, you specify the test type after the self-test option. The short test is a quick, targeted check that runs in minutes, focusing on essential areas of the drive. It’s designed for a fast health check, not a full diagnostic sweep. The long test, by contrast, is more thorough and takes much longer to complete. A designation like “quick” isn’t a standard SMART test type, so it may not reliably perform the intended quick self-test. The alternate --test form is just another way to invoke a test, but you still need to indicate the test type; using the short type is the clear, correct way. So the command that runs a short SMART self-test is the one that specifies the short type after the test option.