NSE4 NTP Configuration Practice Question
A FortiGate administrator needs to configure NTP to ensure accurate time on the device. Which two steps are required? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates may think a firewall policy is necessary for NTP traffic, but FortiGate's own NTP client uses the management interface and does not require a policy. Additionally, some may confuse 'Sync on Save' with NTP, but that option is related to configuration changes, not time synchronization.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Specify at least one NTP server address
To configure NTP on a FortiGate, you must enable the NTP service under System > Settings (option C) and specify at least one NTP server address (option B) so the device can synchronize its clock. Without enabling the service, the NTP client process does not run, and without a server address, there is no source to query. Option A (Sync on Save) is unrelated to NTP; it refers to configuration changes. Option D (firewall policy) is not required because the FortiGate's NTP client uses the management interface and bypasses regular firewall policies. Option E (set time zone) is not a required step for NTP synchronization, though it may be configured separately.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable the 'Sync on Save' option
Why it's wrong here
'Sync on Save' is a feature for HA clusters, not for basic NTP configuration.
- ✓
Specify at least one NTP server address
Why this is correct
At least one server is required for synchronization.
- ✓
Enable NTP under System > Settings
Why this is correct
NTP must be enabled to use time synchronization.
- ✗
Configure a firewall policy to allow NTP traffic (UDP 123)
Why it's wrong here
NTP traffic from the FortiGate itself is not subject to firewall policies unless it is a VDOM or transparent mode? Actually, the FortiGate's own NTP requests are not governed by policies. But if the FortiGate is behind another firewall, that firewall may need to allow NTP. However, on the FortiGate itself, no policy is needed for its own traffic.
- ✗
Set the time zone to the local time zone
Why it's wrong here
Setting time zone is important for display but not required for NTP to work.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This NSE4 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Fortinet certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the NSE4 exam.