Quick Answer
The answer is `config system ntp`. This CLI command is the correct choice because it enters the NTP configuration context in FortiOS, where you can specify the external NTP server, enable authentication, and set synchronization intervals. Unlike commands such as `execute time` (which only sets the date manually) or `get system time` (which displays status), `config system ntp` is the dedicated configuration path for managing NTP server settings on a FortiGate device. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between configuration and diagnostic commands in the CLI, a common trap where candidates confuse `config system ntp` with `execute ntp` or `show system ntp`. Remember that any permanent system service configuration in FortiOS begins with `config system`, so think "config system ntp" for NTP servers, not "execute" or "set". A helpful memory tip: "Config for config, execute for action" — if you need to set up a server, you always start with `config system`.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A FortiGate administrator wants to synchronize the system time with an external NTP server. Which CLI command should be used to configure the NTP server?
execute date
Why wrong: This is for manual date/time setting.
diagnose ntp status
Why wrong: This shows NTP status, not configuration.
config system ntp
This enters NTP configuration mode to add servers.
config system global
Why wrong: Global settings include timezone but not NTP servers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
config system ntp
Option C is correct because the `config system ntp` command enters the NTP configuration context in FortiOS, where you can specify NTP servers, authentication, and synchronization settings. This is the standard CLI path for configuring NTP on FortiGate devices, as opposed to other commands that only display status or set the date manually.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
execute date
Why it's wrong here
This is for manual date/time setting.
diagnose ntp status
Why it's wrong here
This shows NTP status, not configuration.
config system ntp
Why this is correct
This enters NTP configuration mode to add servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
config system global
Why it's wrong here
Global settings include timezone but not NTP servers.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `config system ntp` with `config system global` because both are under the `config system` hierarchy, but NTP configuration has its own dedicated subcommand and is not a global setting.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows NTP status, not configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, FortiGate uses NTPv4 (RFC 5905) for time synchronization. The `config system ntp` context allows setting up to three NTP servers with optional authentication using MD5 or SHA1 keys. In a real-world scenario, if the NTP server is unreachable, the FortiGate will fall back to its local clock, which can cause certificate validation failures for SSL VPN or LDAP authentication if the time drift exceeds 5 minutes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
System and Network Administration — This question tests System and Network Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: config system ntp — Option C is correct because the `config system ntp` command enters the NTP configuration context in FortiOS, where you can specify NTP servers, authentication, and synchronization settings. This is the standard CLI path for configuring NTP on FortiGate devices, as opposed to other commands that only display status or set the date manually.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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