Quick Answer
The answer is the `diagnose sys ntp status` command. This is the correct choice because it provides a real-time, detailed view of the FortiGate’s NTP synchronization status, including whether the device is currently synced to an NTP server, the stratum level, and the last successful sync time. Unlike configuration-focused commands, this diagnostic tool is specifically designed for troubleshooting when the FortiGate shows the wrong time after NTP setup. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional NSE4 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between configuration verification and diagnostic troubleshooting—a common trap is confusing `show full-configuration` commands with live status checks. Remember that any time you need to verify NTP status on FortiGate, the keyword is “diagnose,” not “show” or “get.” A simple memory tip: think of “diagnose” as the doctor’s tool—you use it when something is broken, not when you just want to read the chart.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An administrator configures a FortiGate to use NTP for time synchronization. After configuration, the FortiGate still shows the wrong time. Which command should the administrator run to verify NTP status?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
show system ntp
Why wrong: This shows configuration, not runtime status.
execute ntp status
Why wrong: The correct command is 'diagnose sys ntp status'.
diagnose sys time status
Why wrong: This is not a valid command.
diagnose sys ntp status
This command displays NTP synchronization status.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
diagnose sys ntp status
Option D is correct because 'diagnose sys ntp status' is the FortiGate CLI command that provides detailed NTP synchronization status, including whether the FortiGate is synchronized to an NTP server, the stratum level, and the last sync time. This command is specifically designed for troubleshooting NTP issues, unlike the other options which either show configuration or are invalid.
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.
show system ntp
Why it's wrong here
This shows configuration, not runtime status.
execute ntp status
Why it's wrong here
The correct command is 'diagnose sys ntp status'.
diagnose sys time status
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid command.
diagnose sys ntp status
Why this is correct
This command displays NTP synchronization status.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse configuration commands (show system ntp) with diagnostic commands, or they assume a generic 'ntp status' command exists, when Fortinet specifically uses 'diagnose sys ntp status' for operational verification.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows configuration, not runtime status.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'diagnose sys ntp status' command queries the NTP daemon (ntpd) running on the FortiGate, which implements RFC 5905. It outputs the NTP server IP, reachability, offset (in milliseconds), and stratum, which is critical for diagnosing issues like asymmetric delays or server unreachability. In a real-world scenario, if the FortiGate shows the wrong time despite correct configuration, this command can reveal if the NTP server is unreachable or if there is a high offset due to network latency.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the NSE4 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: diagnose sys ntp status — Option D is correct because 'diagnose sys ntp status' is the FortiGate CLI command that provides detailed NTP synchronization status, including whether the FortiGate is synchronized to an NTP server, the stratum level, and the last sync time. This command is specifically designed for troubleshooting NTP issues, unlike the other options which either show configuration or are invalid.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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