- A
Enable the 'Sync on Save' option
Why wrong: 'Sync on Save' is a feature for HA clusters, not for basic NTP configuration.
- B
Specify at least one NTP server address
At least one server is required for synchronization.
- C
Enable NTP under System > Settings
NTP must be enabled to use time synchronization.
- D
Configure a firewall policy to allow NTP traffic (UDP 123)
Why wrong: 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.
- E
Set the time zone to the local time zone
Why wrong: Setting time zone is important for display but not required for NTP to work.
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable NTP under System > Settings and specify at least one NTP server address. These two steps are required because the FortiGate’s NTP client is a service that must be turned on before it can run, and without a server address, the device has no time source to query for synchronization. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this question tests your understanding that NTP configuration is not complete with just one action—both the service toggle and a server entry are mandatory. A common trap is thinking that enabling NTP alone is enough, but the exam expects you to know the client will remain idle without a server to poll. To remember, think of it like a phone call: you must both turn on the phone (enable NTP) and dial a number (add a server) to connect.
NSE4 System and Network Administration Practice Question
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 needs to configure NTP to ensure accurate time on the device. Which two steps are required? (Choose two.)
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
NTP requires both enabling the NTP service on the FortiGate (System > Settings) and specifying at least one NTP server address so the device can synchronize its clock. Without a server address, the NTP client has no source to query, and without enabling the service, the NTP client process will not run.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Enable NTP under System > Settings
Why this is correct
NTP must be enabled to use time synchronization.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think a firewall policy is required for NTP traffic, but FortiGate's own NTP client uses the management interface and does not need a policy, unlike user traffic destined for NTP servers.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
FortiGate uses the NTP client (RFC 5905) to synchronize its system clock with external NTP servers. When NTP is enabled, the device sends periodic NTP queries to the configured servers and adjusts the clock based on the responses. The 'Sync on Save' option (under System > Settings) is unrelated—it forces a configuration save before certain operations, not time sync. Also, NTP traffic from the FortiGate to external servers uses the management VDOM's routing table, so no firewall policy is needed unless the NTP server is on a different security zone that requires explicit inter-VDOM or inter-zone rules.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this NSE4 question test?
System and Network Administration — This question tests System and Network Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Specify at least one NTP server address — NTP requires both enabling the NTP service on the FortiGate (System > Settings) and specifying at least one NTP server address so the device can synchronize its clock. Without a server address, the NTP client has no source to query, and without enabling the service, the NTP client process will not run.
What should I do if I get this NSE4 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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