Quick Answer
The answer is `config system ntp`. This is the correct CLI command because it enters the NTP configuration context within FortiOS, where you can set NTP server addresses, enable authentication, and define the sync interval—all core functions for ensuring accurate time synchronization on the FortiGate. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this command tests your ability to navigate the FortiGate CLI hierarchy, as time synchronization is critical for logging, certificate validation, and VPN operations. A common trap is confusing `config system ntp` with `config system interface` or `execute time`, but remember that `config` is for settings, while `execute` is for actions. For a quick memory tip, think of NTP as a system service: you always start with `config system` and then the service name, so `config system ntp` is your go-to for any time-related configuration.
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.
Which CLI command is used to configure NTP on a FortiGate?
config system ntp-server
Why wrong: This is not a valid command; NTP servers are configured under config system ntp.
config system time
Why wrong: This command is used to manually set the time, not configure NTP.
execute ntp sync
Why wrong: This command triggers an NTP sync but does not configure NTP.
config system ntp
This is the correct command to configure NTP settings.
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
The correct command to configure NTP on a FortiGate is `config system ntp`, which enters the NTP configuration context where you can set the NTP server addresses, authentication, and sync interval. This is the top-level command for NTP settings in the FortiOS CLI, as documented in the FortiGate Administration Guide.
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.
config system ntp-server
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid command; NTP servers are configured under config system ntp.
config system time
Why it's wrong here
This command is used to manually set the time, not configure NTP.
execute ntp sync
Why it's wrong here
This command triggers an NTP sync but does not configure NTP.
config system ntp
Why this is correct
This is the correct command to configure NTP settings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `config system ntp` with `config system ntp-server` (which does not exist) or think `execute ntp sync` is a valid command, when in fact the correct command to force a sync is `execute time ntp`.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is not a valid command; NTP servers are configured under config system ntp.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `config system ntp` allows you to specify up to three NTP servers (using `set server`), enable NTP authentication with MD5 keys (RFC 1305), and set the sync interval (default 1440 minutes). A subtle behavior is that FortiGate uses NTPv4 by default and will fall back to NTPv3 if the server does not support v4. In a real-world scenario, if NTP is not configured, certificate validation may fail due to incorrect timestamps, causing SSL VPN or web filter outages.
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
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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 — The correct command to configure NTP on a FortiGate is `config system ntp`, which enters the NTP configuration context where you can set the NTP server addresses, authentication, and sync interval. This is the top-level command for NTP settings in the FortiOS CLI, as documented in the FortiGate Administration Guide.
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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