Quick Answer
The answer is the `get system status` command. This is the correct choice because it retrieves a comprehensive system summary from the FortiGate’s runtime memory, which always includes the exact firmware version string—such as FortiOS v7.4.0—along with the build number and patch level. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this command tests your ability to verify the current OS version without relying on the GUI, a common requirement during troubleshooting or upgrade validation. A frequent trap is confusing `show system status` (which does not exist on FortiOS) or `get system info` (a different, less detailed command). The exam expects you to know that `get system status` is the standard, single-line CLI method for a quick firmware check. For a memory tip, think “GET the STATUS of your system to see the VERSION,” linking the verb “get” with the noun “status” to recall the exact syntax.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 command is used to display the current FortiGate firmware version?
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.
get system statistics
Why wrong: Shows traffic statistics.
get hardware status
Why wrong: Shows hardware, not firmware version.
get system status
Displays firmware version and other system info.
get system performance status
Why wrong: Shows CPU/memory usage.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
get system status
The 'get system status' command is the correct way to display the current FortiGate firmware version. This command outputs a comprehensive summary of the system state, including the firmware version (e.g., FortiOS v7.4.0), the system uptime, serial number, and HA status. It is the standard CLI command for verifying the exact build and patch level of the FortiGate.
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.
get system statistics
Why it's wrong here
Shows traffic statistics.
get hardware status
Why it's wrong here
Shows hardware, not firmware version.
get system status
Why this is correct
Displays firmware version and other system info.
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.
get system performance status
Why it's wrong here
Shows CPU/memory usage.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'get system status' with 'get system statistics' because both commands start with 'get system', but only 'get system status' provides the firmware version, while 'get system statistics' focuses on performance counters.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows traffic statistics.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'get system status' command retrieves its data from the FortiGate's internal system information table, which is populated during boot from the firmware image stored in flash memory. In a real-world scenario, this command is essential for confirming the exact firmware version before performing an upgrade or downgrade, as mismatched versions can cause configuration incompatibilities or feature gaps. Additionally, the output includes the 'Version' field, which follows the format 'FortiOS vX.Y.Z buildXXXX', where X.Y.Z is the major.minor.patch version and buildXXXX is the internal build number.
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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System and Network Administration — study guide chapter
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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: get system status — The 'get system status' command is the correct way to display the current FortiGate firmware version. This command outputs a comprehensive summary of the system state, including the firmware version (e.g., FortiOS v7.4.0), the system uptime, serial number, and HA status. It is the standard CLI command for verifying the exact build and patch level of the FortiGate.
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 11, 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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