Quick Answer
The answer is the `diagnose sys top` command. This command displays real-time CPU and memory usage per process, functioning similarly to the Linux `top` utility, which allows an administrator to instantly identify which specific process is consuming the most CPU resources on a FortiGate device. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between diagnostic commands for performance troubleshooting versus configuration or traffic analysis; a common trap is confusing `diagnose sys top` with `get system performance status`, which shows overall system load rather than per-process details. To lock in the answer, remember the memory tip: "Top for per-process, status for overall stress."
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and diagnostics. 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.
A FortiGate administrator wants to check if the device is experiencing high CPU usage due to a specific process. Which command should they use to display real-time process CPU usage?
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 resource
Why wrong: Shows resource limits, not real-time usage.
diagnose sys top
Shows real-time process list with CPU usage.
get system performance status
Why wrong: Shows overall CPU/memory but not per process.
diagnose debug application crashlog read
Why wrong: Shows crash logs, not CPU 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
diagnose sys top
Option A is correct. 'diagnose sys top' shows real-time CPU and memory usage per process, similar to the Linux 'top' command. It helps identify which process is consuming CPU.
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 resource
Why it's wrong here
Shows resource limits, not real-time usage.
diagnose sys top
Why this is correct
Shows real-time process list with CPU usage.
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 overall CPU/memory but not per process.
diagnose debug application crashlog read
Why it's wrong here
Shows crash logs, not CPU usage.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows resource limits, not real-time usage.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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 NSE7 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 NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — This question tests Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: diagnose sys top — Option A is correct. 'diagnose sys top' shows real-time CPU and memory usage per process, similar to the Linux 'top' command. It helps identify which process is consuming CPU.
Identify which NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 21, 2026
This NSE7 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 NSE7 exam.
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