Quick Answer
The answer is the `get system ha status` command. This is the correct choice because it provides a comprehensive view of the FortiGate HA cluster, displaying the current HA status, the role of each unit (primary or secondary), and the synchronization state between them. In a split-brain scenario, where both units incorrectly assume the primary role, this command reveals the conflict by showing each unit claiming to be the primary, allowing the administrator to diagnose the issue immediately. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your ability to troubleshoot HA failures, a core objective for advanced security professionals. A common trap is confusing this with `diagnose sys ha dump`, which shows raw internal data but not the clear role summary. To remember it, think: "Get the system HA status to see who's the boss."
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and diagnostics. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 HA cluster of two FortiGates is experiencing split-brain. Which command should the administrator use to check the current HA status and identify which unit is the primary?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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.
diagnose debug application had 0
Why wrong: This enables debug output, not a simple status check.
diagnose sys ha dump
Why wrong: This command dumps HA memory but is not the primary command to check status.
get system ha status
Standard command to show HA status and role.
show system ha
Why wrong: 'show' is for configuration, not 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
get system ha status
Option B is correct. The 'get system ha status' command displays detailed HA information including the cluster status, primary/secondary roles, and synchronization state. It helps identify split-brain when both units show themselves as primary.
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.
diagnose debug application had 0
Why it's wrong here
This enables debug output, not a simple status check.
diagnose sys ha dump
Why it's wrong here
This command dumps HA memory but is not the primary command to check status.
get system ha status
Why this is correct
Standard command to show HA status and role.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "primary", "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show system ha
Why it's wrong here
'show' is for configuration, not status.
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
This enables debug output, not a simple status check.
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.
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — study guide chapter
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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: get system ha status — Option B is correct. The 'get system ha status' command displays detailed HA information including the cluster status, primary/secondary roles, and synchronization state. It helps identify split-brain when both units show themselves as primary.
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: "primary", "which command". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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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