Quick Answer
The answer is `diagnose sys top`. This command provides a real-time, dynamic view of FortiGate CPU usage directly from the CLI, displaying active processes sorted by resource consumption, much like the Linux `top` utility. It is the correct choice because it refreshes continuously to show current CPU and memory utilization per process, allowing an administrator to instantly identify which daemon or session is spiking the processor. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between real-time diagnostics and static snapshots; a common trap is confusing `diagnose sys top` with `get system performance status`, which shows historical averages rather than live data. Remember that "diagnose" commands are for real-time troubleshooting, while "get" commands pull stored statistics. A simple memory tip: think of "top" as the "top of the moment" — it shows what is happening right now, not what happened five minutes ago.
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.
An administrator needs to monitor the FortiGate's CPU usage in real-time from the CLI. Which command should be used?
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.
diagnose debug application httpsd
Why wrong: This debugs the HTTPS daemon, not CPU usage.
diagnose hardware sysinfo memory
Why wrong: This shows memory information, not real-time CPU.
get system performance status
Why wrong: This command shows a summary but not real-time per-process CPU usage.
diagnose sys top
This is the correct command for real-time CPU monitoring.
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
The command 'diagnose sys top' displays real-time CPU and memory usage for FortiGate processes, similar to 'top' on Linux. It's the standard CLI tool for performance monitoring.
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 httpsd
Why it's wrong here
This debugs the HTTPS daemon, not CPU usage.
diagnose hardware sysinfo memory
Why it's wrong here
This shows memory information, not real-time CPU.
get system performance status
Why it's wrong here
This command shows a summary but not real-time per-process CPU usage.
diagnose sys top
Why this is correct
This is the correct command for real-time CPU monitoring.
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.
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 shows memory information, not real-time CPU.
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: diagnose sys top — The command 'diagnose sys top' displays real-time CPU and memory usage for FortiGate processes, similar to 'top' on Linux. It's the standard CLI tool for performance monitoring.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An administrator notices high CPU usage on a FortiGate. To identify which process is consuming the most CPU, which command should be used?
mediumWhy A: 'diagnose sys top' provides a real-time view of process CPU usage, similar to Linux 'top', allowing identification of resource-intensive processes.
Variation 2. An administrator wants to monitor real-time CPU usage per process on a FortiGate. Which command should be used?
easyWhy C: The 'diagnose sys top' command shows running processes with CPU and memory usage, similar to Linux 'top'. Options B and C are not valid commands; option D shows overall CPU statistics but not per-process.
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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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