JN0-106 User Interfaces Practice Question
An engineer needs to view the current active configuration of a Junos device without making any changes. Which CLI mode should they use?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates familiar with Cisco IOS may confuse 'Privileged mode' (which allows viewing and some changes) with Junos operational mode, but Junos strictly separates read-only (operational) and read-write (configuration) modes.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Operational mode
Operational mode is the default CLI mode in Junos, used for monitoring, troubleshooting, and viewing the current active configuration without making any changes. Commands in this mode are read-only and do not modify the device's configuration. The active configuration is the one currently running on the device, and it can be viewed using commands like 'show configuration' in operational mode.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Operational mode
Why this is correct
Operational mode is the default Junos CLI state, where an engineer can execute read-only commands such as 'show configuration' and 'show interfaces'. It provides a complete view of the active configuration without permitting any direct edits. To change the configuration, the engineer must explicitly enter configuration mode, making operational mode strictly for monitoring and verification.
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Privileged mode
Why it's wrong here
Privileged mode is a concept from Cisco IOS, not Junos. Junos separates the CLI into operational and configuration modes, and user access is governed by login classes and permissions rather than a distinct privileged exec level. Claiming that viewing the active configuration requires 'privileged mode' is incorrect because operational mode already provides that access without any elevation.
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Configuration mode
Why it's wrong here
Configuration mode is entered with 'configure' and is intended for modifying the candidate configuration using commands like 'set', 'edit', and 'delete'. While 'show' is available inside configuration mode, it displays the candidate configuration, not necessarily the active configuration. This mode is not read-only, and it is not required merely for viewing the current active configuration.
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Exclusive configuration mode
Why it's wrong here
Exclusive configuration mode is a special form of configuration mode invoked with 'configure exclusive', which locks other users out of configuring the device. It is still an editing mode, not a read-only viewing mode, and it is overkill for simply inspecting the active configuration. Exclusivity is about preventing concurrent edits, not about enabling read-only access.
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About these practice questions
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This JN0-106 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks 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 JN0-106 exam.