- A
The 'deactivate' command permanently removes a configuration statement from the candidate.
Why wrong: 'deactivate' disables the statement but keeps it in the candidate; it can be reactivated.
- B
The 'load merge' command imports configuration from a file and merges it with the current candidate configuration.
'load merge' combines the file content with the existing candidate.
- C
The candidate configuration is a separate copy that does not affect the active configuration until committed.
Candidate config is independent and only becomes active after commit.
- D
The 'set' command in configuration mode directly modifies the active configuration.
Why wrong: 'set' modifies the candidate configuration, not the active one.
- E
In operational mode, the 'show' command displays the candidate configuration.
Why wrong: Operational mode 'show configuration' displays the active configuration, not candidate.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the candidate configuration is a separate copy that does not affect the active configuration until committed. This is correct because Junos uses a two-phase commit model: you first modify the candidate configuration using commands like 'load merge' or 'load override', and those changes remain isolated from the running configuration until you issue the 'commit' command. The 'load merge' command specifically imports configuration data and merges it with the existing candidate, preserving current statements unless explicitly overridden, which allows for incremental, surgical updates without wiping out the entire configuration. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this concept tests your understanding of Junos configuration hierarchy and load methods, often appearing in questions that distinguish between 'load merge' and 'load override'—a common trap is assuming 'load merge' replaces the entire configuration. Remember the memory tip: merge adds, override replaces; think of merge as adding toppings to a pizza, while override swaps the whole pizza.
JNCIA-JUNOS Junos Configuration Basics Practice Question
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of junos configuration basics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 TWO statements correctly describe Junos configuration hierarchy and management?
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
The 'load merge' command imports configuration from a file and merges it with the current candidate configuration.
Option B is correct because the 'load merge' command in Junos imports configuration data from a file and merges it with the current candidate configuration, preserving existing statements unless explicitly overridden. This allows incremental changes without replacing the entire configuration, which is essential for efficient network operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The 'deactivate' command permanently removes a configuration statement from the candidate.
Why it's wrong here
'deactivate' disables the statement but keeps it in the candidate; it can be reactivated.
- ✓
The 'load merge' command imports configuration from a file and merges it with the current candidate configuration.
Why this is correct
'load merge' combines the file content with the existing candidate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The candidate configuration is a separate copy that does not affect the active configuration until committed.
Why this is correct
Candidate config is independent and only becomes active after commit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'set' command in configuration mode directly modifies the active configuration.
Why it's wrong here
'set' modifies the candidate configuration, not the active one.
- ✗
In operational mode, the 'show' command displays the candidate configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Operational mode 'show configuration' displays the active configuration, not candidate.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing the Junos candidate/active model with Cisco IOS's direct 'running-config' modification, leading candidates to think 'set' changes the active config or that 'deactivate' removes statements permanently.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Operational mode 'show configuration' displays the active configuration, not candidate.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Junos uses a two-phase configuration model: the candidate configuration is an isolated working copy stored in a separate database, and the active configuration is the running configuration applied to the system. The 'commit' operation validates the candidate and, if successful, atomically replaces the active configuration, ensuring no partial changes are applied. This model is similar to a database transaction and is critical for avoiding configuration errors during maintenance windows.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the JNCIA-JUNOS 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Junos Configuration Basics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Junos Configuration Basics practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this JNCIA-JUNOS question test?
Junos Configuration Basics — This question tests Junos Configuration Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'load merge' command imports configuration from a file and merges it with the current candidate configuration. — Option B is correct because the 'load merge' command in Junos imports configuration data from a file and merges it with the current candidate configuration, preserving existing statements unless explicitly overridden. This allows incremental changes without replacing the entire configuration, which is essential for efficient network operations.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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
3 more ways this is tested on JNCIA-JUNOS
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 engineer needs to load a full configuration from a text file onto a Junos device, replacing the entire candidate configuration. Which command should be used?
hard- A.load set /path/to/config.txt
- ✓ B.load override /path/to/config.txt
- C.load patch /path/to/config.txt
- D.load merge /path/to/config.txt
Why B: The 'load override' command replaces the entire candidate configuration with the contents of the specified text file, discarding any existing candidate changes. This is the correct choice because the engineer explicitly needs to replace the full configuration, not merge or patch it.
Variation 2. Which TWO of the following are valid methods to load a configuration file into a Junos device?
hard- ✓ A.load override
- ✓ B.load merge
- C.import configuration
- D.load replace
- E.load set
Why A: Option A is correct because the 'load override' command replaces the entire candidate configuration with the contents of the specified configuration file, discarding any previous candidate changes. Option B is correct because 'load merge' combines the contents of the specified configuration file with the current candidate configuration, adding or updating statements without removing existing ones. Both are standard Junos CLI commands for loading configuration data.
Variation 3. A technician needs to load a new configuration file that replaces only the specific hierarchy paths present in the file, leaving all other existing configuration unchanged. Which load statement is appropriate?
medium- A.load replace
- B.load set
- C.load override
- ✓ D.load merge
Why D: The 'load merge' command is correct because it merges the contents of the specified configuration file with the current candidate configuration, adding or updating only the hierarchy paths present in the file while preserving all other existing configuration. This matches the requirement to replace only specific hierarchy paths without affecting the rest of the configuration.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This JNCIA-JUNOS 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 JNCIA-JUNOS exam.
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