Quick Answer
The answer is the operational mode command show cli history. This is correct because Junos maintains a session-specific buffer that records every command entered during the current CLI session, and show cli history retrieves that exact buffer, allowing you to review, repeat, or audit your recent actions. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this command tests your understanding of operational mode utilities versus configuration mode or shell commands; a common trap is confusing it with show system history, which displays system-wide log events rather than your current session’s command list. Remember that the word “cli” in the command explicitly ties it to the Command Line Interface session you are actively using. A helpful memory tip: think of “cli history” as your personal session scratchpad—it only shows what you typed since logging in, not what other users or the system did.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of user interfaces. 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.
A network engineer wants to see all commands entered in the current session. Which operational mode command should they use?
history
Why wrong: 'history' alone is not a Junos command; use 'show cli history'.
show commands
Why wrong: 'show commands' is not a valid command; 'show cli history' is used.
show system history
Why wrong: 'show system history' shows system events, not CLI command history.
show cli history
This command shows the history of CLI commands for the current session.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show cli history
Option D is correct because 'show cli history' is the operational mode command in Junos that displays all commands entered during the current CLI session. This command retrieves the session-specific command history buffer, which is distinct from the system-wide history or shell history.
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.
history
Why it's wrong here
'history' alone is not a Junos command; use 'show cli history'.
show commands
Why it's wrong here
'show commands' is not a valid command; 'show cli history' is used.
show system history
Why it's wrong here
'show system history' shows system events, not CLI command history.
show cli history
Why this is correct
This command shows the history of CLI commands for the current session.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates familiar with Cisco IOS may mistakenly choose 'history' or 'show history' (which are valid Cisco commands) without realizing Junos uses the specific 'show cli history' syntax.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
'history' alone is not a Junos command; use 'show cli history'.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show cli history' command retrieves the session-specific command buffer stored in the CLI process (mgd). This buffer is limited to the current login session and is cleared upon logout, unlike the shell history file (~/.history) used by the underlying FreeBSD shell. In real-world scenarios, this command is useful for auditing or repeating complex commands without scrolling through the terminal.
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 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
User Interfaces — This question tests User Interfaces — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show cli history — Option D is correct because 'show cli history' is the operational mode command in Junos that displays all commands entered during the current CLI session. This command retrieves the session-specific command history buffer, which is distinct from the system-wide history or shell history.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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