Quick Answer
The answer is the `show configuration interfaces` command. This is correct because it directly filters the active candidate configuration to display only the interfaces hierarchy, isolating interface-specific settings like IP addresses, family configurations, and interface-specific protocols without showing unrelated configuration stanzas. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of Junos operational mode commands and configuration filtering, often appearing alongside traps like `show interfaces` (which displays operational status, not configuration) or `show configuration | match interfaces` (which returns only matching lines, not the full structured hierarchy). A common memory tip is to think of `show configuration` as the command to view the configuration file, and appending a specific stanza name like `interfaces` drills down into that block. Remember: if you need to see the actual configuration settings for interfaces, not their current state, always use `show configuration interfaces`.
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 administrator needs to view the current configuration but is only interested in the interfaces section. Which CLI command should they use?
show configuration interfaces
Displays only the interfaces configuration block.
show configuration | display set
Why wrong: Displays entire configuration in set format, not filtered.
show interfaces
Why wrong: Shows operational interface status, not configuration.
show configuration | match interfaces
Why wrong: Filters lines containing 'interfaces', but may not show nested configuration correctly.
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 configuration interfaces
Option A is correct because the 'show configuration interfaces' command displays only the interfaces hierarchy from the active candidate configuration. This command directly filters the configuration output to the interfaces stanza, allowing the administrator to view interface-specific settings without extraneous configuration data.
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.
show configuration interfaces
Why this is correct
Displays only the interfaces configuration block.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show configuration | display set
Why it's wrong here
Displays entire configuration in set format, not filtered.
show interfaces
Why it's wrong here
Shows operational interface status, not configuration.
show configuration | match interfaces
Why it's wrong here
Filters lines containing 'interfaces', but may not show nested configuration correctly.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse operational commands (like 'show interfaces') with configuration commands (like 'show configuration interfaces'), or they overuse pipe filters like 'match' which can produce incomplete or misleading results due to partial line matches.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows operational interface status, not configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show configuration' command in Junos displays the candidate configuration in hierarchical format. Appending a specific hierarchy level, such as 'interfaces', restricts output to that subtree, which is more precise than using a pipe with 'match' because it respects the configuration's structure. This command reads from the candidate configuration database (stored in /config/juniper.conf.gz), not from the active operational state, ensuring the administrator sees what will be committed.
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.
User Interfaces — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
User Interfaces practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All JNCIA-JUNOS questions
514 questions across all exam domains
Juniper Networks Certified Associate Junos JNCIA-Junos study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
JNCIA-JUNOS practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to User Interfaces.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to Junos Configuration Basics.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to Operational Monitoring and Maintenance.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to Routing Fundamentals.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to Networking Fundamentals.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to Junos OS Fundamentals.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to JNCIA-JUNOS fundamentals.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to JNCIA-JUNOS scenario.
Practise JNCIA-JUNOS questions linked to JNCIA-JUNOS troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
User Interfaces — This question tests User Interfaces — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show configuration interfaces — Option A is correct because the 'show configuration interfaces' command displays only the interfaces hierarchy from the active candidate configuration. This command directly filters the configuration output to the interfaces stanza, allowing the administrator to view interface-specific settings without extraneous configuration data.
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.
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 is in configuration mode and wants to see only the interfaces configuration block while editing. Which command will display just that section?
mediumWhy A: Option A is correct because in Junos configuration mode, the 'show interfaces' command displays only the interfaces configuration block without leaving configuration mode. This is a Junos-specific feature where 'show' commands within configuration mode show the current candidate configuration, not operational state. The command filters the output to show only the 'interfaces' hierarchy, allowing the administrator to review just that section.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.