Quick Answer
The correct commands are show system uptime and show system memory. The show system uptime command directly provides the system uptime and CPU load averages, while show system memory displays detailed memory usage statistics including total, used, and available memory, together giving a complete view of the device’s operational state. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your ability to recall the specific operational commands for monitoring device health, a fundamental skill for Junos administration. A common trap is confusing show system storage with show system memory, as storage refers to disk space, not RAM. To remember, think of “uptime” for time and load, and “memory” for RAM usage—two separate commands for two separate resources.
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.
An engineer needs to view the current operational state of the device, including system uptime, CPU load, and memory usage. Which two commands would provide this information? (Choose two.)
show system processes
Why wrong: Shows individual process details, not overall CPU load or memory usage.
show system uptime
Displays system uptime and load averages (CPU).
show system storage
Why wrong: Shows disk space usage, not CPU or memory.
show system memory
Displays information about memory usage.
show chassis hardware
Why wrong: Shows hardware inventory, not operational state.
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 system uptime
The 'show system uptime' command displays the system uptime, load averages, and current time, which directly provides the uptime and CPU load information. The 'show system memory' command shows memory usage statistics, including total, used, and available memory. Together, these two commands fulfill the requirement to view the current operational state including system uptime, CPU load, and memory usage.
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 system processes
Why it's wrong here
Shows individual process details, not overall CPU load or memory usage.
show system uptime
Why this is correct
Displays system uptime and load averages (CPU).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show system storage
Why it's wrong here
Shows disk space usage, not CPU or memory.
show system memory
Why this is correct
Displays information about memory usage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show chassis hardware
Why it's wrong here
Shows hardware inventory, not operational state.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show system processes' with providing CPU load averages and memory totals, when in fact it only shows per-process statistics and not the aggregate system load or overall memory usage.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows individual process details, not overall CPU load or memory usage.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show system uptime' command retrieves the system's uptime from the kernel's timekeeping subsystem and displays load averages calculated over 1, 5, and 15-minute intervals, reflecting CPU demand. The 'show system memory' command reads from the kernel's memory management statistics, showing physical memory allocation (active, inactive, wired, cached, free) and swap usage. In real-world scenarios, these commands are essential for initial troubleshooting of performance issues, such as identifying memory leaks or high CPU load that could indicate a process consuming excessive resources.
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
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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 system uptime — The 'show system uptime' command displays the system uptime, load averages, and current time, which directly provides the uptime and CPU load information. The 'show system memory' command shows memory usage statistics, including total, used, and available memory. Together, these two commands fulfill the requirement to view the current operational state including system uptime, CPU load, and memory usage.
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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