Quick Answer
The answer is the `configure` command, along with its alias `edit`. Both commands are correct because Junos OS uses a strict separation between operational mode, where you monitor and troubleshoot the device, and configuration mode, where you modify the active or candidate configuration. When you type either `configure` or `edit` at the operational mode prompt, the CLI transitions into configuration mode, allowing you to navigate the configuration hierarchy and make changes. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this is a foundational concept testing your understanding of the Junos CLI architecture, often appearing as a straightforward two-answer question. A common trap is confusing `show configuration` (a display command) with entering configuration mode, or forgetting that `edit` is simply a synonym for `configure`. To remember, think of the phrase “edit to edit” — you use the `edit` command to enter the editing environment, and `configure` is its formal equivalent.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of user interfaces. 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 commands can be used to enter configuration mode from operational mode? (Choose two.)
edit
Typing 'edit' at the operational prompt enters configuration mode.
set
Why wrong: 'set' is used to set configuration parameters, but only within configuration mode.
configure
'configure' is the standard command to enter configuration mode.
config
Why wrong: 'config' is not a valid Junos command.
terminal
Why wrong: 'terminal' is used to set terminal characteristics, not to enter configuration mode.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
edit
The 'edit' command is correct because it is the primary method to enter configuration mode from operational mode in Junos OS. When you type 'edit' at the operational mode prompt, you are placed into configuration mode, where you can modify the candidate configuration. This command is equivalent to 'configure' and is commonly used for entering the configuration hierarchy.
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.
edit
Why this is correct
Typing 'edit' at the operational prompt enters configuration mode.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
set
Why it's wrong here
'set' is used to set configuration parameters, but only within configuration mode.
configure
Why this is correct
'configure' is the standard command to enter configuration mode.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
config
Why it's wrong here
'config' is not a valid Junos command.
terminal
Why it's wrong here
'terminal' is used to set terminal characteristics, not to enter configuration mode.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that Cisco engineers often expect 'config terminal' or 'configure terminal' as the way to enter configuration mode, but Junos uses 'configure' or 'edit' without the 'terminal' keyword, and 'config' alone is not a valid command.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
'config' is not a valid Junos command.
Detailed technical explanation
In Junos OS, the operational mode prompt ends with '>' (e.g., 'user@router>'), while configuration mode prompt ends with '#' (e.g., 'user@router#'). The 'edit' and 'configure' commands both transition the user to the top of the configuration hierarchy. The 'edit' command can also be used with a specific configuration path (e.g., 'edit interfaces') to directly enter a sub-hierarchy, which is a powerful feature for efficient configuration management.
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
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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: edit — The 'edit' command is correct because it is the primary method to enter configuration mode from operational mode in Junos OS. When you type 'edit' at the operational mode prompt, you are placed into configuration mode, where you can modify the candidate configuration. This command is equivalent to 'configure' and is commonly used for entering the configuration hierarchy.
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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