- A
Stop all logging to reduce CPU load
Why wrong: Logging does not interfere with failover.
- B
Perform a 'show high-availability sync-status' to confirm config synchronization
Config sync must be complete for consistency.
- C
Verify HA2 link status is up
HA2 is used for session sync; must be operational.
- D
Confirm that session synchronization is enabled
Session sync is needed to maintain state after failover.
- E
Disable preemption on the active firewall
Why wrong: Preemption does not affect readiness.
Question 331 of 516
Verifying HA Pair Readiness for Failover
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of managing troubleshooting and high availability. 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.
Which THREE steps should be taken to verify that an HA pair is ready for a scheduled failover?
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
✓
Perform a 'show high-availability sync-status' to confirm config synchronization
Option B is correct because the 'show high-availability sync-status' command directly verifies that the configuration is synchronized between the HA pair, which is essential for a consistent state during failover. Without config sync, the passive firewall may not have the same policies or objects, leading to traffic drops or security gaps after failover.
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.
- ✗
Stop all logging to reduce CPU load
Why it's wrong here
Logging does not interfere with failover.
- ✓
Perform a 'show high-availability sync-status' to confirm config synchronization
Why this is correct
Config sync must be complete for consistency.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Verify HA2 link status is up
Why this is correct
HA2 is used for session sync; must be operational.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Confirm that session synchronization is enabled
Why this is correct
Session sync is needed to maintain state after failover.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable preemption on the active firewall
Why it's wrong here
Preemption does not affect readiness.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse preemption or logging adjustments with verification steps, but the PCNSE exam expects you to know that only configuration sync, HA2 link status, and session sync are direct checks for HA readiness before a scheduled failover.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The HA2 link is a dedicated control link used for session synchronization and heartbeat exchange; verifying its status ensures that session state can be replicated to the passive firewall, which is critical for stateful failover. Session synchronization (option D) must be enabled on both firewalls to maintain active sessions after failover, and this is typically confirmed via 'show high-availability state' or the session sync configuration. In a real-world scenario, failing to verify HA2 link status could result in asymmetric routing or session loss during failover, even if config sync is complete.
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 PCNSE 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.
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Managing Troubleshooting and High Availability — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Managing Troubleshooting and High Availability — This question tests Managing Troubleshooting and High Availability — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a 'show high-availability sync-status' to confirm config synchronization — Option B is correct because the 'show high-availability sync-status' command directly verifies that the configuration is synchronized between the HA pair, which is essential for a consistent state during failover. Without config sync, the passive firewall may not have the same policies or objects, leading to traffic drops or security gaps after failover.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE 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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCNSE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto 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 PCNSE exam.
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