- A
show session limit
Why wrong: This shows session limit configuration, not rule matches.
- B
show security-policy rule-usage
This command displays the number of times each rule has been matched.
- C
show session all filter rule <rulename>
This shows active sessions that matched the specified rule.
- D
show security-policy rule <rulename>
Why wrong: This displays the configuration of a specific rule, not hit count.
- E
show running security-policy
Why wrong: This shows the security policy configuration, not which rules are being matched.
Question 40 of 516
PCNSE Troubleshoot Practice Question
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of troubleshoot. 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 TWO CLI commands can be used to check whether a specific security policy rule is being matched by traffic? (Choose two.)
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
✓
show security-policy rule-usage
Option B is correct because the 'show security-policy rule-usage' command displays the hit count for each security policy rule, allowing you to verify if a specific rule has been matched by traffic. Option C is correct because 'show session all filter rule <rulename>' filters active sessions by the rule name, showing only sessions that matched that specific security policy rule, which directly confirms rule usage.
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.
- ✗
show session limit
Why it's wrong here
This shows session limit configuration, not rule matches.
- ✓
show security-policy rule-usage
Why this is correct
This command displays the number of times each rule has been matched.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
show session all filter rule <rulename>
Why this is correct
This shows active sessions that matched the specified rule.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
show security-policy rule <rulename>
Why it's wrong here
This displays the configuration of a specific rule, not hit count.
- ✗
show running security-policy
Why it's wrong here
This shows the security policy configuration, not which rules are being matched.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show security-policy rule <rulename>' (which only shows configuration) with a command that shows rule usage, leading them to select option D instead of the correct rule-usage or session-filter commands.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows session limit configuration, not rule matches.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'show security-policy rule-usage' command retrieves the rule hit count from the dataplane's rule cache, which increments each time a session matches the rule; this counter is reset upon commit or rule modification. The 'show session all filter rule <rulename>' command queries the session table, which stores active sessions with their associated rule name, allowing you to see real-time traffic that matched the rule. In a production environment, these commands are essential for troubleshooting policy effectiveness, such as verifying that a newly added rule is actually being hit or identifying unused rules for cleanup.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Troubleshoot — This question tests Troubleshoot — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: show security-policy rule-usage — Option B is correct because the 'show security-policy rule-usage' command displays the hit count for each security policy rule, allowing you to verify if a specific rule has been matched by traffic. Option C is correct because 'show session all filter rule <rulename>' filters active sessions by the rule name, showing only sessions that matched that specific security policy rule, which directly confirms rule usage.
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
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