The correct answer is to configure an SNMP server profile for traps and a log forwarding profile to send system logs as traps. This two-step process is required because PAN-OS separates the definition of the trap receiver—specifying the IP address, port, and SNMP version—from the selection of which specific events trigger traps. By creating an SNMP server profile pointing to 10.1.1.100, and then linking it within a log forwarding profile that filters for system logs like HA state changes and high CPU usage, you ensure only critical events are forwarded as traps rather than all SNMP data. On the PCNSA exam, this scenario tests your understanding that SNMP trap configuration is not a single setting but a deliberate mapping between a receiver and filtered log types. A common trap to avoid is assuming that simply enabling SNMP on the firewall will send all events; instead, remember the memory tip: “Profile the server, then forward the log” to keep the two steps straight.
PCNSA Device Management and Services Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of device management and services. 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.
An enterprise wants to receive SNMP traps from their firewalls for critical events such as HA state changes and high CPU usage. They have an SNMP trap receiver at 10.1.1.100. What configuration steps are required?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an SNMP server profile for traps and a log forwarding profile to send system logs as traps.
Option D is correct because PAN-OS requires an SNMP server profile to define the trap receiver (IP, port, version) and a log forwarding profile to map specific system logs (e.g., HA state changes, high CPU) to be sent as SNMP traps. This two-step configuration ensures only critical events are forwarded as traps, not all SNMP data.
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.
✗
Use the CLI command 'set snmp trap' with the receiver IP.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: No such CLI command; configuration is done via web UI or CLI set commands under device config.
✗
Configure an SNMP manager and select the traps to send.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: There is no 'SNMP manager' object in PAN-OS; trap configuration is via server profiles.
✗
Enable SNMP on the management interface and set the trap destination.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This only enables SNMP but does not configure which logs generate traps.
✓
Configure an SNMP server profile for traps and a log forwarding profile to send system logs as traps.
Why this is correct
Correct: SNMP server profile defines trap destinations; log forwarding profile selects which logs trigger traps.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse enabling SNMP for polling (Option C) with the separate, mandatory step of configuring trap forwarding via a log forwarding profile, assuming that simply setting a trap destination is enough to send all SNMP data.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect: No such CLI command; configuration is done via web UI or CLI set commands under device config.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PAN-OS uses SNMPv2c or v3 for traps, and the trap receiver is defined in an SNMP server profile under 'Device > Server Profiles > SNMP Trap'. The log forwarding profile (under 'Objects > Log Forwarding') then matches specific log types (e.g., SYSTEM, HA) and sends them as SNMP traps to the configured receiver. This decoupling allows granular control—for example, forwarding only high-severity CPU logs while ignoring informational events.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Device Management and Services — This question tests Device Management and Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an SNMP server profile for traps and a log forwarding profile to send system logs as traps. — Option D is correct because PAN-OS requires an SNMP server profile to define the trap receiver (IP, port, version) and a log forwarding profile to map specific system logs (e.g., HA state changes, high CPU) to be sent as SNMP traps. This two-step configuration ensures only critical events are forwarded as traps, not all SNMP data.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA 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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This PCNSA 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 PCNSA exam.
Question Discussion
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