Quick Answer
The answer is the `show system info` command. This is the correct CLI command to check system uptime on a Palo Alto firewall because it retrieves the device’s operational status, including the exact time elapsed since the last reboot, along with critical identifiers like the model, software version, and serial number. On the PCNSA exam, this command tests your ability to quickly verify firewall health and stability, often appearing in scenario-based questions where an administrator must confirm whether a device has been recently restarted. A common trap is confusing `show system info` with `show system resources` or `show clock`, but only `show system info` directly displays the uptime field. For a memory tip, think “info includes uptime” — the word “info” in the command signals it provides comprehensive system state, not just resource usage.
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of device management and services. 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 administrator needs to check the system uptime of the firewall. Which CLI command should be used?
show uptime
Why wrong: This command does not exist.
show system state
Why wrong: Shows system state, not uptime.
show system info
Displays uptime among other system information.
show system resources
Why wrong: Shows resource usage, not uptime.
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 info
The 'show system info' command on Palo Alto Networks firewalls displays system information including the system uptime, model, software version, and serial number. This is the correct command to check the firewall's uptime as it directly provides the time since the last reboot.
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 uptime
Why it's wrong here
This command does not exist.
show system state
Why it's wrong here
Shows system state, not uptime.
show system info
Why this is correct
Displays uptime among other system information.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show system resources
Why it's wrong here
Shows resource usage, not uptime.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the generic Linux 'uptime' command with the Palo Alto-specific syntax, or assume 'show system state' or 'show system resources' would include uptime, but only 'show system info' provides the exact uptime value.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command does not exist.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show system info' command retrieves data from the system's internal uptime counter, which is maintained by the kernel and tracks the time elapsed since the last boot or software restart. In a real-world scenario, an administrator might use this command to verify if a firewall has rebooted after a scheduled maintenance or to confirm uptime for compliance reporting.
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 PCNSA 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.
Device Management and Services — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Device Management and Services — This question tests Device Management and Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show system info — The 'show system info' command on Palo Alto Networks firewalls displays system information including the system uptime, model, software version, and serial number. This is the correct command to check the firewall's uptime as it directly provides the time since the last reboot.
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 25, 2026
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.
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