Quick Answer
The answer is show running resource-monitor, as this CLI command provides real-time per-process CPU and memory utilization on Palo Alto Networks firewalls, making it the precise tool to identify the process causing a CPU spike. When a PA-5250 experiences CPU spikes every five minutes, this command captures the exact daemon or dataplane task consuming resources during those intervals, unlike static logs or broader system checks. On the PCNSE exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between real-time diagnostic commands and historical reporting tools—a common trap is reaching for show system resources, which only shows aggregate CPU load, not per-process details. Remember that resource-monitor drills into the management plane and dataplane processes, so when you see a recurring spike pattern, think “monitor the resource, not just the system.” A useful memory tip: “Spike every five? Resource-monitor to thrive.”
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of manage, monitor and operate. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is troubleshooting high CPU usage on a PA-5250 firewall. The CPU usage spikes every 5 minutes. Which CLI command should be used to identify the process causing the spike?
show session all
Why wrong: Shows active sessions, not CPU usage.
show dataplane
Why wrong: Shows dataplane status, not process-level CPU.
show running resource-monitor
Shows per-process CPU usage over time.
show system resources
Why wrong: Shows overall CPU, memory, but not per process.
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 running resource-monitor
The 'show running resource-monitor' command displays real-time CPU and memory usage per process on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Since the CPU spikes every 5 minutes, this command can identify which specific process (e.g., management-plane daemon, dataplane task) is consuming the most CPU during those intervals, enabling targeted troubleshooting.
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 session all
Why it's wrong here
Shows active sessions, not CPU usage.
show dataplane
Why it's wrong here
Shows dataplane status, not process-level CPU.
show running resource-monitor
Why this is correct
Shows per-process CPU usage over time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show system resources
Why it's wrong here
Shows overall CPU, memory, but not per process.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show system resources' (overall utilization) with 'show running resource-monitor' (per-process breakdown), assuming the former is sufficient for process-level diagnosis when it only shows aggregate CPU and memory percentages.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows active sessions, not CPU usage.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show running resource-monitor' command leverages the firewall's internal resource tracking daemon, which samples CPU and memory utilization for each process every few seconds. In a PA-5250, management-plane CPU spikes every 5 minutes could be caused by scheduled tasks like log export, commit operations, or ARP table aging; this command isolates the offending process by name and PID. Real-world scenarios include identifying a misconfigured SNMP poller or a loop in routing protocol updates that triggers periodic CPU bursts.
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 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
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FAQ
Manage, Monitor and Operate — This question tests Manage, Monitor and Operate — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show running resource-monitor — The 'show running resource-monitor' command displays real-time CPU and memory usage per process on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Since the CPU spikes every 5 minutes, this command can identify which specific process (e.g., management-plane daemon, dataplane task) is consuming the most CPU during those intervals, enabling targeted troubleshooting.
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 11, 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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