Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

Which command should be executed to end configuration mode in a Cisco device?

1. #end

2. #exit

3. #leave

4. #close

The correct answer is: #end

The command used to end configuration mode on a Cisco device is "end". This command takes the user out of the current configuration mode and returns them to privileged EXEC mode, which is indicated by the ">" or "#" prompt, depending on whether the device is in user mode or privileged mode. Using the "end" command is part of the standard Cisco IOS command set and is widely recognized as the proper way to exit configuration modes such as global configuration mode or interface configuration mode. It is important to note that this command can be used regardless of the specific mode the user is in within the configuration hierarchy. While the "exit" command is also commonly used to leave configuration modes, it is primarily utilized for exiting sub-modes within configuration mode, such as going back to the previous configuration level. Therefore, in cases where you want to exit directly to privileged EXEC mode from any configuration context, "end" is the most appropriate command to use. The other options, "leave" and "close," do not correspond to any valid commands for exiting configuration mode on Cisco devices. Consequently, "end" remains the correct and most effective command to conclude configuration activities and resume normal operation.