The correct sequence is Test, Build, Push, Deploy. This order is essential because a CI/CD pipeline must validate code quality through unit tests before any artifact is created; only after tests pass should the Docker image be built from that verified code, then pushed to a private registry, and finally deployed to Kubernetes. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this question tests your understanding of pipeline stage dependencies and the principle of failing fast—a common trap is placing Build before Test, which would waste resources on untested code. Remember the mnemonic "Test Before You Push to Deploy" to lock in the correct CI/CD pipeline stages order.
200-901 Application Deployment and Security Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of application deployment and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 engineer is designing a CI/CD pipeline for a Python application. The pipeline should automatically run unit tests, build a Docker image, push it to a private registry, and deploy to a Kubernetes cluster. Which sequence of stages is correct?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Test -> Build -> Push -> Deploy
Option D is correct because a CI/CD pipeline for a Python application must first run unit tests to validate code quality, then build the Docker image from the tested code, push the image to a private registry, and finally deploy to Kubernetes. This sequence ensures that only tested and built artifacts are deployed, preventing deployment of broken or untested code.
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.
✗
Build -> Test -> Push -> Deploy
Why it's wrong here
Building before testing wastes time if tests fail; tests should run first.
✗
Test -> Push -> Deploy
Why it's wrong here
This sequence omits the build stage; the image must be built from the code.
✗
Test -> Deploy -> Build -> Push
Why it's wrong here
Deploying before building and pushing is impossible; the image must exist.
✓
Test -> Build -> Push -> Deploy
Why this is correct
Tests run first; if they pass, the image is built, pushed to registry, then deployed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the logical order of CI/CD stages, and the trap here is that candidates may think building before testing is acceptable, but the pipeline must validate code before creating artifacts to avoid deploying untested code.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a typical CI/CD pipeline using tools like Jenkins or GitLab CI, the Test stage runs unit tests (e.g., pytest) to catch failures early. The Build stage creates a Docker image with a Dockerfile, tagging it with a version or commit hash. The Push stage uses `docker push` to upload the image to a private registry (e.g., Docker Hub or Amazon ECR), and the Deploy stage applies Kubernetes manifests (e.g., `kubectl apply -f deployment.yaml`) referencing that image. A real-world scenario where this order matters is when a failed test would waste time and registry space if the image were built first.
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 200-901 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
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.
Application Deployment and Security — This question tests Application Deployment and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Test -> Build -> Push -> Deploy — Option D is correct because a CI/CD pipeline for a Python application must first run unit tests to validate code quality, then build the Docker image from the tested code, push the image to a private registry, and finally deploy to Kubernetes. This sequence ensures that only tested and built artifacts are deployed, preventing deployment of broken or untested code.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 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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Question Discussion
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