- A
The volumeBindingMode is Immediate, which requires a different access mode.
Why wrong: Immediate means the PV is provisioned immediately regardless of pod scheduling. It does not require a specific access mode.
- B
The cluster is not running on AWS or the AWS cloud provider is not configured.
The kubernetes.io/aws-ebs provisioner only works on AWS clusters with proper cloud provider setup. Without AWS, provisioning fails and PVC remains Pending.
- C
The PVC does not specify an access mode.
Why wrong: PVCs without an access mode will default to the first access mode in the PV's list? Actually, PVCs must specify access modes. If omitted, the PVC will fail validation? In practice, accessModes is required. But the question says a PVC is created, so it likely has access modes. Even if missing, it would be rejected, not remain Pending.
- D
The reclaim policy is Delete, which prevents binding.
Why wrong: Reclaim policy affects what happens to the PV after PVC deletion, not the binding process.
CKA Storage Practice Question
This CKA practice question tests your understanding of storage. 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.
A cluster administrator creates a StorageClass with the following YAML:
apiVersion: storage.k8s.io/v1 kind: StorageClass metadata: name: fast provisioner: kubernetes.io/aws-ebs parameters: type: gp2 reclaimPolicy: Delete volumeBindingMode: Immediate
A developer creates a PVC using this StorageClass. The PVC is created and remains in Pending state. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The cluster is not running on AWS or the AWS cloud provider is not configured.
The StorageClass uses 'kubernetes.io/aws-ebs' provisioner, which requires AWS cloud provider configuration. If the cluster is not running on AWS or the AWS cloud provider is not properly configured, the dynamic provisioning will fail, leaving the PVC in Pending state. Other options are less likely: the PVC might have matching access modes, and volumeBindingMode Immediate means it should provision immediately.
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.
- ✗
The volumeBindingMode is Immediate, which requires a different access mode.
Why it's wrong here
Immediate means the PV is provisioned immediately regardless of pod scheduling. It does not require a specific access mode.
- ✓
The cluster is not running on AWS or the AWS cloud provider is not configured.
Why this is correct
The kubernetes.io/aws-ebs provisioner only works on AWS clusters with proper cloud provider setup. Without AWS, provisioning fails and PVC remains Pending.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The PVC does not specify an access mode.
Why it's wrong here
PVCs without an access mode will default to the first access mode in the PV's list? Actually, PVCs must specify access modes. If omitted, the PVC will fail validation? In practice, accessModes is required. But the question says a PVC is created, so it likely has access modes. Even if missing, it would be rejected, not remain Pending.
- ✗
The reclaim policy is Delete, which prevents binding.
Why it's wrong here
Reclaim policy affects what happens to the PV after PVC deletion, not the binding process.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Real-world vs exam trap
PVCs without an access mode will default to the first access mode in the PV's list? Actually, PVCs must specify access modes. If omitted, the PVC will fail validation? In practice, accessModes is required. But the question says a PVC is created, so it likely has access modes. Even if missing, it would be rejected, not remain Pending.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 CKA 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 CKA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Storage — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKA question test?
Storage — This question tests Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The cluster is not running on AWS or the AWS cloud provider is not configured. — The StorageClass uses 'kubernetes.io/aws-ebs' provisioner, which requires AWS cloud provider configuration. If the cluster is not running on AWS or the AWS cloud provider is not properly configured, the dynamic provisioning will fail, leaving the PVC in Pending state. Other options are less likely: the PVC might have matching access modes, and volumeBindingMode Immediate means it should provision immediately.
What should I do if I get this CKA question wrong?
Identify which CKA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CKA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF 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 CKA exam.
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