- A
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding metadata: namespace: dev ... subjects: - kind: ServiceAccount name: dev-user roleRef: kind: Role name: pod-reader
Why wrong: The subject kind is ServiceAccount, not User.
- B
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: ClusterRole name: pod-reader
Why wrong: Using ClusterRole in a RoleBinding is valid only if the ClusterRole is scoped to the namespace, but the question asks for a RoleBinding. However, the RoleBinding itself is correct for namespace scoping, but the roleRef uses ClusterRole, which may not be restricted to the namespace. The correct approach is to use a Role.
- C
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: ClusterRoleBinding ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: ClusterRole name: pod-reader
Why wrong: ClusterRoleBinding grants cluster-wide permissions, not namespace-scoped.
- D
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding metadata: namespace: dev ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: Role name: pod-reader
Correct: RoleBinding in namespace 'dev' references a Role named 'pod-reader'.
CKA Practice Question: Cluster Architecture, Installation and Configuration
This CKA practice question tests your understanding of cluster architecture, installation and configuration. 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.
You need to create a RoleBinding that grants a user access to read Pods in the 'dev' namespace. Which YAML manifest is correct?
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
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding metadata: namespace: dev ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: Role name: pod-reader
Option D is correct because it defines a RoleBinding in the 'dev' namespace that binds a User named 'dev-user' to a Role named 'pod-reader'. This grants the user read access to Pods within that specific namespace, which is exactly what the question requires. RoleBindings are namespace-scoped and must specify the target namespace in metadata.
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.
- ✗
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding metadata: namespace: dev ... subjects: - kind: ServiceAccount name: dev-user roleRef: kind: Role name: pod-reader
Why it's wrong here
The subject kind is ServiceAccount, not User.
- ✗
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: ClusterRole name: pod-reader
Why it's wrong here
Using ClusterRole in a RoleBinding is valid only if the ClusterRole is scoped to the namespace, but the question asks for a RoleBinding. However, the RoleBinding itself is correct for namespace scoping, but the roleRef uses ClusterRole, which may not be restricted to the namespace. The correct approach is to use a Role.
- ✗
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: ClusterRoleBinding ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: ClusterRole name: pod-reader
Why it's wrong here
ClusterRoleBinding grants cluster-wide permissions, not namespace-scoped.
- ✓
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding metadata: namespace: dev ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: Role name: pod-reader
Why this is correct
Correct: RoleBinding in namespace 'dev' references a Role named 'pod-reader'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the distinction between RoleBinding and ClusterRoleBinding, and candidates mistakenly choose a ClusterRoleBinding when namespace-scoped access is required, or forget to include the namespace in the RoleBinding metadata.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RoleBindings bind subjects (Users, Groups, or ServiceAccounts) to Roles within a specific namespace. When a ClusterRole is referenced in a RoleBinding, the permissions from the ClusterRole are applied only to the namespace specified in the RoleBinding's metadata. This is a common pattern for reusing cluster-wide roles at the namespace level, but the question expects a simple Role-to-User binding. The RBAC authorizer evaluates bindings by checking if the subject matches and if the verb/resource combination is allowed by the bound role.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKA question test?
Cluster Architecture, Installation and Configuration — This question tests Cluster Architecture, Installation and Configuration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1 kind: RoleBinding metadata: namespace: dev ... subjects: - kind: User name: dev-user roleRef: kind: Role name: pod-reader — Option D is correct because it defines a RoleBinding in the 'dev' namespace that binds a User named 'dev-user' to a Role named 'pod-reader'. This grants the user read access to Pods within that specific namespace, which is exactly what the question requires. RoleBindings are namespace-scoped and must specify the target namespace in metadata.
What should I do if I get this CKA 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.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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