- A
Set securityContext: { allowPrivilegeEscalation: true }
Why wrong: allowPrivilegeEscalation must be false in restricted policy, and this does not address the UID requirement.
- B
No SecurityContext setting allows running as UID 0 under the restricted policy.
The restricted policy requires runAsNonRoot: true, which prohibits running as UID 0. The container must be modified to run as a non-root user.
- C
Set securityContext: { runAsNonRoot: true, capabilities: { add: ['SYS_ADMIN'] } }
Why wrong: Adding SYS_ADMIN is not allowed under restricted policy, and runAsNonRoot: true still prevents running as root.
- D
Set runAsUser: 0 and runAsNonRoot: false
Why wrong: The restricted policy requires runAsNonRoot: true, so setting it to false will cause the pod to be rejected.
CKAD Practice Question: Application Environment, Configuration and Security
This CKAD practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 container image requires running as UID 0 but you need to comply with a 'restricted' Pod Security Admission policy. Which SecurityContext setting allows this while still passing the policy?
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
No SecurityContext setting allows running as UID 0 under the restricted policy.
The 'restricted' Pod Security Admission policy requires that containers run as non-root (runAsNonRoot: true) and prohibits setting runAsUser to 0. Since the image requires UID 0, no SecurityContext setting can override this policy constraint; the only way to comply is to modify the image to run as a non-root user. Therefore, option B is correct.
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.
- ✗
Set securityContext: { allowPrivilegeEscalation: true }
Why it's wrong here
allowPrivilegeEscalation must be false in restricted policy, and this does not address the UID requirement.
- ✓
No SecurityContext setting allows running as UID 0 under the restricted policy.
Why this is correct
The restricted policy requires runAsNonRoot: true, which prohibits running as UID 0. The container must be modified to run as a non-root user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set securityContext: { runAsNonRoot: true, capabilities: { add: ['SYS_ADMIN'] } }
Why it's wrong here
Adding SYS_ADMIN is not allowed under restricted policy, and runAsNonRoot: true still prevents running as root.
- ✗
Set runAsUser: 0 and runAsNonRoot: false
Why it's wrong here
The restricted policy requires runAsNonRoot: true, so setting it to false will cause the pod to be rejected.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume they can override the restricted policy with a SecurityContext setting like runAsUser: 0, not realizing that the restricted policy explicitly forbids UID 0 and enforces runAsNonRoot: true, making any such override invalid.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The restricted Pod Security Admission policy enforces a baseline of security controls defined in the Kubernetes Pod Security Standards, including runAsNonRoot: true, runAsUser != 0, and disallowing all capabilities except NET_BIND_SERVICE. Under the hood, the PodSecurity admission controller evaluates these fields at pod creation time and rejects the pod if any container violates the policy, regardless of other SecurityContext settings. A real-world scenario is when legacy images (e.g., those using port 80 or 443) require root; the only compliant solution is to rebuild the image with a non-root user or use a tool like `podman` to remap UIDs.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Application Environment, Configuration and Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKAD question test?
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — This question tests Application Environment, Configuration and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: No SecurityContext setting allows running as UID 0 under the restricted policy. — The 'restricted' Pod Security Admission policy requires that containers run as non-root (runAsNonRoot: true) and prohibits setting runAsUser to 0. Since the image requires UID 0, no SecurityContext setting can override this policy constraint; the only way to comply is to modify the image to run as a non-root user. Therefore, option B is correct.
What should I do if I get this CKAD 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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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This CKAD 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 CKAD exam.
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