The correct answer is to set `automountServiceAccountToken: false` in the pod spec while specifying `serviceAccountName: my-sa`. This configuration directly addresses the need to prevent service account token mount by explicitly disabling the automatic token mounting behavior at the pod level, while still associating the pod with the desired service account. In Kubernetes, by default every pod automatically mounts a token for its service account, but setting this field to false overrides that default for the specific pod. On the CKAD exam, this tests your understanding of pod-level security controls and service account configuration, often appearing in scenarios where you must balance access with security hardening. A common trap is confusing the pod-level field with the service account-level field; remember that the pod spec setting takes precedence. Memory tip: think "pod override" — the pod's `automountServiceAccountToken` flag always wins over the service account's default.
CKAD Practice Question: Application Environment, Configuration and Security
This CKAD practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. 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.
You have a service account 'my-sa' in the default namespace. You want a pod to use this service account and also prevent the pod from mounting the service account token. Which pod spec configuration is correct?
Option C is correct because setting `automountServiceAccountToken: false` in the pod spec prevents the automatic mounting of the service account token, while `serviceAccountName: my-sa` specifies the desired service account. This satisfies both requirements: using the custom service account and disabling token mounting.
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.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the distinction between the deprecated `serviceAccount` field and the current `serviceAccountName` field, as well as the default `true` value of `automountServiceAccountToken`, leading candidates to overlook the need to explicitly set it to `false` when token mounting must be prevented.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `automountServiceAccountToken` field, when set to `false` at the pod level, overrides the default behavior (which is `true` for most service accounts) and prevents the Kubernetes API token from being projected into the pod's filesystem at `/var/run/secrets/kubernetes.io/serviceaccount/token`. This is useful for security hardening, especially in pods that do not need to interact with the Kubernetes API, reducing the attack surface. Note that this field can also be set on the service account itself, with the pod-level setting taking precedence.
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 CKAD 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CKAD question in full detail.
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: spec:
serviceAccountName: my-sa
automountServiceAccountToken: false — Option C is correct because setting `automountServiceAccountToken: false` in the pod spec prevents the automatic mounting of the service account token, while `serviceAccountName: my-sa` specifies the desired service account. This satisfies both requirements: using the custom service account and disabling token mounting.
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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Question Discussion
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