- A
They run to completion before the main application containers start
Init containers run sequentially and must complete successfully before main containers start.
- B
They cannot have resource limits set
Why wrong: Init containers can have resource limits and requests set just like regular containers.
- C
If an init container fails, the pod restarts according to the pod's restartPolicy
If an init container fails, the pod restarts (or is restarted) based on the pod's restartPolicy.
- D
They run after the main application containers have started
Why wrong: They run before the main containers, not after.
- E
They are defined in the spec.initContainers field of a Pod
Init containers are defined in spec.initContainers, separate from spec.containers.
CKAD Application Design and Build Practice Question
This CKAD practice question tests your understanding of application design and build. 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.
Which THREE of the following are correct about init containers? (Select THREE.)
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
They run to completion before the main application containers start
Options A, C, and E are correct. Init containers run sequentially (not in parallel) and must complete successfully before app containers start. They are specified under spec.initContainers. Option B is wrong: init containers run before app containers. Option D is wrong: init containers support the same securityContext as regular containers.
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.
- ✓
They run to completion before the main application containers start
Why this is correct
Init containers run sequentially and must complete successfully before main containers start.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
They cannot have resource limits set
Why it's wrong here
Init containers can have resource limits and requests set just like regular containers.
- ✓
If an init container fails, the pod restarts according to the pod's restartPolicy
Why this is correct
If an init container fails, the pod restarts (or is restarted) based on the pod's restartPolicy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
They run after the main application containers have started
Why it's wrong here
They run before the main containers, not after.
- ✓
They are defined in the spec.initContainers field of a Pod
Why this is correct
Init containers are defined in spec.initContainers, separate from spec.containers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CKAD 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.
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Application Design and Build — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKAD question test?
Application Design and Build — This question tests Application Design and Build — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: They run to completion before the main application containers start — Options A, C, and E are correct. Init containers run sequentially (not in parallel) and must complete successfully before app containers start. They are specified under spec.initContainers. Option B is wrong: init containers run before app containers. Option D is wrong: init containers support the same securityContext as regular containers.
What should I do if I get this CKAD question wrong?
Identify which CKAD 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.
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 21, 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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