- A
violation
Why wrong: `violation` is a commonly used rule name in Gatekeeper constraint templates, but it is not a Rego keyword.
- B
allow
Why wrong: `allow` is a common rule name used in OPA policies, but it is not a Rego keyword.
- C
input
`input` is a reserved Rego keyword that refers to the entire input document passed to the policy. In Gatekeeper, it contains the admission review request.
- D
data
`data` is a reserved Rego keyword that refers to the global data document, which includes external data stored in OPA. It is a valid keyword.
- E
deny
Why wrong: `deny` is a common rule name used to produce a denial, but it is not a Rego keyword.
Question 380 of 997
Which Rego Keywords Are Reserved in OPA for Gatekeeper?
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of minimize microservice vulnerabilities. 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 TWO of the following are valid Rego keywords used in OPA policies for Gatekeeper? (Select TWO)
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
✓
input
In Rego, `input` and `data` are reserved keywords. `input` refers to the incoming document (e.g., the admission review request in Gatekeeper), and `data` refers to the global data document containing external data. `deny` is not a keyword but a common rule name used to trigger denial; `violation` and `allow` are also custom rule names. Therefore, the correct answer is options C and D.
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.
- ✗
violation
Why it's wrong here
`violation` is a commonly used rule name in Gatekeeper constraint templates, but it is not a Rego keyword.
- ✗
allow
Why it's wrong here
`allow` is a common rule name used in OPA policies, but it is not a Rego keyword.
- ✓
input
Why this is correct
`input` is a reserved Rego keyword that refers to the entire input document passed to the policy. In Gatekeeper, it contains the admission review request.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
data
Why this is correct
`data` is a reserved Rego keyword that refers to the global data document, which includes external data stored in OPA. It is a valid keyword.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
deny
Why it's wrong here
`deny` is a common rule name used to produce a denial, but it is not a Rego keyword.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Gatekeeper often tests the distinction between Rego language keywords (like `input` and `data`) and common rule names (like `violation`, `allow`, `deny`) that are not part of the language specification. Candidates mistakenly treat custom rule names as keywords.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
`violation` is a commonly used rule name in Gatekeeper constraint templates, but it is not a Rego keyword.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Rego keywords like `input` and `deny` are part of the language's built-in document hierarchy: `input` represents the query input (e.g., admission review), and `deny` is a conventional rule name that OPA treats specially when aggregating violations—multiple `deny` rules are merged into a single set. In Gatekeeper, `deny` rules are used in constraint templates to produce violation messages, and the `input` document provides access to the Kubernetes object under review, including metadata, spec, and status fields.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — This question tests Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: input — In Rego, `input` and `data` are reserved keywords. `input` refers to the incoming document (e.g., the admission review request in Gatekeeper), and `data` refers to the global data document containing external data. `deny` is not a keyword but a common rule name used to trigger denial; `violation` and `allow` are also custom rule names. Therefore, the correct answer is options C and D.
What should I do if I get this CKS 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: Jul 4, 2026
This CKS 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 CKS exam.
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