- A
--audit-log-maxage=30
Sets the retention period for audit logs in days; required for basic audit logging to manage disk usage.
- B
--audit-log-format=json
Why wrong: JSON is the default format for audit logs; this flag is optional and not required for basic setup.
- C
--audit-log-path=/var/log/kubernetes/audit.log
Specifies the file path where audit logs are written; required to enable audit logging.
- D
--audit-policy-file=/etc/kubernetes/audit-policy.yaml
Defines a policy file that controls which events are logged; required to filter audit events according to policy.
Question 13 of 997
Required Flags for Audit Logging on Kube-apiserver
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of cluster setup and hardening. 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.
An administrator wants to enable audit logging on the API server. Which three flags are required to set up basic audit logging?
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
✓
--audit-log-maxage=30
For basic audit logging in Kubernetes, three flags are required: `--audit-log-path` specifies the file path for audit logs, `--audit-policy-file` defines the policy controlling which events are logged, and `--audit-log-maxage` sets the retention period in days. These ensure logging is enabled, filtered, and rotated. The `--audit-log-format` flag is optional because JSON is the default, and `--audit-log-maxbackup` and `--audit-log-maxsize` can be added but are not required for basic setup.
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.
- ✓
--audit-log-maxage=30
Why this is correct
Sets the retention period for audit logs in days; required for basic audit logging to manage disk usage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
--audit-log-format=json
Why it's wrong here
JSON is the default format for audit logs; this flag is optional and not required for basic setup.
- ✓
--audit-log-path=/var/log/kubernetes/audit.log
Why this is correct
Specifies the file path where audit logs are written; required to enable audit logging.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
--audit-policy-file=/etc/kubernetes/audit-policy.yaml
Why this is correct
Defines a policy file that controls which events are logged; required to filter audit events according to policy.
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 misconception that `--audit-log-format=json` is required for basic audit logging, when in fact JSON is the default format and the flag is optional, leading candidates to select it as a required flag.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Kubernetes API server audit logging mechanism uses a policy file (YAML) to define rules for logging requests at various stages (RequestReceived, ResponseStarted, ResponseComplete, etc.). The `--audit-log-path` flag enables the logging backend, while `--audit-policy-file` provides the rules; without a policy, no events are logged. The `--audit-log-maxage` flag works with `--audit-log-maxbackup` and `--audit-log-maxsize` to control log rotation, which is critical in production to avoid filling the filesystem.
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 CKS 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Cluster Setup and Hardening — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Cluster Setup and Hardening — This question tests Cluster Setup and Hardening — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: --audit-log-maxage=30 — For basic audit logging in Kubernetes, three flags are required: `--audit-log-path` specifies the file path for audit logs, `--audit-policy-file` defines the policy controlling which events are logged, and `--audit-log-maxage` sets the retention period in days. These ensure logging is enabled, filtered, and rotated. The `--audit-log-format` flag is optional because JSON is the default, and `--audit-log-maxbackup` and `--audit-log-maxsize` can be added but are not required for basic setup.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on CKS
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An administrator wants to enable audit logging for the Kubernetes API server. Which of the following is required?
medium- A.Enable the AuditLogging feature gate
- ✓ B.Set --audit-log-path and --audit-policy-file flags on the kube-apiserver
- C.Create a ClusterRoleBinding with audit permissions
- D.Set --audit-log-path flag on the kubelet
Why B: Audit logging in Kubernetes is configured directly on the kube-apiserver component. The `--audit-log-path` flag specifies the file path where audit logs are written, and the `--audit-policy-file` flag points to a YAML file that defines which events (e.g., requests, responses, metadata) should be logged and at what level (e.g., Metadata, Request, RequestResponse). These flags are required to enable and control audit logging; no feature gate is needed because audit logging is built-in since Kubernetes 1.8.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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