- A
--format table
Table is the default output format.
- B
--format sarif
Trivy supports SARIF output for integration with code quality tools.
- C
--format xml
Why wrong: Trivy does not support XML output.
- D
--format yaml
Why wrong: Trivy does not support YAML output.
- E
--format json
Trivy supports JSON output.
Question 588 of 997
Trivy image Output Formats: table, sarif, json
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of supply chain security. 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 valid flags for the 'trivy image' command to output results in different formats?
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
✓
--format table
The `trivy image` command supports multiple output formats via the `--format` flag. The valid formats include `table`, `sarif`, and `json`, which are explicitly documented in Trivy's CLI help. `table` produces a human-readable summary, `sarif` outputs results in the SARIF (Static Analysis Results Interchange Format) standard, and `json` provides structured data for programmatic consumption.
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.
- ✓
--format table
Why this is correct
Table is the default output format.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
--format sarif
Why this is correct
Trivy supports SARIF output for integration with code quality tools.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
--format xml
Why it's wrong here
Trivy does not support XML output.
- ✗
--format yaml
Why it's wrong here
Trivy does not support YAML output.
- ✓
--format json
Why this is correct
Trivy supports JSON output.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CKS exam often tests the distinction between Trivy's supported output formats and common but unsupported formats like XML or YAML, exploiting the assumption that any common data serialization format would be valid.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Trivy does not support XML output.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Trivy uses a modular reporter system where each format corresponds to a specific writer implementation. The `sarif` format is particularly important for integrating with CI/CD pipelines and security dashboards that consume SARIF (OASIS Standard). The `json` output is the most flexible for automation, as it includes all fields like `VulnerabilityID`, `PkgName`, `Severity`, and `InstalledVersion` in a structured way. Note that `--format` is distinct from `--output` which controls the destination file.
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.
- →
Supply Chain Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Supply Chain Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All CKS questions
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Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist CKS study guide
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CKS practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Supply Chain Security — This question tests Supply Chain Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: --format table — The `trivy image` command supports multiple output formats via the `--format` flag. The valid formats include `table`, `sarif`, and `json`, which are explicitly documented in Trivy's CLI help. `table` produces a human-readable summary, `sarif` outputs results in the SARIF (Static Analysis Results Interchange Format) standard, and `json` provides structured data for programmatic consumption.
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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