This CKS practice question tests your understanding of cluster setup and hardening. 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 are configuring etcd encryption at rest. After placing the EncryptionConfiguration YAML file, you must modify which file to point the API server to it?
/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml
Correct file to modify for API server flags.
/etc/kubernetes/admin.conf
Why wrong: This is the admin kubeconfig, not a configuration file for the API server.
/etc/kubernetes/pki/etcd/ca.crt
Why wrong: This is a certificate file, not a configuration file.
/etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
Why wrong: Kubelet configuration does not include API server flags.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml
Option A is correct because the API server is deployed as a static pod in a typical Kubernetes cluster, with its manifest located at /etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml. To enable encryption at rest, you must add the `--encryption-provider-config` flag to this manifest, pointing to the EncryptionConfiguration YAML file. The kubelet automatically detects the change and restarts the API server pod to apply the new encryption configuration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml
Why this is correct
Correct file to modify for API server flags.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/etc/kubernetes/admin.conf
Why it's wrong here
This is the admin kubeconfig, not a configuration file for the API server.
/etc/kubernetes/pki/etcd/ca.crt
Why it's wrong here
This is a certificate file, not a configuration file.
/etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
Why it's wrong here
Kubelet configuration does not include API server flags.
Common exam traps
CNCF often tests the distinction between static pod manifests and kubeconfig files; the trap here is that candidates may confuse /etc/kubernetes/admin.conf or /etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf with the API server's configuration, thinking they need to modify a kubeconfig file instead of the static pod manifest.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the API server reads the EncryptionConfiguration at startup and uses the specified providers (e.g., aescbc, secretbox) to encrypt resources before writing them to etcd. A subtle behavior is that the encryption key is stored in etcd itself (in the encryption-config secret), so if etcd data is compromised, the key is also exposed unless you use a key management service (KMS) provider. In a real-world scenario, failing to restart the API server after modifying the manifest will leave encryption inactive, which is a common oversight during audits.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Cluster Setup and Hardening — This question tests Cluster Setup and Hardening — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml — Option A is correct because the API server is deployed as a static pod in a typical Kubernetes cluster, with its manifest located at /etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml. To enable encryption at rest, you must add the `--encryption-provider-config` flag to this manifest, pointing to the EncryptionConfiguration YAML file. The kubelet automatically detects the change and restarts the API server pod to apply the new encryption configuration.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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