KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
A Kubernetes cluster has multiple worker nodes. You create a Pod without any node selector. The scheduler places the pod on a node, but the pod remains in 'Pending' state. 'kubectl describe pod' shows '0/1 nodes are available: 1 node had taint {node-role.kubernetes.io/master: }, that the pod didn't tolerate'. What does this indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse taints with resource constraints or node cordoning, but the specific error message 'node had taint ... that the pod didn't tolerate' directly points to a toleration mismatch, not a capacity or cordon issue.
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
✓
The node has a taint that the pod does not tolerate
The error message explicitly states that one node had a taint (`node-role.kubernetes.io/master`) that the pod did not tolerate. Taints and tolerations are a Kubernetes mechanism that allows nodes to repel pods unless the pod has a matching toleration. Since the pod was created without any tolerations, the scheduler could not place it on the tainted node, leaving it in 'Pending' state.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The node has a taint that the pod does not tolerate
Why this is correct
The error explicitly states the node had a taint that the pod didn't tolerate.
- ✗
The pod has a resource request that exceeds the node's capacity
Why it's wrong here
The message does not mention resource limits.
- ✗
The node is cordoned and should be uncordoned
Why it's wrong here
Cordoning also prevents scheduling, but the message specifically mentions a taint.
- ✗
The node is out of disk space
Why it's wrong here
A disk pressure condition would show a different message.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This KCNA 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 KCNA exam.