- A
kubectl apply requires the --save-config flag to record the last-applied-configuration annotation
Why wrong: The annotation is set automatically by apply.
- B
kubectl apply cannot be used on resources that already exist
Why wrong: It can be used to update existing resources.
- C
kubectl apply can create objects but not update them
Why wrong: apply also updates objects.
- D
kubectl apply can accept a directory of YAML files with -f
apply accepts files, directories, and URLs.
- E
kubectl apply uses a declarative approach and can update existing objects
apply is declarative and updates objects to match the provided config.
Question 916 of 997
What are the differences between kubectl apply and kubectl create?
This KCNA practice question tests your understanding of kubernetes fundamentals. 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.
Which TWO of the following are correct about the 'kubectl apply' command compared to 'kubectl create'? (Select exactly 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
✓
kubectl apply can accept a directory of YAML files with -f
Option D is correct because `kubectl apply -f <directory>` accepts a directory of YAML files and applies all resource definitions within it, making it a convenient way to manage multiple resources declaratively. This is a key feature of `kubectl apply`, which processes each file in the directory and sends the configurations to the Kubernetes API server for creation or update.
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.
- ✗
kubectl apply requires the --save-config flag to record the last-applied-configuration annotation
Why it's wrong here
The annotation is set automatically by apply.
- ✗
kubectl apply cannot be used on resources that already exist
Why it's wrong here
It can be used to update existing resources.
- ✗
kubectl apply can create objects but not update them
Why it's wrong here
apply also updates objects.
- ✓
kubectl apply can accept a directory of YAML files with -f
Why this is correct
apply accepts files, directories, and URLs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
kubectl apply uses a declarative approach and can update existing objects
Why this is correct
apply is declarative and updates objects to match the provided config.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `kubectl apply` with `kubectl create`, mistakenly thinking `apply` cannot update existing resources or that it requires extra flags to record configuration history, when in fact `apply` is inherently declarative and updates are its primary strength.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `kubectl apply` sends a PATCH request to the Kubernetes API server using a strategic merge patch (or JSON merge patch for custom resources), which compares the live object state with the `last-applied-configuration` annotation to compute a diff. This allows it to update only the fields that have changed, preserving changes made by other controllers or operators. In real-world GitOps workflows, `kubectl apply` is the standard command for synchronizing a desired state from a Git repository to a cluster.
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 KCNA 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.
- →
Kubernetes Fundamentals — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
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Targeted practice on this topic area only
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Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate KCNA study guide
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KCNA practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this KCNA question test?
Kubernetes Fundamentals — This question tests Kubernetes Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kubectl apply can accept a directory of YAML files with -f — Option D is correct because `kubectl apply -f <directory>` accepts a directory of YAML files and applies all resource definitions within it, making it a convenient way to manage multiple resources declaratively. This is a key feature of `kubectl apply`, which processes each file in the directory and sends the configurations to the Kubernetes API server for creation or update.
What should I do if I get this KCNA 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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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 →
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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