KCNA Cloud Native Architecture Practice Question
In the context of the 12-factor app methodology, which factor is addressed by storing configuration in environment variables?
⚠ Common exam trap
KCNA often tests whether candidates can map a described practice to the correct numbered factor — the trap is confusing Config (III) with Backing Services (IV) or Dependencies (II), which all touch on externalized resources.
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
✓
III. Config
Factor III (Config) of the 12-factor app methodology explicitly states that configuration should be stored in environment variables, separating config from code so the same build can be deployed across environments. This allows credentials, endpoints, and environment-specific values to be injected at runtime rather than baked into the artifact.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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IV. Backing Services
Why it's wrong here
Backing services concerns treating attached resources such as databases and queues as interchangeable via URLs, not where application configuration is stored. It would be correct if the question asked about swapping a local database for a managed service without code changes.
- ✓
III. Config
Why this is correct
Storing configuration in environment variables directly implements factor III, Config, which mandates strict separation of config from code. This satisfies the stem's constraint by keeping deployment-specific values—credentials, endpoints, feature flags—outside the codebase, so the same artefact deploys unchanged across environments.
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II. Dependencies
Why it's wrong here
Dependencies covers explicitly declaring and isolating libraries via a manifest, not storing configuration values. It would be the answer if the question concerned vendoring packages or dependency isolation; environment variables address configuration, a separate factor.
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I. Codebase
Why it's wrong here
The codebase factor concerns one codebase tracked in revision control with many deploys; it says nothing about where configuration lives. It would be correct if the question asked about deploying the same code to multiple environments, not about externalising config into environment variables.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CNCF exam blueprint
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