- A
kubectl apply -f manifest.yaml
`kubectl apply -f manifest.yaml` is a declarative command that creates or updates resources, making it a valid method.
- B
kubectl update -f manifest.yaml
Why wrong: `kubectl update` is not a valid kubectl command; the correct imperative update commands are `kubectl edit` or `kubectl patch`.
- C
kubectl replace -f manifest.yaml
Why wrong: `kubectl replace -f manifest.yaml` is an imperative command that only updates existing resources and fails if the resource does not exist, so it is not a general create or update method.
- D
kubectl create -f manifest.yaml
`kubectl create -f manifest.yaml` creates resources from a file, but it will fail if the resource already exists; it is a valid method for creation.
- E
Using the Kubernetes REST API directly
Using the Kubernetes REST API directly allows creating and updating resources via HTTP methods like POST and PUT, making it a valid method.
Valid Methods to Create Kubernetes Resources
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 three of the following are valid methods to create or update resources in Kubernetes? (Choose three.)
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 -f manifest.yaml
`kubectl apply -f manifest.yaml` is correct because it uses a declarative approach to create or update resources by applying a configuration file, performing a three-way merge between the local file, the current live object, and the last-applied annotation. `kubectl create -f manifest.yaml` is also correct because it creates resources from a file or stdin, though it will fail if the resource already exists. Using the Kubernetes REST API directly (via HTTP requests like POST for create and PUT for update) is another valid method. `kubectl update` is not a valid kubectl command; the correct imperative commands for updates are `kubectl edit` or `kubectl patch`. `kubectl replace -f manifest.yaml` is an imperative command that will fail if the resource does not exist and is not recommended for general resource management.
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 -f manifest.yaml
Why this is correct
`kubectl apply -f manifest.yaml` is a declarative command that creates or updates resources, making it a valid method.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
kubectl update -f manifest.yaml
Why it's wrong here
`kubectl update` is not a valid kubectl command; the correct imperative update commands are `kubectl edit` or `kubectl patch`.
- ✗
kubectl replace -f manifest.yaml
Why it's wrong here
`kubectl replace -f manifest.yaml` is an imperative command that only updates existing resources and fails if the resource does not exist, so it is not a general create or update method.
- ✓
kubectl create -f manifest.yaml
Why this is correct
`kubectl create -f manifest.yaml` creates resources from a file, but it will fail if the resource already exists; it is a valid method for creation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Using the Kubernetes REST API directly
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `kubectl replace` as a valid update method because it sounds similar to 'update', but it is an imperative command that fails on non-existent resources and does not support declarative management like `apply`.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
`kubectl update` is not a valid kubectl command; the correct imperative update commands are `kubectl edit` or `kubectl patch`.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `kubectl apply` sends a PATCH request to the Kubernetes API server using the `application/apply-patch+yaml` content type, which triggers server-side apply in newer versions (v1.16+). This contrasts with `kubectl replace`, which sends a PUT request that requires the resource to exist and overwrites the entire object, potentially removing fields not present in the manifest. In real-world CI/CD pipelines, using `apply` ensures idempotent deployments and avoids accidental field deletion.
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
- →
Kubernetes Fundamentals practice questions
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
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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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 -f manifest.yaml — `kubectl apply -f manifest.yaml` is correct because it uses a declarative approach to create or update resources by applying a configuration file, performing a three-way merge between the local file, the current live object, and the last-applied annotation. `kubectl create -f manifest.yaml` is also correct because it creates resources from a file or stdin, though it will fail if the resource already exists. Using the Kubernetes REST API directly (via HTTP requests like POST for create and PUT for update) is another valid method. `kubectl update` is not a valid kubectl command; the correct imperative commands for updates are `kubectl edit` or `kubectl patch`. `kubectl replace -f manifest.yaml` is an imperative command that will fail if the resource does not exist and is not recommended for general resource management.
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.
About these practice questions
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on KCNA
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are valid ways to create a Kubernetes resource using kubectl?
medium- A.kubectl exec -it pod-name -- /bin/bash
- ✓ B.kubectl run nginx --image=nginx
- C.kubectl logs pod-name
- ✓ D.kubectl create -f pod.yaml
- ✓ E.kubectl apply -f deployment.yaml
Why B: Option B is correct because `kubectl run nginx --image=nginx` creates a Pod imperatively, which is a valid way to create a Kubernetes resource directly from the command line without a manifest file. This command generates a Pod named 'nginx' using the specified container image, and it is a supported method for quick testing or ad-hoc resource creation.
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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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