- A
kubectl create deployment web-app --replicas=5
Why wrong: This command would attempt to create a new deployment, not scale an existing one.
- B
kubectl scale deployment web-app --replicas=5
The scale command changes the replica count of the deployment.
- C
kubectl edit deployment web-app --replicas=5
Why wrong: kubectl edit opens an editor; the --replicas flag is not valid with edit.
- D
kubectl describe deployment web-app
Why wrong: Describe shows details but does not modify the deployment.
Question 929 of 997
Scale Deployment Replicas Using kubectl scale
This KCNA practice question tests your understanding of kubernetes fundamentals. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 have a Deployment named 'web-app' with 3 replicas. You need to scale it to 5 replicas. Which kubectl command should you use?
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 scale deployment web-app --replicas=5
The `kubectl scale` command is the correct way to adjust the replica count of an existing Deployment. It directly modifies the `spec.replicas` field in the Deployment's desired state, instructing the ReplicaSet controller to create or delete Pods to match the new count. Option B uses the correct syntax `kubectl scale deployment web-app --replicas=5` to achieve this.
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 create deployment web-app --replicas=5
Why it's wrong here
This command would attempt to create a new deployment, not scale an existing one.
- ✓
kubectl scale deployment web-app --replicas=5
Why this is correct
The scale command changes the replica count of the deployment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
kubectl edit deployment web-app --replicas=5
Why it's wrong here
kubectl edit opens an editor; the --replicas flag is not valid with edit.
- ✗
kubectl describe deployment web-app
Why it's wrong here
Describe shows details but does not modify the deployment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `kubectl create` with `kubectl scale`, thinking they can reuse the create command with a different replica count to update an existing Deployment, when in fact `create` is only for initial creation and will fail or overwrite the resource.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command would attempt to create a new deployment, not scale an existing one.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `kubectl scale` sends a PATCH request to the Kubernetes API server, updating the Deployment's `spec.replicas` field. This triggers the Deployment controller to adjust the desired replica count in the associated ReplicaSet, which then creates or terminates Pods via the scheduler and kubelet. In real-world scenarios, scaling is often automated with HorizontalPodAutoscaler (HPA), which uses `kubectl scale` as its underlying mechanism, but manual scaling is still common for immediate capacity changes during load spikes.
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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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 scale deployment web-app --replicas=5 — The `kubectl scale` command is the correct way to adjust the replica count of an existing Deployment. It directly modifies the `spec.replicas` field in the Deployment's desired state, instructing the ReplicaSet controller to create or delete Pods to match the new count. Option B uses the correct syntax `kubectl scale deployment web-app --replicas=5` to achieve this.
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. You have a Deployment named 'web-app' running three replicas. You need to scale it to five replicas. Which kubectl command accomplishes this?
medium- A.kubectl set deployment web-app replicas=5
- B.kubectl patch deployment web-app -p '{"replicas":5}'
- ✓ C.kubectl scale deployment web-app --replicas=5
- D.kubectl update deployment web-app --replicas=5
Why C: The correct command to change the number of replicas in a Deployment is `kubectl scale deployment web-app --replicas=5`. This directly instructs the Kubernetes API to update the Deployment's `.spec.replicas` field, causing the ReplicaSet controller to adjust the number of Pods to match the desired count.
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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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