- A
It supports patching Kubernetes resources via strategic merge patches or JSON patches.
Correct. Kustomize supports strategic merge patches and JSON patches to customize resources.
- B
It automatically handles canary traffic routing.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Canary traffic routing is not handled by Kustomize; it requires a service mesh or deployment controller.
- C
It relies on Go templating to generate Kubernetes manifests.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Kustomize does not use Go templating; it is template-free and uses pure YAML.
- D
It uses a base and overlay model to manage environment-specific configurations.
Correct. Kustomize uses a base and overlay model to manage environment-specific configurations.
- E
It can be used to package and deploy Helm charts.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Kustomize does not natively package or deploy Helm charts; it works with raw Kubernetes manifests.
Kustomize Features
This KCNA practice question tests your understanding of cloud native application delivery. 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. A key principle to apply: base and Overlay. 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 statements are true about Kustomize? (Choose 2)
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
It supports patching Kubernetes resources via strategic merge patches or JSON patches.
Kustomize uses a base and overlay model to manage environment-specific configurations (D). It supports patching Kubernetes resources via strategic merge patches or JSON patches (A). Kustomize does not use Go templating; it is template-free. It does not handle canary traffic routing, which is typically done by service mesh or deployment tools. It does not package or deploy Helm charts natively.
Key principle: Base and Overlay
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It supports patching Kubernetes resources via strategic merge patches or JSON patches.
Why this is correct
Correct. Kustomize supports strategic merge patches and JSON patches to customize resources.
Related concept
Base and Overlay
- ✗
It automatically handles canary traffic routing.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Canary traffic routing is not handled by Kustomize; it requires a service mesh or deployment controller.
- ✗
It relies on Go templating to generate Kubernetes manifests.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Kustomize does not use Go templating; it is template-free and uses pure YAML.
- ✓
It uses a base and overlay model to manage environment-specific configurations.
Why this is correct
Correct. Kustomize uses a base and overlay model to manage environment-specific configurations.
Related concept
Base and Overlay
- ✗
It can be used to package and deploy Helm charts.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Kustomize does not natively package or deploy Helm charts; it works with raw Kubernetes manifests.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is confusing Kustomize's patching with templating, or assuming it handles canary routing. Also, some might think Kustomize is part of Helm, but they are separate tools.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Base and Overlay
- Strategic Merge Patch
- Template-free
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
Base and Overlay
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. Base and Overlay 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.
Review base and Overlay, then practise related KCNA questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Cloud Native Application Delivery — 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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this KCNA question test?
Cloud Native Application Delivery — This question tests Cloud Native Application Delivery — Base and Overlay.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It supports patching Kubernetes resources via strategic merge patches or JSON patches. — Kustomize uses a base and overlay model to manage environment-specific configurations (D). It supports patching Kubernetes resources via strategic merge patches or JSON patches (A). Kustomize does not use Go templating; it is template-free. It does not handle canary traffic routing, which is typically done by service mesh or deployment tools. It does not package or deploy Helm charts natively.
What should I do if I get this KCNA question wrong?
Review base and Overlay, then practise related KCNA questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Base and Overlay
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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