KCNA Cloud Native Observability Practice Question
Which of the following is true about Prometheus's pull-based model for collecting metrics?
⚠ Common exam trap
KCNA often tests the misconception that Prometheus receives pushed metrics; candidates confuse the pull model with push-based systems like StatsD or Graphite.
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
✓
Prometheus scrapes metrics from HTTP endpoints
Prometheus uses a pull-based model where it periodically scrapes metrics from HTTP endpoints exposed by targets, typically at /metrics. This means targets do not push data; instead, Prometheus initiates the HTTP GET requests on a schedule defined by scrape_interval. This design simplifies target discovery and allows Prometheus to control scrape frequency and timeout.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Targets push metrics to Prometheus
Why it's wrong here
Prometheus actively scrapes configured targets over HTTP at set intervals; targets expose metrics but do not push them. It is tempting because push-based collection is common in monitoring agents, and would be correct for short-lived jobs that cannot be scraped reliably.
- ✗
Prometheus only collects metrics from Kubernetes API server
Why it's wrong here
Prometheus scrapes any HTTP endpoint exposing metrics, including node exporters, applications and custom jobs across many environments, not just the Kubernetes API server. It is tempting because Kubernetes service discovery is a common Prometheus use case, but that is one target among many, not the model's scope.
- ✓
Prometheus scrapes metrics from HTTP endpoints
Why this is correct
Prometheus actively initiates scrapes against configured HTTP endpoints, retrieving metrics at fixed intervals. This pull architecture satisfies the stem's requirement by having the server discover and fetch data itself, rather than passively receiving pushed measurements. Targets expose a `/metrics` path that Prometheus polls, giving it control over collection timing and target health.
- ✗
Prometheus stores metrics in a relational database
Why it's wrong here
Prometheus stores samples in its own time-series database using a custom TSDB format, not a relational database. It is tempting because relational databases are the familiar default for storing structured data, and would be correct for systems requiring SQL queries and transactional integrity.
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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
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.