KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
Which three of the following are valid methods to create or update resources in Kubernetes? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates 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`.
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
- ✓
Using the Kubernetes REST API directly
Why this is correct
Using the Kubernetes REST API directly allows creating and updating resources via HTTP methods like POST and PUT, making it a valid method.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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: `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.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.