KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
Which TWO components run on every worker node in a Kubernetes cluster?
⚠ Common exam trap
CNCF often tests the distinction between control plane components and worker node components, trapping candidates who assume that all core Kubernetes components (like kube-scheduler or etcd) run on every node.
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
✓
kubelet
The kubelet is the primary node agent that runs on every worker node, responsible for managing pod lifecycle and ensuring containers are running as expected. kube-proxy runs on every node to handle network routing and load balancing for Kubernetes services, implementing rules via iptables or IPVS.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
kube-scheduler
Why it's wrong here
The scheduler runs on the control plane.
- ✓
kubelet
Why this is correct
kubelet is the primary node agent that ensures containers are running in a Pod.
- ✗
etcd
Why it's wrong here
etcd runs on the control plane.
- ✓
kube-proxy
Why this is correct
kube-proxy maintains network rules on nodes.
- ✗
kube-apiserver
Why it's wrong here
kube-apiserver runs on the control plane.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Kubernetes Overview and Core Components
Key term
ReplicaSet and Replication
A ReplicaSet ensures a specified number of identical pod instances are running at all times in Kubernetes, using replication to maintain availability and stability.
Key term
Pod Lifecycle
The Pod Lifecycle describes the sequence of states a Kubernetes pod passes through from creation to termination, including pending, running, succeeded, failed, and unknown conditions.
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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.