This KCNA practice question tests your understanding of cloud native architecture. 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. 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.
Which TWO of the following are examples of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools? (Choose two.)
Docker
Why wrong: Docker is a container runtime, not IaC.
Terraform
Terraform is an IaC tool by HashiCorp.
Kubernetes
Why wrong: Kubernetes is a container orchestration platform, not an IaC tool.
Prometheus
Why wrong: Prometheus is a monitoring system, not IaC.
Pulumi
Pulumi allows IaC using general-purpose programming languages.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Terraform
Terraform (B) is an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool that uses declarative configuration files (HashiCorp Configuration Language, HCL) to define and provision cloud and on-premises resources. It manages the full lifecycle of infrastructure through a state file and provider plugins, enabling version-controlled, repeatable deployments.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Docker
Why it's wrong here
Docker is a container runtime, not IaC.
Terraform
Why this is correct
Terraform is an IaC tool by HashiCorp.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Kubernetes
Why it's wrong here
Kubernetes is a container orchestration platform, not an IaC tool.
Prometheus
Why it's wrong here
Prometheus is a monitoring system, not IaC.
Pulumi
Why this is correct
Pulumi allows IaC using general-purpose programming languages.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
CNCF often tests the distinction between containerization/orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes) and actual IaC tools, leading candidates to confuse tools that manage applications with those that provision infrastructure.
Detailed technical explanation
IaC tools like Terraform and Pulumi use a desired-state model: Terraform maintains a state file (terraform.tfstate) to track real-world resources and computes a plan to reconcile drift, while Pulumi allows infrastructure definition in general-purpose languages (e.g., TypeScript, Python) and leverages the same state management. A subtle behavior is that Terraform's 'taint' command marks a resource for recreation on the next apply, which can be used to force replacement without changing configuration—a nuance often missed in exam scenarios.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Cloud Native Architecture — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Cloud Native Architecture practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All KCNA questions
997 questions across all exam domains
Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate KCNA study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
KCNA practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise KCNA questions linked to Kubernetes Fundamentals.
Practise KCNA questions linked to Container Orchestration.
Practise KCNA questions linked to Cloud Native Architecture.
Practise KCNA questions linked to Cloud Native Observability.
Practise KCNA questions linked to Cloud Native Application Delivery.
Practise KCNA questions linked to KCNA fundamentals.
Practise KCNA questions linked to KCNA scenario.
Practise KCNA questions linked to KCNA troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Cloud Native Architecture — This question tests Cloud Native Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Terraform — Terraform (B) is an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool that uses declarative configuration files (HashiCorp Configuration Language, HCL) to define and provision cloud and on-premises resources. It manages the full lifecycle of infrastructure through a state file and provider plugins, enabling version-controlled, repeatable deployments.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.