KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are functions of the kube-controller-manager?
⚠ Common exam trap
CNCF often tests the distinction between the kube-controller-manager and the kube-scheduler, so the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think pod-to-node assignment is a controller function, when it is exclusively handled by the scheduler.
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
✓
Managing replication and ensuring the desired number of pods are running
The kube-controller-manager runs controller processes that regulate the state of the cluster. The replication controller (part of the controller manager) ensures that the actual number of pod replicas matches the desired count specified in a ReplicaSet or ReplicationController, automatically creating or terminating pods as needed. Additionally, the node controller within the kube-controller-manager periodically checks node health via the Node Lifecycle Controller, which monitors heartbeats (NodeStatus updates) and responds to node failures by tainting the node and evicting pods after a configurable timeout (default 5 minutes).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Managing replication and ensuring the desired number of pods are running
Why this is correct
The replication controller ensures the correct number of pod replicas.
- ✗
Storing cluster state
Why it's wrong here
Cluster state is stored in etcd.
- ✗
Exposing the Kubernetes API
Why it's wrong here
The kube-apiserver exposes the API.
- ✓
Monitoring node health and responding to node failures
Why this is correct
The node controller monitors nodes and takes action when a node becomes unhealthy.
- ✗
Assigning pods to nodes
Why it's wrong here
Assigning pods to nodes is the responsibility of the kube-scheduler, which uses resource requests and constraints to select a node for each unscheduled pod. The kube-controller-manager runs controller loops (e.g., ReplicaSet, Node Lifecycle) but does not perform node assignment. This option is tempting because the controller-manager oversees node health and can evict pods from unhealthy nodes, but it never decides which node a new pod lands on.
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