KCNA kube-controller-manager Practice Question
Which two of the following are Kubernetes controllers that run inside the kube-controller-manager? (Select TWO)
⚠ Common exam trap
The exam often tests the distinction between control plane components (kube-controller-manager, kube-scheduler, etcd) and node agents (kubelet). Many candidates mistakenly think kubelet is a controller because it manages pods locally, but it runs on each node as a separate binary, not inside the kube-controller-manager.
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
✓
Replication controller
The kube-controller-manager is a control plane component that runs controller processes to regulate the state of the cluster. The Replication controller (option B) is a legacy controller that ensures a specified number of pod replicas are running at all times, and the Node controller (option D) is responsible for monitoring the health of nodes and managing node lifecycle events. Both are built-in controllers that run inside the kube-controller-manager binary.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
kubelet
Why it's wrong here
Node agent, not a controller.
- ✓
Replication controller
Why this is correct
Ensures correct number of pod replicas.
- ✗
etcd
Why it's wrong here
Storage, not a controller.
- ✓
Node controller
Why this is correct
Manages node status and pod eviction.
- ✗
kube-scheduler
Why it's wrong here
Separate component, not a controller inside controller-manager.
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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.