KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
You want to update a Deployment's container image from 'nginx:1.20' to 'nginx:1.21' and record the change. Which kubectl command should you use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates choose option D, thinking the image update alone suffices, but they overlook the explicit requirement to 'record the change,' which is a common KCNA trick to test attention to detail with the `--record` flag.
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 set image deployment/nginx nginx=nginx:1.21 --record
The `kubectl set image` command directly updates the container image of a specified deployment, and the `--record` flag annotates the change in the rollout history, allowing you to track the change for auditing or rollback purposes. This is the most efficient way to update the image and record the change without editing the full deployment manifest or reapplying a file.
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 edit deployment nginx
Why it's wrong here
This opens an editor but does not record by default.
- ✗
kubectl apply -f deployment.yaml
Why it's wrong here
This applies a manifest file; it may not record if not configured.
- ✓
kubectl set image deployment/nginx nginx=nginx:1.21 --record
Why this is correct
The --record flag annotates the change for history.
- ✗
kubectl set image deployment/nginx nginx=nginx:1.21
Why it's wrong here
This updates the image but does not record the change.
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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.