- A
Configure Cloud NAT for the cluster
Why wrong: Cloud NAT is not needed for deploying applications.
- B
Create a Compute Engine instance for the pipeline
Why wrong: The pipeline can run on Cloud Build or other CI/CD services, not requiring a dedicated VM.
- C
Apply a Deployment manifest to the cluster
The manifest defines the desired state of the application.
- D
Create an instance template for the node pool
Why wrong: Instance templates are not used for deploying applications to GKE; they are for Compute Engine.
- E
Push the image to Container Registry
The image must be stored in a registry accessible to GKE.
- F
Build a Docker image from source code
Building the container image is the first step.
Question 450 of 1,000
mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
Google ACE Practice Question: Which THREE steps are part of deploying a…
This ACE practice question tests your understanding of ace exam topics. 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 THREE steps are part of deploying a containerized application to Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) using a CI/CD pipeline? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Apply a Deployment manifest to the cluster
A typical CI/CD pipeline for GKE includes: building a container image from source code, pushing the image to Container Registry, and applying a Kubernetes Deployment manifest to the cluster. Option A (Configure Cloud NAT) is for outbound networking, not deployment. Option B (Create a Compute Engine instance) is unnecessary as GKE manages nodes. Option D (Create an instance template for the node pool) is for managed instance groups, not CI/CD deployment. Therefore, the correct three steps are: Build a Docker image, Push the image to Container Registry, and Apply a Deployment manifest to the cluster.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure Cloud NAT for the cluster
Why it's wrong here
Cloud NAT is not needed for deploying applications.
- ✗
Create a Compute Engine instance for the pipeline
Why it's wrong here
The pipeline can run on Cloud Build or other CI/CD services, not requiring a dedicated VM.
- ✓
Apply a Deployment manifest to the cluster
Why this is correct
The manifest defines the desired state of the application.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Create an instance template for the node pool
Why it's wrong here
Instance templates are not used for deploying applications to GKE; they are for Compute Engine.
- ✓
Push the image to Container Registry
Why this is correct
The image must be stored in a registry accessible to GKE.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✓
Build a Docker image from source code
Why this is correct
Building the container image is the first step.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related ACE NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ACE question test?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply a Deployment manifest to the cluster — A typical CI/CD pipeline for GKE includes: building a container image from source code, pushing the image to Container Registry, and applying a Kubernetes Deployment manifest to the cluster. Option A (Configure Cloud NAT) is for outbound networking, not deployment. Option B (Create a Compute Engine instance) is unnecessary as GKE manages nodes. Option D (Create an instance template for the node pool) is for managed instance groups, not CI/CD deployment. Therefore, the correct three steps are: Build a Docker image, Push the image to Container Registry, and Apply a Deployment manifest to the cluster.
What should I do if I get this ACE question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related ACE NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 23, 2026
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