- A
Create a new cluster with the desired version and migrate workloads
Why wrong: This is an alternative but not the most efficient; upgrading in-place is simpler.
- B
Drain all nodes using kubectl drain before upgrading
Why wrong: Draining is not required for a standard upgrade; the upgrade process handles pod eviction.
- C
Manually update the kubelet version on each node
Why wrong: GKE manages node versions; you should use the managed upgrade process.
- D
Upgrade the cluster's control plane using gcloud container clusters upgrade
The control plane must be upgraded first.
- E
Upgrade node pools using gcloud container node-pools upgrade
Node pools need to be upgraded to match the control plane version.
Question 737 of 1,000
Google ACE Practice Question: Ensuring Successful Operation of a Cloud Solution
This ACE practice question tests your understanding of ensuring successful operation of a cloud solution. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Your GKE cluster is running an older version of Kubernetes. You need to upgrade the cluster's control plane and node pools. Which two steps should you perform? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Upgrade the cluster's control plane using gcloud container clusters upgrade
Upgrading a GKE cluster involves upgrading the cluster (control plane) first using gcloud container clusters upgrade, and then upgrading node pools separately (or they can be auto-upgraded). You cannot upgrade nodes without upgrading the control plane first. Draining nodes is not a step for upgrading, it's for maintenance.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a new cluster with the desired version and migrate workloads
Why it's wrong here
This is an alternative but not the most efficient; upgrading in-place is simpler.
- ✗
Drain all nodes using kubectl drain before upgrading
Why it's wrong here
Draining is not required for a standard upgrade; the upgrade process handles pod eviction.
- ✗
Manually update the kubelet version on each node
Why it's wrong here
GKE manages node versions; you should use the managed upgrade process.
- ✓
Upgrade the cluster's control plane using gcloud container clusters upgrade
Why this is correct
The control plane must be upgraded first.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Upgrade node pools using gcloud container node-pools upgrade
Why this is correct
Node pools need to be upgraded to match the control plane version.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which ACE exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ACE question test?
Ensuring Successful Operation of a Cloud Solution — This question tests Ensuring Successful Operation of a Cloud Solution — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Upgrade the cluster's control plane using gcloud container clusters upgrade — Upgrading a GKE cluster involves upgrading the cluster (control plane) first using gcloud container clusters upgrade, and then upgrading node pools separately (or they can be auto-upgraded). You cannot upgrade nodes without upgrading the control plane first. Draining nodes is not a step for upgrading, it's for maintenance.
What should I do if I get this ACE question wrong?
Identify which ACE exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This ACE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 ACE exam.
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