- A
Create a VPC network, then create a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance with high availability enabled, then configure private IP (including VPC peering), then verify the setup.
This is correct because the VPC network must exist before creating the Cloud SQL instance, and HA must be enabled at creation time (cannot be added later). Private IP configuration requires the instance to exist and a VPC peering setup, which should be done after instance creation.
- B
Create a Cloud SQL instance without HA, then enable HA later, then configure private IP, then create a VPC network.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because HA cannot be enabled on an existing Cloud SQL instance; it must be selected at creation. Also, the VPC network must be created before the instance, not after.
- C
Configure private IP first, then create a VPC network, then create a Cloud SQL instance with HA, then test the connection.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because private IP configuration cannot be done before creating the VPC network and the Cloud SQL instance. The VPC network must exist first, and the instance must be created before assigning a private IP.
- D
Create a Cloud SQL instance with HA, then configure private IP, then create a VPC network, then test the connection.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the VPC network must exist before creating the Cloud SQL instance. Also, private IP configuration requires an existing VPC network and peering, which cannot be set up after the instance is created without the network in place.
Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL High Availability Setup Steps
This PCA practice question tests your understanding of analyze and optimize technical and business processes. 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.
Drag and drop the steps to set up a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance with high availability into the correct order.
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
Create a VPC network, then create a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance with high availability enabled, then configure private IP (including VPC peering), then verify the setup.
HA configuration creates a primary and standby in different zones. Private IP requires VPC peering.
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 VPC network, then create a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance with high availability enabled, then configure private IP (including VPC peering), then verify the setup.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the VPC network must exist before creating the Cloud SQL instance, and HA must be enabled at creation time (cannot be added later). Private IP configuration requires the instance to exist and a VPC peering setup, which should be done after instance creation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a Cloud SQL instance without HA, then enable HA later, then configure private IP, then create a VPC network.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because HA cannot be enabled on an existing Cloud SQL instance; it must be selected at creation. Also, the VPC network must be created before the instance, not after.
- ✗
Configure private IP first, then create a VPC network, then create a Cloud SQL instance with HA, then test the connection.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because private IP configuration cannot be done before creating the VPC network and the Cloud SQL instance. The VPC network must exist first, and the instance must be created before assigning a private IP.
- ✗
Create a Cloud SQL instance with HA, then configure private IP, then create a VPC network, then test the connection.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the VPC network must exist before creating the Cloud SQL instance. Also, private IP configuration requires an existing VPC network and peering, which cannot be set up after the instance is created without the network in place.
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
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCA question test?
Analyze and optimize technical and business processes — This question tests Analyze and optimize technical and business processes — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a VPC network, then create a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance with high availability enabled, then configure private IP (including VPC peering), then verify the setup. — HA configuration creates a primary and standby in different zones. Private IP requires VPC peering.
What should I do if I get this PCA question wrong?
Identify which PCA 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PCA 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 PCA exam.
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