Google PCA Manage implementation of cloud architecture Practice Question
What are two best practices for designing a scalable Kubernetes architecture on GKE?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google Cloud often tests the misconception that StatefulSets are interchangeable with Deployments for stateless apps, or that disabling Cluster Autoscaler simplifies management, but the trap here is that candidates may overlook the need for multi-zonal clusters and autoscaling mechanisms to achieve true scalability and resilience in GKE.
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
✓
Enable horizontal pod autoscaling
Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA) automatically scales the number of pod replicas based on observed CPU/memory utilization or custom metrics, which is essential for handling variable workloads in a scalable Kubernetes architecture on GKE. HPA works by querying the Metrics Server and adjusting the `replicas` field in the Deployment or StatefulSet, ensuring efficient resource usage without manual intervention.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use StatefulSets for stateless applications
Why it's wrong here
StatefulSets are for stateful apps.
- ✗
Disable Cluster Autoscaler
Why it's wrong here
Autoscaler is needed for scaling nodes.
- ✓
Enable horizontal pod autoscaling
Why this is correct
Auto-scales pods based on metrics.
- ✓
Use node pools with different machine types
Why this is correct
Optimizes resource usage and scaling.
- ✗
Use a single zone cluster
Why it's wrong here
Not scalable; use multi-zonal or regional.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Google Cloud Resource Hierarchy and Organization
Key term
Autoscaler
An Autoscaler is a cloud service that automatically increases or decreases the number of virtual machines (instances) or resources based on real-time demand, so your application always has enough capacity without wasting money on idle servers.
Key term
Anthos
Anthos is a Google Cloud platform that lets you run applications consistently across different computing environments, like on-premises data centers and multiple public clouds.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.