- A
Configure a Cloud NAT.
Why wrong: Cloud NAT provides outbound internet to non-Google IPs, not Google APIs.
- B
Add a firewall rule to allow egress to 0.0.0.0/0.
Why wrong: Firewall rules control access but do not provide the necessary routing for API access without external IP.
- C
Set up VPC peering with the Google APIs service producer.
Why wrong: VPC peering is not used for Google API access; that is Private Google Access.
- D
Enable Private Google Access on the subnet.
Private Google Access allows VMs without external IPs to reach Google APIs.
Question 926 of 1,000
Private Google Access
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing a virtual private cloud. 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. A key principle to apply: private Google Access. 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.
A developer wants to create a VM that can communicate with all Google APIs without requiring an external IP address. Which configuration is necessary?
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable Private Google Access on the subnet. This configuration allows VM instances without an external IP address to reach Google APIs and services using internal RFC 1918 addresses, routing traffic through Google’s internal network rather than the public internet. On the Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to secure API access while avoiding public exposure—a common trap is confusing Private Google Access with Cloud NAT, which only provides outbound internet for non-Google destinations. Remember that Private Google Access is a subnet-level setting, not a VM-level one, and it works alongside VPC flow logs for auditing. A helpful memory tip: think of it as “private API highway” for your internal VMs, keeping traffic off the public road.
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 Private Google Access on the subnet.
To enable a VM to communicate with Google APIs without an external IP, Private Google Access must be enabled on the subnet. This allows instances with only internal IPs to reach Google APIs and services through Google's internal network. Option A (Cloud NAT) provides internet access for non-Google destinations, not specifically for Google APIs. Option B (firewall rule to 0.0.0.0/0) would allow egress to the internet, but the VM still needs an external IP if Private Google Access is not enabled. Option C (VPC peering) is used to connect VPCs, not to access Google APIs. Therefore, Option D is correct.
Key principle: Private Google Access
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 a Cloud NAT.
- ✗
Add a firewall rule to allow egress to 0.0.0.0/0.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules control access but do not provide the necessary routing for API access without external IP.
- ✗
Set up VPC peering with the Google APIs service producer.
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering is not used for Google API access; that is Private Google Access.
- ✓
Enable Private Google Access on the subnet.
Why this is correct
Private Google Access allows VMs without external IPs to reach Google APIs.
Related concept
Private Google Access
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
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Private Google Access
- Cloud NAT
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Private Google Access
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review private Google Access, then practise related PCNE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Implementing a Virtual Private Cloud — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Implementing a Virtual Private Cloud practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNE question test?
Implementing a Virtual Private Cloud — This question tests Implementing a Virtual Private Cloud — Private Google Access.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Private Google Access on the subnet. — To enable a VM to communicate with Google APIs without an external IP, Private Google Access must be enabled on the subnet. This allows instances with only internal IPs to reach Google APIs and services through Google's internal network. Option A (Cloud NAT) provides internet access for non-Google destinations, not specifically for Google APIs. Option B (firewall rule to 0.0.0.0/0) would allow egress to the internet, but the VM still needs an external IP if Private Google Access is not enabled. Option C (VPC peering) is used to connect VPCs, not to access Google APIs. Therefore, Option D is correct.
What should I do if I get this PCNE question wrong?
Review private Google Access, then practise related PCNE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Private Google Access
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This PCNE 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 PCNE exam.
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