- A
Set a retention policy on the BigQuery dataset to prevent accidental deletion.
Why wrong: Setting a retention policy on a BigQuery dataset only configures default table expiration; it does not prevent deletion. This step does not satisfy the requirement.
- B
Use IAM conditions to restrict who can delete the dataset or table.
Using IAM conditions to restrict who can delete the dataset or table helps ensure that only authorized personnel can perform deletions, thus supporting the retention policy.
- C
Use Cloud KMS to encrypt the data and destroy the key after 7 years.
Why wrong: Cloud KMS key destruction renders data unreadable but does not prevent the data itself from being deleted. It is not a valid step for preventing deletion.
- D
Export the data to Cloud Storage and enable Bucket Lock with a 7-year retention policy.
Exporting data to Cloud Storage and enabling Bucket Lock with a 7-year retention policy enforces a write-once-read-many (WORM) state, preventing deletion or modification during the retention period.
- E
Enable object lifecycle management to delete data after 7 years.
Why wrong: Enabling object lifecycle management to delete data after 7 years would cause the data to be deleted, which is the opposite of retaining it for 7 years.
PCSE IAM Conditions Practice Question
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of supporting compliance requirements. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: iAM Conditions. 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 company is implementing a data retention policy to comply with regulatory requirements. They need to retain certain BigQuery data for 7 years and ensure it cannot be deleted before the retention period ends. Which THREE steps should they take? (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
Use IAM conditions to restrict who can delete the dataset or table.
To prevent deletion of BigQuery data for 7 years, the recommended steps are to use IAM conditions to restrict delete permissions and to export data to Cloud Storage with Bucket Lock. BigQuery does not have a native deletion prevention feature; dataset retention policies only schedule automatic deletion and do not prevent deletion. Cloud KMS key destruction makes data unreadable but does not prevent deletion. Object lifecycle management would delete data, which is the opposite of retention.
Key principle: IAM Conditions
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set a retention policy on the BigQuery dataset to prevent accidental deletion.
Why it's wrong here
Setting a retention policy on a BigQuery dataset only configures default table expiration; it does not prevent deletion. This step does not satisfy the requirement.
- ✓
Use IAM conditions to restrict who can delete the dataset or table.
Why this is correct
Using IAM conditions to restrict who can delete the dataset or table helps ensure that only authorized personnel can perform deletions, thus supporting the retention policy.
Related concept
IAM Conditions
- ✗
Use Cloud KMS to encrypt the data and destroy the key after 7 years.
Why it's wrong here
Cloud KMS key destruction renders data unreadable but does not prevent the data itself from being deleted. It is not a valid step for preventing deletion.
- ✓
Export the data to Cloud Storage and enable Bucket Lock with a 7-year retention policy.
Why this is correct
Exporting data to Cloud Storage and enabling Bucket Lock with a 7-year retention policy enforces a write-once-read-many (WORM) state, preventing deletion or modification during the retention period.
Related concept
IAM Conditions
- ✗
Enable object lifecycle management to delete data after 7 years.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling object lifecycle management to delete data after 7 years would cause the data to be deleted, which is the opposite of retaining it for 7 years.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may mistakenly believe that BigQuery dataset retention policies prevent deletion. In reality, these policies only set default table expiration and do not provide a deletion lock.
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
- IAM Conditions
- Bucket Lock
- BigQuery Dataset Retention Policy
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
IAM Conditions
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review iAM Conditions, then practise related PCSE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Supporting Compliance Requirements — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Supporting Compliance Requirements practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCSE question test?
Supporting Compliance Requirements — This question tests Supporting Compliance Requirements — IAM Conditions.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use IAM conditions to restrict who can delete the dataset or table. — To prevent deletion of BigQuery data for 7 years, the recommended steps are to use IAM conditions to restrict delete permissions and to export data to Cloud Storage with Bucket Lock. BigQuery does not have a native deletion prevention feature; dataset retention policies only schedule automatic deletion and do not prevent deletion. Cloud KMS key destruction makes data unreadable but does not prevent deletion. Object lifecycle management would delete data, which is the opposite of retention.
What should I do if I get this PCSE question wrong?
Review iAM Conditions, then practise related PCSE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
IAM Conditions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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