- A
Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 3: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version.
This is the correct order because you must first create a new key version, then associate resources with it, verify the change, and finally retire the old version to ensure no disruption.
- B
Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Disable/retire the old key version, Step 3: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 4: Verify that the new key version is being used.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because disabling the old key version before updating resources would cause those resources to lose access to data encrypted with the old key, leading to potential data unavailability.
- C
Step 1: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 2: Create a new key version, Step 3: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot update resources to use a new key version before that version exists. The new key version must be created first.
- D
Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 3: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because verifying that the new key version is being used before updating resources is meaningless; resources are still using the old version until updated.
How to Rotate a Customer-Managed Encryption Key in Cloud KMS
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of drag and drop the steps to rotate a…. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 rotate a customer-managed encryption key (CMEK) in Cloud KMS in 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
Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 3: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version.
Key rotation involves creating a new version, enabling rotation, updating resource associations, verifying, and retiring old keys.
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.
- ✓
Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 3: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because you must first create a new key version, then associate resources with it, verify the change, and finally retire the old version to ensure no disruption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Disable/retire the old key version, Step 3: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 4: Verify that the new key version is being used.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because disabling the old key version before updating resources would cause those resources to lose access to data encrypted with the old key, leading to potential data unavailability.
- ✗
Step 1: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 2: Create a new key version, Step 3: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot update resources to use a new key version before that version exists. The new key version must be created first.
- ✗
Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 3: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because verifying that the new key version is being used before updating resources is meaningless; resources are still using the old version until updated.
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 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCSE 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 PCSE question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Step 1: Create a new key version, Step 2: Update resources to use the new key version, Step 3: Verify that the new key version is being used, Step 4: Disable/retire the old key version. — Key rotation involves creating a new version, enabling rotation, updating resource associations, verifying, and retiring old keys.
What should I do if I get this PCSE question wrong?
Identify which PCSE 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: Jun 11, 2026
This PCSE 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 PCSE exam.
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