- A
Use BigQuery column-level encryption (AEAD) with a key from Cloud KMS
Why wrong: AEAD is for column-level encryption at query time, but CMEK encrypts the entire dataset.
- B
Use Cloud KMS to create a key, then set it as the default encryption key for the BigQuery dataset
BigQuery CMEK is configured at the dataset level via Cloud KMS.
- C
Enable default encryption on the Cloud Storage bucket used for staging data
Why wrong: This does not encrypt BigQuery tables.
- D
Encrypt the data before loading using a custom application and store the key in Secret Manager
Why wrong: That is client-side encryption, not CMEK for BigQuery.
Question 437 of 1,000
PDE Storing the Data Practice Question
This PDE practice question tests your understanding of storing the data. 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.
A healthcare company must encrypt data in BigQuery with customer-managed keys (CMEK). They want to control the key lifecycle independently. Which approach should they take?
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 Cloud KMS to create a key, then set it as the default encryption key for the BigQuery dataset
BigQuery supports CMEK through Cloud KMS. You can create a key ring and key in Cloud KMS, then specify it when creating datasets or tables. The key is used to encrypt data at rest. Column-level encryption is separate and uses AEAD functions with customer-managed keys at the application level.
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.
- ✗
Use BigQuery column-level encryption (AEAD) with a key from Cloud KMS
Why it's wrong here
AEAD is for column-level encryption at query time, but CMEK encrypts the entire dataset.
- ✓
Use Cloud KMS to create a key, then set it as the default encryption key for the BigQuery dataset
Why this is correct
BigQuery CMEK is configured at the dataset level via Cloud KMS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable default encryption on the Cloud Storage bucket used for staging data
Why it's wrong here
This does not encrypt BigQuery tables.
- ✗
Encrypt the data before loading using a custom application and store the key in Secret Manager
Why it's wrong here
That is client-side encryption, not CMEK for BigQuery.
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 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.
Identify which PDE 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.
- →
Storing the Data — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Storing the Data practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PDE question test?
Storing the Data — This question tests Storing the Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Cloud KMS to create a key, then set it as the default encryption key for the BigQuery dataset — BigQuery supports CMEK through Cloud KMS. You can create a key ring and key in Cloud KMS, then specify it when creating datasets or tables. The key is used to encrypt data at rest. Column-level encryption is separate and uses AEAD functions with customer-managed keys at the application level.
What should I do if I get this PDE question wrong?
Identify which PDE 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: Jul 4, 2026
This PDE 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 PDE exam.
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