- A
BigQueryExecuteQueryOperator
Why wrong: BigQueryExecuteQueryOperator exists but is not a standard operator; the correct name is BigQueryInsertJobOperator.
- B
Task dependencies using >>
The >> operator defines task order and can be used with branching operators.
- C
dsl.If
Why wrong: dsl.If is a KFP SDK feature, not an Airflow feature.
- D
VertexAIPipelineJobOperator
This operator runs a Vertex AI pipeline.
- E
PythonOperator with if-else
Why wrong: PythonOperator can implement branching, but the correct Airflow branching mechanism is BranchPythonOperator.
PMLE Task Dependencies (>>) Practice Question
This PMLE practice question tests your understanding of automating and orchestrating ml pipelines. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: task Dependencies (>>). 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 data science team uses Cloud Composer to orchestrate a complex ML workflow. They need to run a Vertex AI pipeline and then a BigQuery query conditionally based on the pipeline's output. Which Airflow features should they use? (Choose two.)
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
Task dependencies using >>
The VertexAIPipelineJobOperator (option D) is used to run the Vertex AI pipeline. To conditionally execute a BigQuery query based on the pipeline's output, you need a branching mechanism (e.g., BranchPythonOperator) combined with task dependencies (>>). While a dedicated branching operator is not listed among the options, option B (task dependencies using >>) is a fundamental Airflow feature that enables defining the conditional paths after a branch. Therefore, the best two features from the given choices are D and B.
Key principle: Task Dependencies (>>)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
BigQueryExecuteQueryOperator
Why it's wrong here
BigQueryExecuteQueryOperator exists but is not a standard operator; the correct name is BigQueryInsertJobOperator.
- ✓
Task dependencies using >>
Why this is correct
The >> operator defines task order and can be used with branching operators.
Related concept
Task Dependencies (>>)
- ✗
dsl.If
Why it's wrong here
dsl.If is a KFP SDK feature, not an Airflow feature.
- ✓
VertexAIPipelineJobOperator
Why this is correct
This operator runs a Vertex AI pipeline.
Related concept
Task Dependencies (>>)
- ✗
PythonOperator with if-else
Why it's wrong here
PythonOperator can implement branching, but the correct Airflow branching mechanism is BranchPythonOperator.
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
- Task Dependencies (>>)
- VertexAIPipelineJobOperator
- Trigger Rules
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
Task Dependencies (>>)
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Task Dependencies (>>) Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review task Dependencies (>>), then practise related PMLE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Automating and Orchestrating ML Pipelines — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMLE question test?
Automating and Orchestrating ML Pipelines — This question tests Automating and Orchestrating ML Pipelines — Task Dependencies (>>).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Task dependencies using >> — The VertexAIPipelineJobOperator (option D) is used to run the Vertex AI pipeline. To conditionally execute a BigQuery query based on the pipeline's output, you need a branching mechanism (e.g., BranchPythonOperator) combined with task dependencies (>>). While a dedicated branching operator is not listed among the options, option B (task dependencies using >>) is a fundamental Airflow feature that enables defining the conditional paths after a branch. Therefore, the best two features from the given choices are D and B.
What should I do if I get this PMLE question wrong?
Review task Dependencies (>>), then practise related PMLE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Task Dependencies (>>)
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PMLE 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 PMLE exam.
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