- A
Create a VPC with no default route to the internet and enforce using network tags
By requiring VMs to be in a VPC without internet access, you can prevent public IPs from being useful; network tags can enforce firewall rules.
- B
Use IAM conditions to allow create only when instances do not have external IPs
Why wrong: IAM conditions cannot check instance properties at creation time in this way.
- C
Create a custom IAM role that denies the `compute.instances.create` permission
Why wrong: Denying create would block all VM creation, not just those with public IPs.
- D
Use an organization policy constraint `compute.vmExternalIpAccess`
This constraint can restrict VM creation with external IPs.
- E
Use a custom role with `compute.instances.create` and add a condition that checks for the absence of external IPs
IAM conditions can use resource attributes such as `resource.service` and `resource.name`, but not directly instance properties at creation. However, using a constraint is the primary method; this option is plausible but less direct. The intended correct answer is A, D, and E (with E being a lesser-known possibility).
Google ACE Setting Up a Cloud Solution Environment Practice Question
This ACE practice question tests your understanding of setting up a cloud solution environment. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company has multiple GCP projects and wants to enforce a policy that prevents the creation of VMs with public IP addresses. Which three methods can be used to enforce this restriction? (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
Create a VPC with no default route to the internet and enforce using network tags
Organization policies (constraint), custom roles with deny permissions, and network tags with firewall rules can all help restrict public IPs. IAM conditions can be used to restrict permissions based on resource properties, but they cannot directly prevent VM creation with public IPs.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create a VPC with no default route to the internet and enforce using network tags
- ✗
Use IAM conditions to allow create only when instances do not have external IPs
Why it's wrong here
IAM conditions cannot check instance properties at creation time in this way.
- ✗
Create a custom IAM role that denies the `compute.instances.create` permission
- ✓
Use an organization policy constraint `compute.vmExternalIpAccess`
- ✓
Use a custom role with `compute.instances.create` and add a condition that checks for the absence of external IPs
Why this is correct
IAM conditions can use resource attributes such as `resource.service` and `resource.name`, but not directly instance properties at creation. However, using a constraint is the primary method; this option is plausible but less direct. The intended correct answer is A, D, and E (with E being a lesser-known possibility).
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related ACE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ACE question test?
Setting Up a Cloud Solution Environment — This question tests Setting Up a Cloud Solution Environment — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a VPC with no default route to the internet and enforce using network tags — Organization policies (constraint), custom roles with deny permissions, and network tags with firewall rules can all help restrict public IPs. IAM conditions can be used to restrict permissions based on resource properties, but they cannot directly prevent VM creation with public IPs.
What should I do if I get this ACE question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related ACE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This ACE 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 ACE exam.
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