- A
Connect via Cloud Shell
Why wrong: Cloud Shell is a browser-based terminal, not a method for application connections.
- B
Configure direct IP connection with SSL
Why wrong: Direct IP connection requires adding the VM's IP to authorized networks, even with SSL.
- C
Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy
Cloud SQL Auth Proxy uses IAM for authentication and does not require IP allowlisting.
- D
Set up VPC peering and use private IP
Why wrong: Private IP still requires authorized networks unless using Cloud SQL Auth Proxy. The question specifies not using IP allowlisting.
Question 535 of 980
PCD Practice Question: Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of deploy scalable and highly available databases in google cloud. 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 developer needs to connect to a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance from a Compute Engine VM without adding the VM's IP to an authorized networks list. Which method should they use?
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 SQL Auth Proxy
The Cloud SQL Auth Proxy is the recommended method for securely connecting to a Cloud SQL instance from a Compute Engine VM without adding the VM's IP to an authorized networks list. It uses mutual TLS (mTLS) to authenticate and encrypt traffic, and it handles IAM-based authorization, so the VM only needs the Cloud SQL Client role and outbound access to the Cloud SQL API (port 443). This avoids exposing the database to the public internet or requiring static IP management.
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.
- ✗
Connect via Cloud Shell
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Shell is a browser-based terminal, not a method for application connections.
- ✗
Configure direct IP connection with SSL
- ✓
Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy
Why this is correct
Cloud SQL Auth Proxy uses IAM for authentication and does not require IP allowlisting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set up VPC peering and use private IP
Why it's wrong here
Private IP still requires authorized networks unless using Cloud SQL Auth Proxy. The question specifies not using IP allowlisting.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'authorized networks' (which only apply to public IP connections) and private IP connectivity; the trap here is that candidates may assume VPC peering (Option D) is required for private access, but the Cloud SQL Auth Proxy works with both public and private IP and is the simplest way to avoid managing IP whitelists.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Cloud SQL Auth Proxy works by running as a local daemon on the client (e.g., the Compute Engine VM) that listens on a local port (e.g., 127.0.0.1:5432) and forwards connections to the Cloud SQL instance over a secure tunnel using TLS 1.3. It automatically renews short-lived OAuth2 tokens and validates the instance's identity via the Cloud SQL API, ensuring that only authorized clients (with the cloudsql.instances.connect permission) can connect. In a real-world scenario, this is critical when using autoscaling instance groups where VM IPs change frequently, as the proxy eliminates the need to update authorized networks dynamically.
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.
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
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.
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Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCD question test?
Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud — This question tests Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy — The Cloud SQL Auth Proxy is the recommended method for securely connecting to a Cloud SQL instance from a Compute Engine VM without adding the VM's IP to an authorized networks list. It uses mutual TLS (mTLS) to authenticate and encrypt traffic, and it handles IAM-based authorization, so the VM only needs the Cloud SQL Client role and outbound access to the Cloud SQL API (port 443). This avoids exposing the database to the public internet or requiring static IP management.
What should I do if I get this PCD question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCD 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 PCD exam.
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