The correct configuration is to use a Cloud Build private pool in the same VPC as the database. This works because private pools run worker instances inside your own VPC, enabling them to reach Cloud SQL via its private IP address without any traffic leaving Google’s network. On the Google Professional Cloud Developer exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network isolation and the distinction between public and private pools; a common trap is assuming that a public pool with VPC Service Controls is sufficient, but only a private pool places workers directly in your VPC. Remember the key principle: private pool equals private network access. For a quick memory tip, think “same VPC, same subnet, no internet” — if the Cloud SQL instance has no public IP, your Cloud Build workers must share its VPC to connect privately.
PCD Building and testing applications Practice Question
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of building and testing applications. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 team uses Cloud Build to deploy applications that need to access a Cloud SQL database in a VPC. They want to avoid exposing the database to the public internet. Which configuration is required?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure Cloud Build to use a private pool in the same VPC as the database
Cloud Build private pools run in a customer-managed VPC, allowing workers to directly access resources like Cloud SQL instances via private IP without traversing the public internet. This configuration ensures the database is never exposed to the public internet, meeting the security requirement.
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.
✓
Configure Cloud Build to use a private pool in the same VPC as the database
Why this is correct
Private pools run inside a VPC, enabling internal access to Cloud SQL.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable VPC Network Peering between Cloud Build and the database VPC
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Build does not support VPC peering directly.
✗
Use Cloud SQL Proxy in a Cloud Build step
Why it's wrong here
Cloud SQL Proxy still requires network connectivity to the database's VPC.
✗
Use a public IP on Cloud SQL and restrict by IP whitelist
Why it's wrong here
This exposes the database to the internet, which is not desired.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that VPC peering or Cloud SQL Proxy can replace the need for placing Cloud Build workers inside the same VPC, but private pools are the only native way to run Cloud Build in your own VPC without public internet exposure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cloud Build private pools use a Service Directory-based architecture to route traffic within the VPC, and they support egress to the internet via Cloud NAT if needed. Under the hood, private pools allocate VMs in a subnet you specify, enabling direct connectivity to Cloud SQL private IP endpoints without any public IP or proxy overhead. This is critical for compliance scenarios like PCI DSS or HIPAA where no public network path to the database is allowed.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Building and testing applications — This question tests Building and testing applications — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure Cloud Build to use a private pool in the same VPC as the database — Cloud Build private pools run in a customer-managed VPC, allowing workers to directly access resources like Cloud SQL instances via private IP without traversing the public internet. This configuration ensures the database is never exposed to the public internet, meeting the security requirement.
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.
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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.
Question Discussion
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