Quick Answer
The answer is a PersistentVolumeClaim with ReadWriteMany. This is correct because ReadWriteMany (RWX) is the only access mode that allows multiple pods running on different nodes to mount and write to the same persistent storage volume simultaneously, which is essential for stateful failover where each pod must retain access to the same data after moving to a new node. On the Google Professional Cloud Developer exam, this question tests your understanding of Kubernetes volume access modes and their real-world implications for high-IOPS stateful workloads. A common trap is confusing ReadWriteOnce (RWO) with RWX—RWO restricts access to a single node, which would break failover. Remember the mnemonic: “RWX = Replicas Write across nodes” to recall that only ReadWriteMany supports multi-node concurrent writes.
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of integrating google cloud services. 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.
You are deploying a stateful application on GKE that requires persistent storage with high IOPS. You need to ensure that each pod can failover to a different node and still access the same data. Which volume type should you use?
ConfigMap.
Why wrong: ConfigMap is for configuration data, not storage.
PersistentVolumeClaim with ReadWriteMany.
ReadWriteMany allows access from multiple nodes, enabling failover.
EmptyDir.
Why wrong: EmptyDir is ephemeral and not suitable for persistent data.
PersistentVolumeClaim with ReadWriteOnce.
Why wrong: ReadWriteOnce limits access to one node.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
PersistentVolumeClaim with ReadWriteMany.
Option D is correct because ReadWriteMany allows multiple nodes to access the same volume simultaneously. Option A is wrong because EmptyDir is ephemeral. Option B is wrong because ConfigMap is for configuration. Option C is wrong because ReadWriteOnce only allows one node at a time.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ConfigMap.
Why it's wrong here
ConfigMap is for configuration data, not storage.
PersistentVolumeClaim with ReadWriteMany.
Why this is correct
ReadWriteMany allows access from multiple nodes, enabling failover.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
EmptyDir.
Why it's wrong here
EmptyDir is ephemeral and not suitable for persistent data.
PersistentVolumeClaim with ReadWriteOnce.
Why it's wrong here
ReadWriteOnce limits access to one node.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which PCD 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.
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FAQ
Integrating Google Cloud services — This question tests Integrating Google Cloud services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: PersistentVolumeClaim with ReadWriteMany. — Option D is correct because ReadWriteMany allows multiple nodes to access the same volume simultaneously. Option A is wrong because EmptyDir is ephemeral. Option B is wrong because ConfigMap is for configuration. Option C is wrong because ReadWriteOnce only allows one node at a time.
Identify which PCD 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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