- A
Add a 'docker pull' step before the Kaniko step to pre-pull the base image.
Why wrong: Pre-pulling does not implement Kaniko's layer caching mechanism.
- B
Use Docker's --layer-cache flag in the build step.
Why wrong: Docker does not have a --layer-cache flag; Kaniko does.
- C
Configure Cloud Build to use a private pool with SSD persistent disks.
Why wrong: Private pool does not enable layer caching; it's about network connectivity.
- D
Add '--cache=true' and '--cache-repo=us-central1-docker.pkg.dev/$PROJECT_ID/cache' to the Kaniko builder arguments.
This enables Kaniko cache and specifies the repository for cache storage.
Question 621 of 1,000
PCDE Practice Question: Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service
This PCDE practice question tests your understanding of building and implementing ci/cd pipelines for a service. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company uses Cloud Build to build a container image with Kaniko. They want to speed up builds by caching the base image layers. Which configuration should they add to their cloudbuild.yaml?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add '--cache=true' and '--cache-repo=us-central1-docker.pkg.dev/$PROJECT_ID/cache' to the Kaniko builder arguments.
Kaniko does not rely on the Docker daemon, so it cannot use Docker's native layer caching. Instead, Kaniko supports remote caching by pushing cached layers to a container registry. Adding `--cache=true` enables layer caching, and `--cache-repo` specifies the registry repository where cached base image layers are stored, allowing subsequent builds to reuse them and significantly reduce build time.
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.
- ✗
Add a 'docker pull' step before the Kaniko step to pre-pull the base image.
Why it's wrong here
Pre-pulling does not implement Kaniko's layer caching mechanism.
- ✗
Use Docker's --layer-cache flag in the build step.
Why it's wrong here
Docker does not have a --layer-cache flag; Kaniko does.
- ✗
Configure Cloud Build to use a private pool with SSD persistent disks.
Why it's wrong here
Private pool does not enable layer caching; it's about network connectivity.
- ✓
Add '--cache=true' and '--cache-repo=us-central1-docker.pkg.dev/$PROJECT_ID/cache' to the Kaniko builder arguments.
Why this is correct
This enables Kaniko cache and specifies the repository for cache storage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between Docker-based caching (which relies on the Docker daemon) and Kaniko's registry-based caching, leading candidates to mistakenly apply Docker-specific flags or workflows to Kaniko builds.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kaniko's `--cache=true` flag works by computing a hash of each layer's contents and checking the specified `--cache-repo` for a matching layer. If found, Kaniko skips rebuilding that layer and pulls the cached layer instead. This is particularly beneficial in multi-stage builds or when frequently rebuilding from the same base image, as it avoids redundant downloads and builds of unchanged layers. The cache repository must be a container registry that Kaniko can authenticate to, typically using the same service account as Cloud Build.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDE question test?
Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service — This question tests Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add '--cache=true' and '--cache-repo=us-central1-docker.pkg.dev/$PROJECT_ID/cache' to the Kaniko builder arguments. — Kaniko does not rely on the Docker daemon, so it cannot use Docker's native layer caching. Instead, Kaniko supports remote caching by pushing cached layers to a container registry. Adding `--cache=true` enables layer caching, and `--cache-repo` specifies the registry repository where cached base image layers are stored, allowing subsequent builds to reuse them and significantly reduce build time.
What should I do if I get this PCDE 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
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCDE 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 PCDE exam.
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