- A
Set the organization policy constraint constraints/compute.vmExternalIpAccess at the desired folder or project level.
This constraint directly denies the creation of VMs with external IPs.
- B
Create a custom IAM role that denies the compute.instances.create permission with external IP.
Why wrong: IAM does not allow deny rules based on resource attributes; use org policies for that.
- C
Configure Shared VPC and only provide subnets without default internet access to service projects, ensuring VMs are created without external IPs.
If subnets do not have a default route to the internet and VMs are created without external IPs, they will not have public IPs, but this relies on proper network design.
- D
Use VPC Service Controls to restrict access to Compute Engine API.
Why wrong: VPC Service Controls control data exfiltration, not VM configuration.
- E
Set the organization policy constraint constraints/compute.vmCanIpForward to deny.
Why wrong: This controls IP forwarding, not external IP assignment.
PCDE Practice Question: Bootstrapping a Google Cloud Organisation for DevOps
This PCDE practice question tests your understanding of bootstrapping a google cloud organisation for devops. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An organization wants to enforce that no Compute Engine instances have public IP addresses. Which TWO methods can achieve this? (Choose TWO.)
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
Set the organization policy constraint constraints/compute.vmExternalIpAccess at the desired folder or project level.
Organization policies can restrict external IPs at the project level (constraints/compute.vmExternalIpAccess). Also, using a Shared VPC and only creating VMs in subnets without external IP access (by not having a default route to the internet) can prevent public IPs, although a more direct method is the org policy.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Set the organization policy constraint constraints/compute.vmExternalIpAccess at the desired folder or project level.
- ✗
Create a custom IAM role that denies the compute.instances.create permission with external IP.
Why it's wrong here
IAM does not allow deny rules based on resource attributes; use org policies for that.
- ✓
Configure Shared VPC and only provide subnets without default internet access to service projects, ensuring VMs are created without external IPs.
Why this is correct
If subnets do not have a default route to the internet and VMs are created without external IPs, they will not have public IPs, but this relies on proper network design.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Use VPC Service Controls to restrict access to Compute Engine API.
Why it's wrong here
VPC Service Controls control data exfiltration, not VM configuration.
- ✗
Set the organization policy constraint constraints/compute.vmCanIpForward to deny.
Why it's wrong here
This controls IP forwarding, not external IP assignment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCDE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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Bootstrapping a Google Cloud Organisation for DevOps — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDE question test?
Bootstrapping a Google Cloud Organisation for DevOps — This question tests Bootstrapping a Google Cloud Organisation for DevOps — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set the organization policy constraint constraints/compute.vmExternalIpAccess at the desired folder or project level. — Organization policies can restrict external IPs at the project level (constraints/compute.vmExternalIpAccess). Also, using a Shared VPC and only creating VMs in subnets without external IP access (by not having a default route to the internet) can prevent public IPs, although a more direct method is the org policy.
What should I do if I get this PCDE question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCDE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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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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