- A
Add `--cache-repo` specifying an Artifact Registry repository
Specifies where to store cache layers.
- B
Use the `docker` builder instead of Kaniko
Why wrong: The question specifies Kaniko.
- C
Set the `CACHE_LAYERS` substitution variable
Why wrong: No such variable.
- D
Add `--cache=true` to the Kaniko builder arguments
Enables caching.
- E
Enable Cloud Build's built-in caching by adding `cache: true`
Why wrong: Cloud Build has no such top-level field.
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. 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.
Which TWO actions should be taken to enable layer caching for Docker builds using Kaniko in Cloud Build? (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
Add `--cache-repo` specifying an Artifact Registry repository
Option A is correct because Kaniko requires the `--cache-repo` flag to specify an Artifact Registry repository where cached layers will be stored and retrieved. This enables layer caching across builds, reducing build time by reusing unchanged layers. Without this flag, Kaniko does not know where to push or pull cached layers from.
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 `--cache-repo` specifying an Artifact Registry repository
Why this is correct
Specifies where to store cache layers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use the `docker` builder instead of Kaniko
Why it's wrong here
The question specifies Kaniko.
- ✗
Set the `CACHE_LAYERS` substitution variable
Why it's wrong here
No such variable.
- ✓
Add `--cache=true` to the Kaniko builder arguments
Why this is correct
Enables caching.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable Cloud Build's built-in caching by adding `cache: true`
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Build has no such top-level field.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall is confusing Cloud Build's built-in caching (which caches the final image) with Kaniko's layer caching (which caches intermediate layers). Candidates may incorrectly select `cache: true` thinking it enables layer caching, but that is not how Kaniko works.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kaniko uses `--cache-repo` to point to a remote OCI-compatible registry (like Artifact Registry) where it stores intermediate layer blobs. When `--cache=true` is set, Kaniko checks the cache repo for each layer's digest before executing the RUN command; if a matching layer exists, it skips the build step and pulls the cached layer. This is particularly beneficial in CI/CD pipelines where frequent small changes cause only a few layers to be rebuilt, drastically reducing build time.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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-repo` specifying an Artifact Registry repository — Option A is correct because Kaniko requires the `--cache-repo` flag to specify an Artifact Registry repository where cached layers will be stored and retrieved. This enables layer caching across builds, reducing build time by reusing unchanged layers. Without this flag, Kaniko does not know where to push or pull cached layers from.
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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