- A
Set the database flag 'archive_mode' to 'on' for WAL archiving
WAL archiving is required for PITR in PostgreSQL.
- B
Enable binary logging by setting 'log_bin' flag
Why wrong: Binary logging is for MySQL PITR, not PostgreSQL.
- C
Configure automated backups via Cloud SQL backup settings
Automated backups are needed for PITR, as they provide the base backup for recovery.
- D
Create a cross-region backup replica
Why wrong: Cross-region replicas are for DR, not required for PITR.
- E
Set the backup retention to 7 days using gcloud sql instances patch --backup-start-time
Why wrong: Backup retention is set in the backup configuration, not via --backup-start-time.
PCDOE Manage Database Solutions Practice Question
This PCDOE practice question tests your understanding of manage database solutions. 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 company is running a production Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance and wants to implement point-in-time recovery (PITR) with a 7-day retention window. They also need to ensure that automated backups are taken daily. Which two configurations must be enabled? (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 database flag 'archive_mode' to 'on' for WAL archiving
PITR requires WAL archiving, which is enabled by setting the 'archive_mode' to 'on' (or 'always') in the database flags. Automated backups are scheduled via the backup configuration in Cloud SQL. The retention period for PITR is set separately under backup settings.
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.
- ✓
Set the database flag 'archive_mode' to 'on' for WAL archiving
Why this is correct
WAL archiving is required for PITR in PostgreSQL.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable binary logging by setting 'log_bin' flag
Why it's wrong here
Binary logging is for MySQL PITR, not PostgreSQL.
- ✓
Configure automated backups via Cloud SQL backup settings
Why this is correct
Automated backups are needed for PITR, as they provide the base backup for recovery.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a cross-region backup replica
Why it's wrong here
Cross-region replicas are for DR, not required for PITR.
- ✗
Set the backup retention to 7 days using gcloud sql instances patch --backup-start-time
Why it's wrong here
Backup retention is set in the backup configuration, not via --backup-start-time.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCDOE 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.
- →
Manage Database Solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Manage Database Solutions practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDOE question test?
Manage Database Solutions — This question tests Manage Database Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set the database flag 'archive_mode' to 'on' for WAL archiving — PITR requires WAL archiving, which is enabled by setting the 'archive_mode' to 'on' (or 'always') in the database flags. Automated backups are scheduled via the backup configuration in Cloud SQL. The retention period for PITR is set separately under backup settings.
What should I do if I get this PCDOE question wrong?
Identify which PCDOE 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCDOE 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 PCDOE exam.
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