- A
A configuration to automatically create a new read replica after promotion
Why wrong: Creating a new replica is part of post-failover reconfiguration, not failover automation itself.
- B
A script to promote the cross-region read replica to a primary instance using gcloud sql instances promote-replica
Promotion is the key step to make the replica the new primary.
- C
A script to create a new read replica in the DR region
Why wrong: The replica already exists; creating a new one is not part of failover automation.
- D
A health check mechanism to detect primary region failure
Health checks determine when to trigger the failover process.
- E
A Cloud DNS managed zone with a weighted routing policy to split traffic evenly across regions
Why wrong: Weighted routing is not needed; after failover, all traffic should go to the new primary. A simple update to the DNS record is sufficient.
PCDOE Practice Question: Design for Reliability, Scalability, and Disaster Recovery
This PCDOE practice question tests your understanding of design for reliability, scalability, and disaster recovery. 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.
A company uses Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL with cross-region read replicas for DR. They want to automate the failover process to reduce RTO. Which THREE components should they include in their automation? (Choose 3 correct answers.)
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
A script to promote the cross-region read replica to a primary instance using gcloud sql instances promote-replica
To automate cross-region failover, you need to detect the primary failure (health check), promote the replica (gcloud command), and update DNS to point to the new primary. Option A is not needed because the replica is already set up. Option D is not required as the replica is already created. Option E would increase complexity unnecessarily.
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.
- ✗
A configuration to automatically create a new read replica after promotion
Why it's wrong here
Creating a new replica is part of post-failover reconfiguration, not failover automation itself.
- ✓
A script to promote the cross-region read replica to a primary instance using gcloud sql instances promote-replica
Why this is correct
Promotion is the key step to make the replica the new primary.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A script to create a new read replica in the DR region
Why it's wrong here
The replica already exists; creating a new one is not part of failover automation.
- ✓
A health check mechanism to detect primary region failure
Why this is correct
Health checks determine when to trigger the failover process.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A Cloud DNS managed zone with a weighted routing policy to split traffic evenly across regions
Why it's wrong here
Weighted routing is not needed; after failover, all traffic should go to the new primary. A simple update to the DNS record is sufficient.
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 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.
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.
- →
Design for Reliability, Scalability, and Disaster Recovery — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDOE question test?
Design for Reliability, Scalability, and Disaster Recovery — This question tests Design for Reliability, Scalability, and Disaster Recovery — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A script to promote the cross-region read replica to a primary instance using gcloud sql instances promote-replica — To automate cross-region failover, you need to detect the primary failure (health check), promote the replica (gcloud command), and update DNS to point to the new primary. Option A is not needed because the replica is already set up. Option D is not required as the replica is already created. Option E would increase complexity unnecessarily.
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
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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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