- A
Yes, because VPC firewall rules override hierarchical policies for the same traffic.
Why wrong: Hierarchical policies have higher precedence.
- B
Yes, because the VPC rule has a higher priority number and is more specific.
Why wrong: In GCP firewall evaluation, lower priority numbers are evaluated first. The hierarchical policy is evaluated before VPC rules.
- C
No, because hierarchical firewall policies take precedence over VPC firewall rules.
Hierarchical policies are evaluated first and if they deny, traffic is denied regardless of VPC rules.
- D
No, because both rules deny and allow cancel out, resulting in default deny.
Why wrong: The deny from hierarchical policy wins.
Question 771 of 982
PCNE Implementing VPC Instances Practice Question
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing vpc instances. 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 uses a hierarchical firewall policy at the organization level with a deny-all egress rule (priority 100). They also have a VPC-level firewall rule allowing egress to a specific external IP (priority 1000). Will traffic to that external IP be allowed?
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
✓
No, because hierarchical firewall policies take precedence over VPC firewall rules.
Hierarchical firewall policies are evaluated before VPC firewall rules and have higher precedence. A deny rule at the org level with priority 100 will override a VPC allow rule with lower priority (higher number).
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Yes, because VPC firewall rules override hierarchical policies for the same traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Hierarchical policies have higher precedence.
- ✗
Yes, because the VPC rule has a higher priority number and is more specific.
Why it's wrong here
In GCP firewall evaluation, lower priority numbers are evaluated first. The hierarchical policy is evaluated before VPC rules.
- ✓
No, because hierarchical firewall policies take precedence over VPC firewall rules.
Why this is correct
Hierarchical policies are evaluated first and if they deny, traffic is denied regardless of VPC rules.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
No, because both rules deny and allow cancel out, resulting in default deny.
Why it's wrong here
The deny from hierarchical policy wins.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNE question test?
Implementing VPC Instances — This question tests Implementing VPC Instances — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: No, because hierarchical firewall policies take precedence over VPC firewall rules. — Hierarchical firewall policies are evaluated before VPC firewall rules and have higher precedence. A deny rule at the org level with priority 100 will override a VPC allow rule with lower priority (higher number).
What should I do if I get this PCNE question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCNE 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 PCNE exam.
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