- A
The user can create the VM because the folder allow policy grants compute.instances.create
Why wrong: Deny policies take precedence over allow policies; the deny policy blocks the action.
- B
The VM creation fails because the deny policy at the organization level overrides the folder allow policy
Deny policies are evaluated before allow policies and can deny specific permissions, overriding any allows.
- C
The VM is created but without shielded VM because the folder policy allows it
Why wrong: The deny policy blocks creation entirely; it doesn't just disable shielded VM.
- D
The VM creation succeeds because allow policies take precedence over deny policies
Why wrong: Deny policies have higher priority than allow policies in Google Cloud IAM.
Question 725 of 985
PCSE Practice Question: Configuring Access Within a Cloud Solution Environment
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of configuring access within a cloud solution environment. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 has a Google Cloud organization node with multiple folders for different departments. A deny policy is set at the organization level to block the use of shielded VM constraints. Later, an allow policy at the folder level grants the compute.instances.create permission. A user in that folder tries to create a new VM without shielded VM enabled. What will happen?
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
✓
The VM creation fails because the deny policy at the organization level overrides the folder allow policy
Deny policies override allow policies. Since the deny policy at the organization level blocks shielded VM usage, the allow policy at the folder level cannot override it. The VM creation will fail because the deny policy explicitly denies permissions related to shielded VM constraints.
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.
- ✗
The user can create the VM because the folder allow policy grants compute.instances.create
Why it's wrong here
Deny policies take precedence over allow policies; the deny policy blocks the action.
- ✓
The VM creation fails because the deny policy at the organization level overrides the folder allow policy
Why this is correct
Deny policies are evaluated before allow policies and can deny specific permissions, overriding any allows.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
The VM is created but without shielded VM because the folder policy allows it
Why it's wrong here
The deny policy blocks creation entirely; it doesn't just disable shielded VM.
- ✗
The VM creation succeeds because allow policies take precedence over deny policies
Why it's wrong here
Deny policies have higher priority than allow policies in Google Cloud IAM.
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 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.
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 PCSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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Configuring Access Within a Cloud Solution Environment — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCSE question test?
Configuring Access Within a Cloud Solution Environment — This question tests Configuring Access Within a Cloud Solution Environment — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VM creation fails because the deny policy at the organization level overrides the folder allow policy — Deny policies override allow policies. Since the deny policy at the organization level blocks shielded VM usage, the allow policy at the folder level cannot override it. The VM creation will fail because the deny policy explicitly denies permissions related to shielded VM constraints.
What should I do if I get this PCSE 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 PCSE 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 PCSE 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 PCSE exam.
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