Quick Answer
The answer is Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS). This tool is the correct choice because it is purpose-built to synchronize users, groups, and aliases from an on-premises Active Directory into Cloud Identity, mapping AD attributes to Cloud Identity fields without requiring federation or complex identity bridging. On the Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam, this question tests your understanding of directory synchronization tools versus federation protocols like SAML or OIDC; a common trap is confusing GCDS with Google Workspace’s federation setup or assuming you need a third-party IdP. GCDS runs on a scheduled basis, making it ideal for keeping the cloud directory in sync while maintaining on-premises control. For a memory tip, think of GCDS as the “sync-only” bridge: it copies data one-way from AD to Cloud Identity, while federation handles authentication—so if the question asks about syncing directory objects, not signing in, GCDS is your answer.
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of configuring access within a cloud solution environment. 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.
An organization uses Cloud Identity to manage users and groups. They want to synchronize their existing on-premises Active Directory with Cloud Identity. Which tool should they use?
Third-party SAML identity provider
Why wrong: SAML is for federation, not directory synchronization.
Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS)
GCDS syncs AD with Cloud Identity.
Identity Platform
Why wrong: Identity Platform is for customer-facing authentication.
Cloud Workflows
Why wrong: Cloud Workflows is for orchestrating services, not directory sync.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS)
Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS) is the correct tool because it is specifically designed to synchronize users, groups, and aliases from an on-premises Active Directory (or LDAP server) into Cloud Identity without requiring federation. GCDS maps AD attributes to Cloud Identity fields and runs on a scheduled basis to keep the cloud directory in sync, making it the appropriate choice for this use case.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Third-party SAML identity provider
Why it's wrong here
SAML is for federation, not directory synchronization.
Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS)
Why this is correct
GCDS syncs AD with Cloud Identity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Identity Platform
Why it's wrong here
Identity Platform is for customer-facing authentication.
Cloud Workflows
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Workflows is for orchestrating services, not directory sync.
Common exam traps
Google Cloud often tests the distinction between directory synchronization (GCDS) and federation (SAML IdP), so the trap here is that candidates may confuse synchronizing user objects with setting up single sign-on, leading them to choose a SAML identity provider instead of GCDS.
Detailed technical explanation
GCDS uses a configuration XML file (generated by the Configuration Manager) to define mapping rules between Active Directory attributes and Cloud Identity schema fields, such as mapping 'sAMAccountName' to the primary email. It performs a delta sync by tracking changes via a timestamp or USN (Update Sequence Number) to avoid full re-syncs, and it never modifies the on-premises AD—it only reads from it. In a real-world scenario, if an organization has multiple domains or complex OU structures, GCDS allows filtering by OU and group membership to control which objects are synchronized.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Configuring access within a cloud solution environment — This question tests Configuring access within a cloud solution environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS) — Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS) is the correct tool because it is specifically designed to synchronize users, groups, and aliases from an on-premises Active Directory (or LDAP server) into Cloud Identity without requiring federation. GCDS maps AD attributes to Cloud Identity fields and runs on a scheduled basis to keep the cloud directory in sync, making it the appropriate choice for this use case.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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