- A
BigQuery row-level security
Why wrong: Row-level security filters rows, not columns.
- B
BigQuery foreign key constraints
Why wrong: Foreign keys are for data integrity, not security.
- C
BigQuery data masking
Why wrong: Data masking obfuscates data but does not restrict access at column level; it's dynamic but not the primary method for column-level security.
- D
Authorized views
Authorized views can expose a subset of columns to users based on policy tags.
- E
BigQuery column-level access control using policy tags
Policy tags can be applied to columns to restrict access.
PDE Preparing and Using Data for Analysis Practice Question
This PDE practice question tests your understanding of preparing and using data for analysis. 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.
A company stores sensitive customer data in BigQuery. They need to implement column-level security to restrict access to personally identifiable information (PII) columns. Which two BigQuery features can they use together? (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
Authorized views
Column-level security can be achieved via policy tags (with Data Catalog) and then authorized views that filter columns based on user roles. Policy tags enforce access control at the column level.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
BigQuery row-level security
Why it's wrong here
Row-level security filters rows, not columns.
- ✗
BigQuery foreign key constraints
Why it's wrong here
Foreign keys are for data integrity, not security.
- ✗
BigQuery data masking
Why it's wrong here
Data masking obfuscates data but does not restrict access at column level; it's dynamic but not the primary method for column-level security.
- ✓
Authorized views
Why this is correct
Authorized views can expose a subset of columns to users based on policy tags.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
BigQuery column-level access control using policy tags
Why this is correct
Policy tags can be applied to columns to restrict access.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PDE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PDE question test?
Preparing and Using Data for Analysis — This question tests Preparing and Using Data for Analysis — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authorized views — Column-level security can be achieved via policy tags (with Data Catalog) and then authorized views that filter columns based on user roles. Policy tags enforce access control at the column level.
What should I do if I get this PDE question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PDE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PDE 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 PDE exam.
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