- A
Create a new repository for AlphaTeam and apply the policy there.
Why wrong: Creating a new repository is unnecessary and does not solve the collaboration requirement.
- B
Set a branch policy at the repository level that applies to all branches, then grant BetaTeam bypass permission.
Why wrong: Repository-level policies affect all branches, not just the feature branch.
- C
Configure the branch policy on 'feature/alpha' to require build and approval, and set 'Allow direct pushes' to 'Everyone'.
Why wrong: Allowing everyone to push directly would bypass the policy.
- D
Configure the branch policy on 'feature/alpha' to require build and approval from AlphaTeam, and set 'Allow direct pushes' to 'Selected users' and add BetaTeam.
This applies the policy only to the feature branch and allows BetaTeam to push directly.
AZ-400 Configure processes and communications Practice Question
This AZ-400 practice question tests your understanding of configure processes and communications. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Your organization uses Azure DevOps and has a project with multiple teams. The 'AlphaTeam' wants a branch policy on their feature branch 'feature/alpha' that requires a successful build from the CI pipeline and approval from at least one member of 'AlphaTeam'. However, the 'BetaTeam' should be able to push directly to 'feature/alpha' without a pull request. You need to configure the branch policy accordingly. What should you do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
Configure the branch policy on 'feature/alpha' to require build and approval from AlphaTeam, and set 'Allow direct pushes' to 'Selected users' and add BetaTeam.
Option D is correct because Azure DevOps branch policies allow you to configure 'Allow direct pushes' to specific users or groups while still enforcing PR requirements for others. By setting the policy on 'feature/alpha' to require a successful build and approval from at least one AlphaTeam member, and then selecting 'Selected users' for direct pushes with BetaTeam added, BetaTeam can push directly without a PR, while AlphaTeam must follow the PR policy.
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.
- ✗
Create a new repository for AlphaTeam and apply the policy there.
Why it's wrong here
Creating a new repository is unnecessary and does not solve the collaboration requirement.
- ✗
Set a branch policy at the repository level that applies to all branches, then grant BetaTeam bypass permission.
Why it's wrong here
Repository-level policies affect all branches, not just the feature branch.
- ✗
Configure the branch policy on 'feature/alpha' to require build and approval, and set 'Allow direct pushes' to 'Everyone'.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing everyone to push directly would bypass the policy.
- ✓
Configure the branch policy on 'feature/alpha' to require build and approval from AlphaTeam, and set 'Allow direct pushes' to 'Selected users' and add BetaTeam.
Why this is correct
This applies the policy only to the feature branch and allows BetaTeam to push directly.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'Allow direct pushes' with a global bypass permission, not realizing it can be scoped to specific users while still enforcing policies for others.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure DevOps branch policies are enforced at the branch level via the 'Branch policies' settings under 'Repos' > 'Branches'. The 'Allow direct pushes' option is a granular permission that overrides the PR requirement for specified users or groups, but it does not bypass other policy checks like build validation; however, if a user is allowed direct pushes, they can push without creating a PR, so the build and approval policies are not triggered. In a real-world scenario, this setup allows a shared feature branch where one team (BetaTeam) contributes directly while another team (AlphaTeam) requires review, maintaining code quality without blocking productivity.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-400 question test?
Configure processes and communications — This question tests Configure processes and communications — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the branch policy on 'feature/alpha' to require build and approval from AlphaTeam, and set 'Allow direct pushes' to 'Selected users' and add BetaTeam. — Option D is correct because Azure DevOps branch policies allow you to configure 'Allow direct pushes' to specific users or groups while still enforcing PR requirements for others. By setting the policy on 'feature/alpha' to require a successful build and approval from at least one AlphaTeam member, and then selecting 'Selected users' for direct pushes with BetaTeam added, BetaTeam can push directly without a PR, while AlphaTeam must follow the PR policy.
What should I do if I get this AZ-400 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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