Cloud Computing Knowledge Check

Instructions

Test your understanding of cloud computing fundamentals covered in Module 1. Choose the best answer for each question. Detailed explanations are provided after each question.

Passing Score: 80% (8 out of 10 questions correct) Time Limit: None Attempts: Unlimited for learning purposes

Questions

Question 1

What are the three primary cloud service models?

A) Public, Private, Hybrid B) IaaS, PaaS, SaaS C) Small, Medium, Large D) Basic, Standard, Premium

Click for Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B) IaaS, PaaS, SaaS

Explanation: The three primary cloud service models are:

  • IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtualized computing infrastructure
  • PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides platform for developing and running applications
  • SaaS (Software as a Service): Provides complete software applications

Option A refers to deployment models, not service models.

Question 2

In the IaaS service model, which of the following is the customer responsible for managing?

A) Physical servers and networking hardware B) Hypervisor and virtualization layer C) Operating system and applications D) Data center facilities and power

Click for Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C) Operating system and applications

Explanation: In IaaS, the cloud provider manages the physical infrastructure, hypervisor, and data center facilities. The customer is responsible for:

  • Operating systems
  • Middleware
  • Runtime environments
  • Applications
  • Data
  • Security configurations

This follows the shared responsibility model where infrastructure management is handled by the provider, but the customer manages everything from the OS layer up.

Question 3

What is the primary difference between public cloud and private cloud?

A) Public cloud is free, private cloud costs money B) Public cloud uses shared infrastructure, private cloud uses dedicated infrastructure C) Public cloud is less secure than private cloud D) Public cloud is only for small businesses, private cloud is for enterprises

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Correct Answer: B) Public cloud uses shared infrastructure, private cloud uses dedicated infrastructure

Explanation: The key difference is resource sharing:

  • Public cloud: Multi-tenant shared infrastructure serving multiple customers
  • Private cloud: Dedicated infrastructure for a single organization

While security and cost differ between models, these are outcomes of the fundamental infrastructure sharing difference, not the primary distinction itself.

Question 4

Which cloud deployment model combines both public and private cloud environments?

A) Multi-cloud B) Hybrid cloud C) Community cloud D) Federated cloud

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Correct Answer: B) Hybrid cloud

Explanation: Hybrid cloud specifically refers to combining public and private cloud environments with integration between them. This allows organizations to:

  • Keep sensitive data in private cloud
  • Use public cloud for variable workloads
  • Move workloads between environments as needed

Multi-cloud refers to using multiple different cloud providers, not necessarily combining public and private deployments.

Question 5

What does “elasticity” mean in cloud computing?

A) The ability to recover from failures quickly B) The ability to automatically scale resources up and down based on demand C) The ability to access resources from anywhere D) The ability to choose from multiple service providers

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Correct Answer: B) The ability to automatically scale resources up and down based on demand

Explanation: Elasticity is the ability to automatically provision and release resources to match workload demands. This means:

  • Scale up during high demand periods
  • Scale down during low demand periods
  • Automatic adjustment without manual intervention
  • Pay only for resources actually used

This is different from basic scalability, which might require manual intervention.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of SaaS (Software as a Service)?

A) Amazon EC2 virtual machines B) Microsoft Azure App Service C) Microsoft 365 (Office applications) D) Azure Virtual Networks

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Correct Answer: C) Microsoft 365 (Office applications)

Explanation: Microsoft 365 is a complete SaaS solution providing ready-to-use applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams accessed through a web browser or installed applications.

  • Amazon EC2 = IaaS (virtual machines)
  • Azure App Service = PaaS (application hosting platform)
  • Azure Virtual Networks = IaaS (networking infrastructure)

Question 7

What is the primary cost model difference between traditional IT and cloud computing?

A) Cloud computing is always more expensive B) Traditional IT uses OpEx, cloud computing uses CapEx C) Traditional IT uses CapEx, cloud computing uses OpEx D) There is no cost model difference

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Correct Answer: C) Traditional IT uses CapEx, cloud computing uses OpEx

Explanation:

  • Traditional IT: Large upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) for hardware, software licenses, and infrastructure
  • Cloud Computing: Operational expenditure (OpEx) with pay-as-you-consume pricing

This shift from CapEx to OpEx provides:

  • Better cash flow management
  • No large upfront investments
  • Variable costs based on actual usage
  • Improved budget predictability

Question 8

Which cloud characteristic enables users to provision computing resources automatically without human interaction with the service provider?

A) Broad network access B) Resource pooling C) On-demand self-service D) Measured service

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Correct Answer: C) On-demand self-service

Explanation: On-demand self-service is the NIST cloud characteristic that allows users to:

  • Provision computing capabilities automatically
  • Access resources when needed
  • No human interaction required with service provider
  • Self-service portals and APIs for resource management

This enables the agility and speed benefits that cloud computing provides.

Question 9

What is a key advantage of using multiple cloud providers (multi-cloud strategy)?

A) Reduced complexity in management B) Lower total costs C) Avoiding vendor lock-in D) Simplified security management

Click for Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C) Avoiding vendor lock-in

Explanation: The primary advantage of multi-cloud is avoiding vendor lock-in by:

  • Maintaining independence from any single provider
  • Having negotiating leverage
  • Freedom to choose best services from different providers
  • Reduced risk of being dependent on one vendor’s roadmap

Multi-cloud typically increases complexity and costs, but provides strategic flexibility and risk mitigation.

Question 10

Which factor is most important when deciding between public, private, or hybrid cloud deployment?

A) Total number of employees in the organization B) Data sensitivity and compliance requirements C) Geographic location of the company headquarters D) Age of the existing IT infrastructure

Click for Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B) Data sensitivity and compliance requirements

Explanation: Data sensitivity and compliance requirements are the most critical factors because they determine:

  • Where data can be stored and processed
  • What security controls are required
  • Whether shared infrastructure is acceptable
  • Regulatory compliance obligations

Organizations with highly sensitive data or strict compliance requirements often need private or hybrid clouds, while those with standard requirements can leverage public cloud benefits.

Scoring

Calculate Your Score

Count the number of questions you answered correctly:

  • 9-10 correct (90-100%): Excellent understanding of cloud fundamentals
  • 8 correct (80%): Good understanding, meets passing criteria
  • 6-7 correct (60-70%): Adequate understanding, review recommended
  • 5 or fewer correct (50% or less): Additional study needed

Score Interpretation

90-100% (Excellent) You have demonstrated strong understanding of cloud computing fundamentals. You’re ready to proceed to more advanced topics.

80-89% (Good) You have solid grasp of the concepts with minor knowledge gaps. Review any missed questions and proceed to the next module.

60-79% (Adequate) You understand basic concepts but should review the material before proceeding. Focus on areas where you missed questions.

Below 60% (Needs Improvement) Consider reviewing all Module 1 content before proceeding. Focus on understanding the fundamental differences between service models and deployment models.

Key Concepts Summary

Cloud Service Models

  • IaaS: Infrastructure virtualization (servers, storage, networking)
  • PaaS: Application development and deployment platform
  • SaaS: Complete software applications delivered over internet

Cloud Deployment Models

  • Public Cloud: Shared infrastructure, internet-based access
  • Private Cloud: Dedicated infrastructure, enhanced control
  • Hybrid Cloud: Combination of public and private clouds
  • Multi-Cloud: Multiple cloud providers simultaneously

Essential Characteristics (NIST Model)

  • On-demand self-service: Automatic resource provisioning
  • Broad network access: Available over network via standard mechanisms
  • Resource pooling: Multi-tenant model with location independence
  • Rapid elasticity: Automatic scaling capabilities
  • Measured service: Pay-per-use based on actual consumption

Cost Models

  • Traditional IT: CapEx model with large upfront investments
  • Cloud Computing: OpEx model with pay-as-you-consume pricing

Areas for Further Study

Based on common areas where learners need additional focus:

If you missed service model questions

  • Review shared responsibility boundaries
  • Study specific examples of each service type
  • Practice identifying service models in real scenarios

If you missed deployment model questions

  • Review hybrid cloud integration patterns
  • Study multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud differences
  • Understand when each model is appropriate

If you missed cost model questions

  • Review CapEx vs. OpEx implications
  • Study cloud cost optimization strategies
  • Understand total cost of ownership calculations

If you missed characteristic questions

  • Review NIST cloud computing definition
  • Study how characteristics enable cloud benefits
  • Understand relationship between characteristics and capabilities

Next Steps

For Scores 80% and Above

  1. ✅ Review any missed concepts
  2. ✅ Proceed to Module 2: Security & Compliance Fundamentals
  3. ✅ Continue with Level 50 learning path

For Scores Below 80%

  1. ✅ Review Cloud Computing Primer
  2. ✅ Study Cloud Service Models in detail
  3. ✅ Review Cloud Deployment Models
  4. ✅ Read Cloud Benefits and Considerations
  5. 🔄 Retake this knowledge check

Additional Resources for Review

Assessment Created: November 2025 Last Updated: November 2025