Pure Storage Certified (PSC) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: How often does Pure Storage recommend performing firmware updates?

Only when issues arise
Twice a year or as needed (Correct answer)
Once every 5 years
Quarterly

Correct answer: Twice a year or as needed

Pure Storage generally recommends performing firmware updates approximately twice a year to ensure systems benefit from the latest features, performance enhancements, and security patches. However, updates should also be applied as needed, for example, to address specific issues or to meet compatibility requirements. Regular updates are crucial for optimal array health and performance.

Question 2: What is the minimum number of FlashArray systems required to implement a Pure Storage ActiveCluster stretched cluster?

1
2 (Correct answer)
3
4

Correct answer: 2

ActiveCluster requires exactly two FlashArray systems — one at each site — plus a Mediator for quorum.

Question 3: What is the recommended number of Fibre Channel paths per host to a Pure Storage FlashArray for high availability?

8 paths minimum
2 paths (one per fabric)
4 paths (2 per fabric, 1 per controller) (Correct answer)
1 path

Correct answer: 4 paths (2 per fabric, 1 per controller)

Pure Storage recommends 4 FC paths per host — two fabrics with one path per controller per fabric — ensuring no single component failure (HBA, switch, or controller) disrupts access.

Question 4: What is the purpose of Pure1 in the Pure Storage ecosystem?

Array operating system
Backup appliance
Cloud-based management and analytics platform (Correct answer)
CLI interface for firmware upgrade

Correct answer: Cloud-based management and analytics platform

Pure1 is Pure Storage's cloud-based management and analytics platform. It provides customers with global visibility, predictive analytics, and proactive support for their Pure Storage arrays. Pure1 offers real-time monitoring, performance insights, and AI-driven recommendations, simplifying storage management and optimizing operations.

Question 5: Which Pure Storage CLI command is used to view all available volumes?

purevol list (Correct answer)
purearray list
pureport status
pureuser list

Correct answer: purevol list

The `purevol list` command on the FlashArray CLI is specifically used to display a list of all volumes configured on the array. This command provides essential details such as volume name, size, provisioned status, and associated host connections. It is a fundamental command for administrators managing storage volumes within the Pure Storage environment.

Question 6: When integrating Pure Storage FlashArray with Microsoft SQL Server, what capability does the Pure Storage PowerShell SDK's snapshot functionality primarily enable?

Live migration of SQL Server databases between different FlashArray systems using PowerShell cmdlets
Near-instantaneous, space-efficient database clones and backups by creating array-level snapshots of SQL Server volumes without impacting production I/O (Correct answer)
Automatic SQL Server query plan optimization by analyzing I/O patterns stored in FlashArray metadata
Integration with SQL Server Agent jobs to schedule and manage Windows Backup to FlashBlade object storage

Correct answer: Near-instantaneous, space-efficient database clones and backups by creating array-level snapshots of SQL Server volumes without impacting production I/O

Pure Storage array snapshots are pointer-based and created in milliseconds regardless of dataset size, enabling rapid SQL database clones for dev/test refresh and near-instant backups without production performance impact.

Question 7: Which metric BEST indicates successful project planning & deployment in Pure Storage?

Volume of emails sent
Hours worked by team members
Achievement of defined key performance indicators and stakeholder satisfaction (Correct answer)
Number of meetings held per week

Correct answer: Achievement of defined key performance indicators and stakeholder satisfaction

KPI achievement and stakeholder satisfaction directly measure whether management activities are producing desired outcomes.

Question 8: What does the Pure Storage Management Pack for VMware vRealize Operations (vROps) primarily provide?

FlashArray performance metrics, capacity analytics, and storage health dashboards integrated into the vROps console (Correct answer)
Automated VM provisioning directly from FlashArray snapshots inside vROps
A replacement for the Pure1 cloud management portal within on-premises vROps
Automatic QoS policy enforcement based on vROps workload stress alerts

Correct answer: FlashArray performance metrics, capacity analytics, and storage health dashboards integrated into the vROps console

The Pure Storage Management Pack feeds FlashArray I/O metrics, latency, capacity, and health data into vROps dashboards, enabling correlated VM-to-storage troubleshooting.

Question 9: When implementing project planning & deployment changes in Pure Storage, what factor is MOST critical?

Speed of implementation regardless of preparation
Stakeholder buy-in and a clear change management plan (Correct answer)
Top-down mandate without input from affected parties
Minimizing communication about the changes

Correct answer: Stakeholder buy-in and a clear change management plan

Stakeholder buy-in and a structured change management plan significantly increase the likelihood of successful implementation.

Question 10: Which action BEST demonstrates a commitment to compliance & governance in Pure Storage?

Addressing compliance issues only when audited
Relying on colleagues to interpret regulatory requirements
Following only the regulations that are convenient
Maintaining current knowledge of all applicable regulations and standards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining current knowledge of all applicable regulations and standards

Actively maintaining current knowledge of applicable regulations demonstrates genuine commitment to compliance and helps prevent violations.

Question 11: Which factor BEST indicates mastery of cloud infrastructure & services in Pure Storage?

Number of certifications held
Years of experience in a single setting
Speed of task completion
The ability to adapt knowledge and skills to varying contexts while maintaining standards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ability to adapt knowledge and skills to varying contexts while maintaining standards

True mastery is demonstrated by the ability to apply knowledge flexibly across different contexts while consistently maintaining quality standards.

Question 12: In Pure Storage, which project planning & deployment approach is MOST effective for achieving long-term goals?

Focusing solely on short-term financial targets
Strategic planning with measurable objectives and regular progress reviews (Correct answer)
Delegating all decisions without oversight
Reactive management that addresses issues as they arise

Correct answer: Strategic planning with measurable objectives and regular progress reviews

Strategic planning with measurable objectives and regular reviews provides direction, accountability, and the ability to adapt strategies based on progress.

Question 13: What is the typical minimum RPO achievable with Pure Storage ActiveDR asynchronous replication?

Seconds (as low as ~30 seconds) (Correct answer)
24 hours
60 minutes
15 minutes

Correct answer: Seconds (as low as ~30 seconds)

ActiveDR can be configured with replication intervals as low as approximately 30 seconds, providing near-continuous data protection for asynchronous DR.

Question 14: What consequence can result from failing to maintain proper compliance & governance standards in Pure Storage?

Increased customer satisfaction
Lower training requirements
Reduced workload for staff
Loss of certification, legal penalties, and reputational damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Loss of certification, legal penalties, and reputational damage

Non-compliance can result in serious consequences including certification revocation, legal penalties, fines, and significant reputational damage.

Question 15: Which of the following best describes the Pure Storage FlashArray architecture?

All-flash storage array with always-on data services (Correct answer)
Object-based archival system
Hybrid disk-flash based solution
Software-defined storage only

Correct answer: All-flash storage array with always-on data services

The Pure Storage FlashArray is characterized as an all-flash storage array designed for high performance and reliability. Its architecture integrates always-on data services like deduplication, compression, and snapshots directly into the system. This combination provides a powerful, efficient, and resilient storage solution for enterprise workloads.

Question 16: Which metric BEST indicates successful data management & integration in Pure Storage?

Hours worked by team members
Number of meetings held per week
Volume of emails sent
Achievement of defined key performance indicators and stakeholder satisfaction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Achievement of defined key performance indicators and stakeholder satisfaction

KPI achievement and stakeholder satisfaction directly measure whether management activities are producing desired outcomes.

Question 17: What is the PRIMARY benefit of continuous improvement in data management & integration for Pure Storage?

Higher operational costs in the short term
Enhanced efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage over time (Correct answer)
Increased complexity in operations
Reduced need for employee input

Correct answer: Enhanced efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage over time

Continuous improvement systematically enhances efficiency and quality, leading to sustained competitive advantage.

Question 18: What protocol does Pure Storage FlashBlade use for shared storage integration with Microsoft Windows Server and Hyper-V Scale-Out File Servers (SOFS)?

SMB 3.0 (Server Message Block) (Correct answer)
iSCSI over TCP/IP
NVMe over TCP (NVMe/TCP)
FC-NVMe over Fibre Channel

Correct answer: SMB 3.0 (Server Message Block)

FlashBlade supports SMB 3.0, enabling Windows Server and Hyper-V environments to use shared file storage with features like SMB Multichannel for parallel throughput and transparent failover.

Question 19: Which factor MOST impacts the usefulness of documentation & best practices outputs in Pure Storage?

Timeliness, accuracy, and relevance to the intended audience (Correct answer)
Volume of data collected
Format and visual presentation only
Complexity of the analysis

Correct answer: Timeliness, accuracy, and relevance to the intended audience

Information is most useful when it is timely, accurate, and relevant to the needs of the people who will use it.

Question 20: What is the purpose of running a DR drill against a Pure Storage ActiveDR relationship without impacting production data?

It is not possible to test without impacting production
Use CloudSnap to restore to a test bucket
Manually copy LUNs to a test array
Create a test pod from the DR snapshot without promoting the DR relationship (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Create a test pod from the DR snapshot without promoting the DR relationship

Pure Storage allows a non-disruptive DR test by cloning the DR pod or creating a volume copy from the replicated snapshot on the target array, leaving the live DR relationship intact.

Question 21: What is the PRIMARY benefit of continuous improvement in project planning & deployment for Pure Storage?

Increased complexity in operations
Reduced need for employee input
Enhanced efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage over time (Correct answer)
Higher operational costs in the short term

Correct answer: Enhanced efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage over time

Continuous improvement systematically enhances efficiency and quality, leading to sustained competitive advantage.

Question 22: What is the MOST important skill for effective project planning & deployment in Pure Storage?

Maintaining strict authority over all decisions
Clear communication and the ability to align team efforts with objectives (Correct answer)
Technical expertise alone without people skills
Avoiding conflict at all costs

Correct answer: Clear communication and the ability to align team efforts with objectives

Clear communication is essential for aligning team efforts, building consensus, and ensuring everyone understands and works toward shared objectives.

Question 23: In Pure Storage, what is a 'pod' in the context of ActiveCluster replication?

A backup target for CloudSnap
A network segment used for storage traffic
A container object that holds volumes and snapshots that replicate synchronously between arrays (Correct answer)
A snapshot policy grouping

Correct answer: A container object that holds volumes and snapshots that replicate synchronously between arrays

A pod is a logical container for volumes and snapshots that is stretched across two arrays in ActiveCluster, ensuring all contents replicate synchronously.

Question 24: When planning a Pure Storage business continuity solution, which combination delivers both zero RPO and zero RTO?

CloudSnap + manual restore
ActiveCluster (synchronous, active-active) (Correct answer)
ActiveDR + CloudSnap
SafeMode + ActiveDR

Correct answer: ActiveCluster (synchronous, active-active)

ActiveCluster's active-active, synchronous architecture ensures no data loss (zero RPO) and no recovery time (zero RTO) because both sites serve I/O simultaneously.

Question 25: What is the PRIMARY objective of compliance & governance in the Pure Storage field?

To ensure adherence to established standards and protect stakeholders (Correct answer)
To create additional paperwork for professionals
To increase operational costs for organizations
To limit the scope of professional practice

Correct answer: To ensure adherence to established standards and protect stakeholders

The primary objective of compliance and regulatory frameworks is to ensure adherence to standards that protect stakeholders.

Question 26: What is the PRIMARY purpose of documentation & best practices in Pure Storage?

To create paperwork for filing purposes
To satisfy audit requirements only
To provide accurate, accessible information for decision-making and compliance (Correct answer)
To limit access to information

Correct answer: To provide accurate, accessible information for decision-making and compliance

Data and documentation exist primarily to provide accurate, accessible information that supports both decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Question 27: When implementing data management & integration changes in Pure Storage, what factor is MOST critical?

Minimizing communication about the changes
Stakeholder buy-in and a clear change management plan (Correct answer)
Top-down mandate without input from affected parties
Speed of implementation regardless of preparation

Correct answer: Stakeholder buy-in and a clear change management plan

Stakeholder buy-in and a structured change management plan significantly increase the likelihood of successful implementation.

Question 28: Which Microsoft technology enables Pure Storage FlashArray to perform server-side data copy operations in Windows Server and Hyper-V environments without transferring data through the host?

Storage Replica (SR) synchronous replication
Offloaded Data Transfer (ODX) (Correct answer)
Windows Server Deduplication (WSD)
Distributed File System Replication (DFSR)

Correct answer: Offloaded Data Transfer (ODX)

ODX (similar to VAAI in VMware) allows the FlashArray to execute copy operations entirely within the array hardware, reducing host CPU load and LAN traffic during Hyper-V cloning operations.

Question 29: In a Kubernetes deployment with Pure Storage, what is the purpose of a StorageClass referencing the Pure Storage CSI provisioner?

It defines the backend array, access protocol, and parameters used when dynamically creating PersistentVolumes from PersistentVolumeClaims (Correct answer)
It configures the network path and VLAN used for storage traffic in the cluster
It schedules automated snapshot jobs for all PersistentVolumes on the referenced array
It sets the Kubernetes RBAC permissions required for pods to access Pure Storage volumes

Correct answer: It defines the backend array, access protocol, and parameters used when dynamically creating PersistentVolumes from PersistentVolumeClaims

A StorageClass specifies the Pure Storage provisioner along with parameters like backend (flasharray or flashblade), volume type, and mount options used for dynamic PV creation.

Question 30: In Pure Storage, what is the MOST appropriate response when a potential compliance violation is discovered?

Wait to see if the violation causes harm before reporting
Discuss it informally without documentation
Report it immediately through established channels and document findings (Correct answer)
Address it only if a supervisor specifically asks about it

Correct answer: Report it immediately through established channels and document findings

Immediate reporting through established channels with proper documentation ensures timely resolution and maintains the integrity of the compliance program.

Question 31: How does ongoing professional development support compliance & governance in Pure Storage?

It keeps professionals informed of evolving standards and best practices (Correct answer)
It is irrelevant to compliance outcomes
It only benefits entry-level professionals
It replaces the need for formal compliance audits

Correct answer: It keeps professionals informed of evolving standards and best practices

Ongoing professional development ensures that practitioners stay current with evolving regulations, standards, and best practices in their field.

Pure Storage Certified (PSC)

The Pure Storage Certification (PSC) validates knowledge of Pure Storage solutions including FlashArray and FlashBlade administration, data management, networking, troubleshooting, and enterprise deployment best practices.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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