100+ Free GitLab CI/CD Specialist Practice Questions
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In .gitlab-ci.yml, which block allows you to run commands before every job in the pipeline without repeating them in each job?
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Key Facts: GitLab CI/CD Specialist Exam
80%
Passing Score (Both Parts)
GitLab University
~2 hours
Total Exam Time
GitLab University (~1h written + ~1h lab)
$650
Exam Fee
GitLab Professional Services
2 years
Validity
GitLab University
40-60 hrs
Study Time
Recommended
2 parts
Written + Hands-On Lab
GitLab University
The GitLab CI/CD Specialist requires 80% on both a 1-hour written assessment and a 1-hour hands-on lab graded by GitLab engineers. The fee is $650 USD and the credential is valid for 2 years. Preparation typically takes 40-60 hours and must include practical .gitlab-ci.yml writing, runner configuration, DAG pipeline design, and security scanning template usage.
Sample GitLab CI/CD Specialist Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your GitLab CI/CD Specialist exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which keyword in .gitlab-ci.yml defines the list of pipeline stages in order?
2In .gitlab-ci.yml, which keyword specifies the Docker image to use for a job?
3A job must run after another job in the same stage without waiting for the entire previous stage to finish. Which keyword enables this direct dependency?
4Which executor type allows a GitLab runner to spin up a new Docker container for every CI job?
5You want to pass build outputs from a build job to a test job in the next stage. Which configuration block achieves this?
6A developer wants a pipeline job to only run on the `main` branch and not on feature branches. Which `rules` condition achieves this?
7Which predefined CI/CD variable contains the full SHA of the commit that triggered the pipeline?
8A CI/CD variable set at the project level has the same name as one defined in .gitlab-ci.yml. Which value takes precedence?
9You define a variable in GitLab project settings and check the 'Masked' option. What is the primary effect?
10In .gitlab-ci.yml, which `cache:policy` value tells a job to download the cache at start but NOT upload it at the end?
About the GitLab CI/CD Specialist Exam
The GitLab Certified CI/CD Specialist validates intermediate-to-advanced ability to configure, optimize, and troubleshoot GitLab CI/CD pipelines. The two-part exam covers .gitlab-ci.yml syntax (stages, rules, needs/DAG, includes, templates, CI/CD Components), runner configuration (executors, tags, config.toml), artifact and cache management, environment and deployment workflows (review apps, protected environments, deployment freeze windows), CI/CD variable scoping and protection, pipeline security (SAST/DAST/Dependency/Secret Detection), and advanced pipeline patterns (parent-child, multi-project, dynamic child pipelines). The hands-on lab is evaluated by GitLab Professional Services engineers.
Questions
60 scored questions
Time Limit
~1 hour written + ~1 hour hands-on lab
Passing Score
80% on both parts
Exam Fee
$650 (GitLab University / Professional Services)
GitLab CI/CD Specialist Exam Content Outline
Pipeline Syntax & Fundamentals
.gitlab-ci.yml structure, stages/jobs, image/services, default block, extends/hidden jobs, YAML anchors/!reference, before_script/after_script, allow_failure/retry/timeout/parallel/interruptible, [ci skip]
Runners & Executors
Runner scopes (shared/group/project), executors (shell/docker/kubernetes), runner tags, concurrent, config.toml, privileged/dind, GIT_STRATEGY/GIT_DEPTH/GIT_SUBMODULE_STRATEGY, Windows shell
Rules, Conditions & Workflow
rules vs only/except, workflow:rules, when values, rules:if/changes/exists, $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE, pipeline deduplication, [ci skip], manual/delayed jobs
Artifacts & Caching
artifacts paths/reports/expire_in/when/untracked, dependencies, cache key/policy/untracked/key:files, JUnit/coverage_report/SAST/DAST/cobertura report types, cross-pipeline artifacts
CI/CD Variables
Predefined variables, variable scopes (project/group/instance), masked/protected flags, environment scope, variable precedence, $CI_JOB_TOKEN, $CI_COMMIT_SHA/$CI_COMMIT_SHORT_SHA, inherit:variables
Environments & Deployments
environment name/url/action/on_stop, review apps, resource_group, GitLab Releases, GitLab Pages, protected environments with approvals, deployment freeze windows, $CI_ENVIRONMENT_URL
Advanced Pipelines & Security
DAG with needs, parent-child/multi-project pipelines, trigger (strategy:depend/forward:), dynamic child pipelines, includes, CI/CD Components & Catalog, SAST/DAST/Dependency/Secret Detection, Auto DevOps
How to Pass the GitLab CI/CD Specialist Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 80% on both parts
- Exam length: 60 questions
- Time limit: ~1 hour written + ~1 hour hands-on lab
- Exam fee: $650
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
GitLab CI/CD Specialist Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GitLab CI/CD Specialist exam format?
The GitLab CI/CD Specialist certification consists of two parts: a 1-hour written assessment (multiple choice, minimum 80% to pass) and a 1-hour hands-on lab assessment graded by GitLab Professional Services engineers (also minimum 80% to pass). Both parts must be passed to earn the certification. The exam fee is $650 USD.
What is the difference between the GitLab CI/CD Associate and CI/CD Specialist certifications?
The CI/CD Associate covers foundational topics like basic .gitlab-ci.yml syntax, simple pipelines, runners, variables, and job artifacts — primarily tested through a written exam. The CI/CD Specialist is an intermediate credential that adds advanced topics (DAG/needs, parent-child pipelines, CI/CD Components, security scanning templates, protected environments) and includes a hands-on lab where engineers evaluate your practical pipeline-building skills. The Specialist costs significantly more ($650 vs ~$650 for professional services tier).
What topics does the GitLab CI/CD Specialist hands-on lab cover?
The hands-on lab tests practical ability to write .gitlab-ci.yml files from scratch, configure runners, implement DAG pipelines with `needs:`, set up review apps, configure protected environments, use security scanning templates, and debug pipeline failures. GitLab Professional Services engineers grade the lab submissions against defined rubrics.
How long should I study for the GitLab CI/CD Specialist exam?
Most candidates with existing GitLab CI/CD experience study for 4-8 weeks (40-60 hours). Allocate roughly 40% of time to hands-on .gitlab-ci.yml practice in a real GitLab project, 30% to reading GitLab CI/CD documentation and the official learning path, and 30% to timed practice questions. Focus on DAG pipelines, rules syntax, artifact reports, and security scanning templates.
What are CI/CD Components in GitLab, and do they appear on the Specialist exam?
GitLab CI/CD Components are reusable, versioned pipeline configuration units stored in dedicated repositories and discoverable via the CI/CD Catalog. You include them using `include: component: hostname/namespace/project/component@version`. They are included in the CI/CD Specialist curriculum as part of the advanced pipelines and reusability topics.
Is the GitLab CI/CD Specialist exam available remotely?
Yes, the GitLab CI/CD Specialist exam (both written and hands-on lab) is available remotely through GitLab University. The written assessment is online-proctored. The hands-on lab is submitted remotely and evaluated asynchronously by GitLab Professional Services engineers. Check university.gitlab.com for current scheduling availability.