20+ practice questions focused on Cost and Performance Optimization — one of the most tested topics on the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Cost and Performance Optimization PracticeA SysOps administrator manages an Amazon RDS for MySQL instance that experiences high CPU utilization during business hours. The application is read-heavy. Which action will most effectively improve performance and reduce cost?
Explanation: Adding a read replica offloads read traffic from the primary RDS for MySQL instance, directly addressing the read-heavy workload and high CPU utilization. This improves performance by distributing SELECT queries to the replica, and reduces cost because you can use a smaller primary instance and only pay for the replica's resources when needed, rather than scaling up the entire instance.
A SysOps administrator manages a web application running on Amazon EC2 instances that run 24/7 for the next 12 months. The workload is steady and predictable. Which EC2 purchasing option provides the highest cost savings for this use case?
Explanation: Standard Reserved Instances provide the highest cost savings for a steady, predictable 24/7 workload over a 12-month period because they offer a significant discount (up to 72% compared to On-Demand) in exchange for a commitment to a specific instance family, region, and term length. Since the workload runs continuously without interruption, the upfront payment or partial upfront payment for a 1-year term maximizes savings without the risk of interruption or the need for flexibility.
A company runs a large number of EC2 instances across multiple accounts and regions. The finance team needs to track costs per project and department. Each EC2 instance must be tagged with a ProjectID and Department tag. A SysOps administrator needs to ensure that all newly launched EC2 instances are tagged automatically before they can be used, and that existing untagged instances are retroactively tagged. The tags must be propagated to cost reports in AWS Cost Explorer. Which combination of steps will achieve this with the least operational overhead?
Explanation: AWS Config with auto-remediation can automatically tag newly launched EC2 instances using a custom Lambda function or SSM document triggered by a Config rule (e.g., 'required-tags'), ensuring compliance before instances are used. Activating the tags as cost allocation tags in AWS Cost Explorer allows the tags to appear in cost reports. For existing untagged instances, the Tag Editor with a CSV import provides a bulk, low-overhead method to retroactively apply tags across accounts and regions.
A company runs a web application on Amazon EC2 instances that are part of an Auto Scaling group. The application's traffic is predictable with regular peaks during business hours and low traffic at night. The SysOps administrator wants to optimize costs while ensuring that performance meets demand. The administrator also needs to minimize manual intervention. Which scaling policy should be used?
Explanation: Scheduled scaling is the correct choice because the traffic pattern is predictable with regular peaks during business hours and low traffic at night. This policy allows the administrator to define specific times to increase or decrease the desired capacity of the Auto Scaling group, matching capacity to demand without manual intervention and optimizing costs by reducing instances during off-peak hours.
A company runs a web application on Amazon EC2 instances in an Auto Scaling group. The application experiences steady traffic during business hours and very low traffic overnight. The SysOps administrator wants to optimize costs by using a mix of On-Demand and Spot Instances. The administrator also requires that the total capacity never falls below the baseline level needed during business hours, even if Spot Instances are reclaimed. Which combination of Auto Scaling features should be used?
Explanation: A mixed instances policy allows the Auto Scaling group to use both On-Demand and Spot Instances. By setting the 'On-Demand Base' capacity to the minimum number of instances required during business hours, you guarantee that baseline capacity is always fulfilled by On-Demand Instances, which are not subject to interruption. Setting 'On-Demand percentage above base' to 0% ensures that any additional capacity beyond the base is fulfilled by Spot Instances, optimizing cost while maintaining the required capacity floor.
+15 more Cost and Performance Optimization questions available
Practice all Cost and Performance Optimization questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Cost and Performance Optimization. This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
Cost and Performance Optimization questions on the SOA-C02 frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. Cost and Performance Optimization is tested as part of the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Cost and Performance Optimization questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but Cost and Performance Optimization is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
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