- A
The function's execution role does not have permission to write to CloudWatch Logs.
Why wrong: Missing permissions would not cause the function to execute; it would cause a 403 error.
- B
The invocation request payload exceeded the 6 KB limit for synchronous invocation.
Why wrong: Payload size limit is 6 MB for synchronous invocation; exceeding it would return a 413 error.
- C
The function code threw an uncaught exception.
An uncaught exception results in 'Unhandled' FunctionError, and the error message is written to the output file.
- D
The function timed out before completing execution.
Why wrong: A timeout would also result in 'Unhandled', but the most common cause is an uncaught exception. However, timeout is also possible. But the question asks 'most likely', and typically an uncaught exception is more common than timeout. Let me re-evaluate: The exhibit shows StatusCode 200, which means the Lambda service received the invocation. FunctionError 'Unhandled' means the function encountered an error that was not handled by the code. Both timeout and uncaught exception can cause this. But the stem says 'output file contains an error message', which suggests the function code threw an error. So option B is more specific.
Quick Answer
The answer is an uncaught exception in the function code. When AWS Lambda returns a response with the FunctionError field set to 'Unhandled', it specifically means the runtime encountered an error that your code did not catch with a try-catch block, and the error was not mapped to a custom error response via the callback or context methods. This is distinct from a 'Handled' error, which occurs when you intentionally throw a custom error using AWS Lambda's error handling APIs. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Lambda invocation responses and error handling patterns—a common trap is confusing timeouts with unhandled exceptions, though both can produce 'Unhandled', the most direct cause is an uncaught exception. Memory tip: think of 'Unhandled' as 'Uncaught'—if your code doesn't catch it, Lambda flags it as unhandled.
DVA-C02 Troubleshooting and Optimization Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A developer invokes a Lambda function from the AWS CLI and receives the response shown in the exhibit. The output file contains an error message. What is the MOST likely cause of the FunctionError field being set to 'Unhandled'?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The function code threw an uncaught exception.
Option B is correct. 'Unhandled' indicates that the function threw an exception that was not caught by the code, and the error was not mapped to a custom error response. Option A: If the function timed out, it would return a 200 status but with 'FunctionError' set to 'Unhandled' or 'Handled'? Actually, timeout results in 200 with 'FunctionError' set to 'Unhandled'. But the most common unhandled error is an uncaught exception. Option C (permissions) would cause a 403 error. Option D (payload size) would cause a 413 error.
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.
- ✗
The function's execution role does not have permission to write to CloudWatch Logs.
Why it's wrong here
Missing permissions would not cause the function to execute; it would cause a 403 error.
- ✗
The invocation request payload exceeded the 6 KB limit for synchronous invocation.
Why it's wrong here
Payload size limit is 6 MB for synchronous invocation; exceeding it would return a 413 error.
- ✓
The function code threw an uncaught exception.
Why this is correct
An uncaught exception results in 'Unhandled' FunctionError, and the error message is written to the output file.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The function timed out before completing execution.
Why it's wrong here
A timeout would also result in 'Unhandled', but the most common cause is an uncaught exception. However, timeout is also possible. But the question asks 'most likely', and typically an uncaught exception is more common than timeout. Let me re-evaluate: The exhibit shows StatusCode 200, which means the Lambda service received the invocation. FunctionError 'Unhandled' means the function encountered an error that was not handled by the code. Both timeout and uncaught exception can cause this. But the stem says 'output file contains an error message', which suggests the function code threw an error. So option B is more specific.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A timeout would also result in 'Unhandled', but the most common cause is an uncaught exception. However, timeout is also possible. But the question asks 'most likely', and typically an uncaught exception is more common than timeout. Let me re-evaluate: The exhibit shows StatusCode 200, which means the Lambda service received the invocation. FunctionError 'Unhandled' means the function encountered an error that was not handled by the code. Both timeout and uncaught exception can cause this. But the stem says 'output file contains an error message', which suggests the function code threw an error. So option B is more specific.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 DVA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Troubleshooting and Optimization — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DVA-C02 question test?
Troubleshooting and Optimization — This question tests Troubleshooting and Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The function code threw an uncaught exception. — Option B is correct. 'Unhandled' indicates that the function threw an exception that was not caught by the code, and the error was not mapped to a custom error response. Option A: If the function timed out, it would return a 200 status but with 'FunctionError' set to 'Unhandled' or 'Handled'? Actually, timeout results in 200 with 'FunctionError' set to 'Unhandled'. But the most common unhandled error is an uncaught exception. Option C (permissions) would cause a 403 error. Option D (payload size) would cause a 413 error.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DVA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DVA-C02
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. A developer invoked a Lambda function and received this response. What does the FunctionError field indicate?
medium- A.The function executed successfully.
- ✓ B.The function threw an unhandled exception.
- C.The function was throttled.
- D.The function timed out.
Why B: Option B is correct because FunctionError: Unhandled indicates that the function threw an exception that was not caught by the code. Option A is wrong because StatusCode 200 means invocation succeeded. Option C is wrong because throttling would return 429. Option D is wrong because configuration errors would return 400.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DVA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DVA-C02 exam.
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