- A
The Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds, but the HTTP request takes longer.
The default Lambda timeout is 3 seconds. The log shows the task timed out after 3.01 seconds, indicating the function timeout was exceeded.
- B
The Lambda function has insufficient reserved concurrency causing throttling.
Why wrong: Throttling would result in 'Rate exceeded' errors, not timeout after 3 seconds.
- C
The Lambda function is not configured with a VPC and cannot reach the external API.
Why wrong: Lambda can reach the internet without a VPC, and the timeout message is about the function timeout, not network connectivity.
- D
The Lambda function is not starting execution due to a missing IAM role.
Why wrong: If the IAM role were missing, the function would not start and would show a different error, not a timeout after execution began.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds by default, while the HTTP request to the external API takes longer than that. AWS Lambda functions have a default timeout of 3 seconds, and when execution exceeds this limit, CloudWatch logs the exact "Task timed out after 3.01 seconds" message. This error is distinct from VPC or concurrency issues—it specifically indicates the function began running but was forcibly terminated by the Lambda service at the timeout threshold. On the DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of Lambda execution environment configuration and how to interpret CloudWatch error messages. A common trap is confusing this timeout with network-related failures or throttling; remember that "timed out" in Lambda logs always points to the function timeout setting, not external API latency. Memory tip: think of the default 3-second timeout as Lambda’s "three strikes" rule—if your function takes longer, you must explicitly increase the timeout in the function configuration.
DVA-C02 Troubleshooting and Optimization Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is troubleshooting a Lambda function that intermittently times out. The function makes HTTP requests to an external API. The function's CloudWatch logs show 'Task timed out after 3.01 seconds'. What is the MOST likely cause?
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 Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds, but the HTTP request takes longer.
Option C is correct because the Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds by default, causing the timeout error. Option A is wrong because VPC configuration does not cause timeout logs about 'Task timed out' - that message specifically refers to the function timeout. Option B is wrong because the function has no reserved concurrency issue. Option D is wrong because the logs indicate the function started execution.
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 Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds, but the HTTP request takes longer.
Why this is correct
The default Lambda timeout is 3 seconds. The log shows the task timed out after 3.01 seconds, indicating the function timeout was exceeded.
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 Lambda function has insufficient reserved concurrency causing throttling.
Why it's wrong here
Throttling would result in 'Rate exceeded' errors, not timeout after 3 seconds.
- ✗
The Lambda function is not configured with a VPC and cannot reach the external API.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda can reach the internet without a VPC, and the timeout message is about the function timeout, not network connectivity.
- ✗
The Lambda function is not starting execution due to a missing IAM role.
Why it's wrong here
If the IAM role were missing, the function would not start and would show a different error, not a timeout after execution began.
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
If the IAM role were missing, the function would not start and would show a different error, not a timeout after execution began.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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 Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds, but the HTTP request takes longer. — Option C is correct because the Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds by default, causing the timeout error. Option A is wrong because VPC configuration does not cause timeout logs about 'Task timed out' - that message specifically refers to the function timeout. Option B is wrong because the function has no reserved concurrency issue. Option D is wrong because the logs indicate the function started execution.
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
2 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. A developer is troubleshooting a Lambda function that occasionally times out. The function makes HTTPS calls to an external API. Which configuration change is MOST likely to resolve the issue without increasing the risk of further timeouts?
easy- A.Increase the function's memory allocation.
- B.Decrease the function's reserved concurrency.
- ✓ C.Increase the function's timeout setting.
- D.Change the function invocation type to synchronous.
Why C: Option B is correct because adjusting the timeout setting gives the function more time to complete the external API call. Option A is wrong because increasing memory/CPU won't help if the external API is slow. Option C is wrong because synchronous invocation is not relevant to timeout. Option D is wrong because reducing timeout would worsen the issue.
Variation 2. A developer is troubleshooting an AWS Lambda function that is timing out. The function processes S3 events and writes to DynamoDB. The average execution time is 5 seconds, but the function times out after 3 seconds. What is the most likely cause?
easy- A.The S3 bucket is not configured to send event notifications.
- B.DynamoDB write capacity is insufficient.
- ✓ C.The Lambda function timeout is set to 3 seconds.
- D.The Lambda function concurrency limit is exceeded.
Why C: The lambda timeout setting defaults to 3 seconds. To fix, increase the timeout in the Lambda configuration to a value higher than the maximum expected execution time (e.g., 10 seconds). Option A is wrong because S3 event notifications are asynchronous and do not cause timeout. Option B is wrong because DynamoDB write capacity issues would cause throttling, not timeout. Option D is wrong because Lambda concurrency limits affect invocation throttling, not execution timeout.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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