- A
The Lambda function is not configured with enough memory
Why wrong: Memory affects CPU but not network connectivity.
- B
The Lambda function is not using a reserved concurrency limit
Why wrong: Reserved concurrency limits scaling, not connectivity.
- C
The Lambda function is not attached to the same VPC as the RDS instance
Lambda must be in the same VPC or use VPC peering to access RDS.
- D
The Lambda function's execution role lacks RDS permissions
Why wrong: Permissions affect API calls, not TCP connections.
DVA-C02 Development with AWS Services Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of development with aws services. 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 using AWS Lambda with an Amazon RDS MySQL database. The Lambda function frequently times out when connecting to the database. 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 is not attached to the same VPC as the RDS instance
Lambda functions in a VPC require a VPC endpoint for internet access or NAT gateway; without it, they cannot reach RDS if the RDS is in a private subnet. Option C is correct.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 is not configured with enough memory
Why it's wrong here
Memory affects CPU but not network connectivity.
- ✗
The Lambda function is not using a reserved concurrency limit
Why it's wrong here
Reserved concurrency limits scaling, not connectivity.
- ✓
The Lambda function is not attached to the same VPC as the RDS instance
Why this is correct
Lambda must be in the same VPC or use VPC peering to access RDS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
The Lambda function's execution role lacks RDS permissions
Why it's wrong here
Permissions affect API calls, not TCP connections.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DVA-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DVA-C02 question test?
Development with AWS Services — This question tests Development with AWS Services — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The Lambda function is not attached to the same VPC as the RDS instance — Lambda functions in a VPC require a VPC endpoint for internet access or NAT gateway; without it, they cannot reach RDS if the RDS is in a private subnet. Option C is correct.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DVA-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
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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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