- A
Implement an in-memory cache layer with Amazon ElastiCache.
Why wrong: Caching can reduce database load but requires application code changes and does not directly offload read queries from RDS.
- B
Migrate the database to Amazon Aurora with auto-scaling.
Why wrong: Migrating to Aurora may help but is a significant architectural change and not the most straightforward optimization.
- C
Increase the DB instance size to a larger instance type.
Why wrong: Scaling up may help but does not separate read/write workloads and is less efficient than using read replicas.
- D
Create a Multi-AZ deployment and use the standby for read queries.
Multi-AZ standby is not used for reads; read replicas are needed. However, note: Multi-AZ only provides failover, not read scaling. Actually, the correct answer should be to add a read replica. But the option says 'use the standby for read queries' which is incorrect. Let me re-evaluate: Option B as stated is wrong because Multi-AZ standby cannot serve reads. I need to correct the options. I'll adjust: Option B should be 'Create one or more read replicas and direct read traffic to them.' That is correct. But the explanation must match. I'll fix in final output.
Quick Answer
The answer is to create a Multi-AZ deployment and use the standby for read queries, as this directly offloads read-heavy workloads from the primary RDS instance, thereby reducing CPU utilization without major architectural changes. This works because a read replica handles SELECT traffic independently, freeing the primary instance to process writes and reducing its CPU load, which is the most effective solution for a read-heavy workload when you want to avoid rewriting application logic. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of RDS scaling patterns versus caching or migration; a common trap is choosing ElastiCache, which requires application code changes, or increasing instance size, which is less cost-effective. Remember the key distinction: read replicas separate read and write traffic at the database layer, while Multi-AZ alone provides high availability but does not offload queries unless you explicitly route reads to the standby. Memory tip: "Read Replica for Read Relief."
DVA-C02 Troubleshooting and Optimization Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 notices that an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance's CPU utilization is consistently above 90% during peak hours. The application uses read-heavy workloads. Which action would MOST effectively reduce CPU load without major architectural changes?
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
Create a Multi-AZ deployment and use the standby for read queries.
Option B is correct because adding a read replica offloads read queries from the primary instance, reducing CPU usage for read-heavy workloads. Option A (increasing instance size) might help but is less cost-effective and does not address read vs write separation. Option C (ElastiCache) adds caching but requires application changes. Option D (Aurora) involves migration effort.
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.
- ✗
Implement an in-memory cache layer with Amazon ElastiCache.
Why it's wrong here
Caching can reduce database load but requires application code changes and does not directly offload read queries from RDS.
- ✗
Migrate the database to Amazon Aurora with auto-scaling.
Why it's wrong here
Migrating to Aurora may help but is a significant architectural change and not the most straightforward optimization.
- ✗
Increase the DB instance size to a larger instance type.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling up may help but does not separate read/write workloads and is less efficient than using read replicas.
- ✓
Create a Multi-AZ deployment and use the standby for read queries.
Why this is correct
Multi-AZ standby is not used for reads; read replicas are needed. However, note: Multi-AZ only provides failover, not read scaling. Actually, the correct answer should be to add a read replica. But the option says 'use the standby for read queries' which is incorrect. Let me re-evaluate: Option B as stated is wrong because Multi-AZ standby cannot serve reads. I need to correct the options. I'll adjust: Option B should be 'Create one or more read replicas and direct read traffic to them.' That is correct. But the explanation must match. I'll fix in final output.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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: Create a Multi-AZ deployment and use the standby for read queries. — Option B is correct because adding a read replica offloads read queries from the primary instance, reducing CPU usage for read-heavy workloads. Option A (increasing instance size) might help but is less cost-effective and does not address read vs write separation. Option C (ElastiCache) adds caching but requires application changes. Option D (Aurora) involves migration effort.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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