Quick Answer
The answer is Amazon RDS Performance Insights, as it is the AWS service specifically designed to analyze database queries and identify the root cause of high CPU utilization on an RDS for MySQL instance. Performance Insights provides a visual dashboard that breaks down database load by wait events, SQL queries, and hosts, allowing you to pinpoint which queries are consuming the most CPU resources during peak hours. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of database performance monitoring versus general logging or tracing services—a common trap is confusing CloudWatch Logs (for log files) or X-Ray (for application requests) with query-level analysis. Remember that Performance Insights is the only option that gives you a direct, query-level view of database load. Memory tip: think "PI for DB CPU"—Performance Insights pinpoints the problematic queries.
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 notices that an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance's CPU utilization is consistently above 90% during peak hours. Which AWS service can the developer use to analyze the database queries and identify the root cause?
AWS X-Ray
Why wrong: X-Ray traces application requests, not database internals.
Amazon CloudWatch Logs
Why wrong: CloudWatch Logs stores logs but does not analyze database queries.
Amazon RDS Performance Insights
Performance Insights shows database load and top SQL queries.
AWS Trusted Advisor
Why wrong: Trusted Advisor provides best practice checks, not query analysis.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Amazon RDS Performance Insights
Option B is correct because Performance Insights provides database performance analysis with query-level metrics. Option A is wrong because CloudWatch Logs is for log data, not query analysis. Option C is wrong because X-Ray traces application requests, not database queries. Option D is wrong because Trusted Advisor provides cost and security checks, not query analysis.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS X-Ray
Why it's wrong here
X-Ray traces application requests, not database internals.
Amazon CloudWatch Logs
Why it's wrong here
CloudWatch Logs stores logs but does not analyze database queries.
Amazon RDS Performance Insights
Why this is correct
Performance Insights shows database load and top SQL queries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AWS Trusted Advisor
Why it's wrong here
Trusted Advisor provides best practice checks, not query analysis.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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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FAQ
Troubleshooting and Optimization — This question tests Troubleshooting and Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Amazon RDS Performance Insights — Option B is correct because Performance Insights provides database performance analysis with query-level metrics. Option A is wrong because CloudWatch Logs is for log data, not query analysis. Option C is wrong because X-Ray traces application requests, not database queries. Option D is wrong because Trusted Advisor provides cost and security checks, not query analysis.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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