The answer is that the AWS Region does not support CloudHSM custom key stores, which is the most likely cause of the KMS CreateKey error. This error occurs because creating a KMS key in a custom key store requires a pre-existing CloudHSM cluster and a custom key store to be set up in that region, and the error message directly indicates that custom key stores are not supported in the specified region. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of regional service limitations for KMS custom key stores, a common trap where developers assume the CLI syntax or key spec is wrong. Remember that CloudHSM-based custom key stores are only available in select regions, so if you see this error, check regional support first. Memory tip: "Custom key stores need a CloudHSM home—if the region won't let you roam, the error will show."
DVA-C02 Security Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
Network Topology
A developer ran the AWS CLI command shown in the exhibit. What is the most likely cause of the error?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The AWS Region does not support CloudHSM custom key stores.
Creating a KMS key in a custom key store (CloudHSM) requires a CloudHSM cluster and a custom key store to be set up first. The error indicates that custom key stores are not supported in the region, meaning the developer is in a region that does not support CloudHSM-based custom key stores. Option A is wrong because the CLI syntax is correct. Option B is wrong because the error specifically says custom key stores not supported in this region. Option D is wrong because the key spec is valid.
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 --origin parameter is misspelled.
Why it's wrong here
The parameter is correct (AWS_CLOUDHSM).
✗
The --key-spec parameter is invalid for custom key stores.
Why it's wrong here
RSA_4096 is a valid key spec for custom key stores.
✗
The IAM user does not have permission to create KMS keys.
Why it's wrong here
The error message does not indicate a permissions issue; it says unsupported in this region.
✓
The AWS Region does not support CloudHSM custom key stores.
Why this is correct
Custom key stores are not available in all regions; the error confirms this.
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.
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 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.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The AWS Region does not support CloudHSM custom key stores. — Creating a KMS key in a custom key store (CloudHSM) requires a CloudHSM cluster and a custom key store to be set up first. The error indicates that custom key stores are not supported in the region, meaning the developer is in a region that does not support CloudHSM-based custom key stores. Option A is wrong because the CLI syntax is correct. Option B is wrong because the error specifically says custom key stores not supported in this region. Option D is wrong because the key spec is valid.
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.
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Question Discussion
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