The answer is that the CodePipeline in the secondary region references the deployment group ARN from the primary region instead of the secondary region. This is the most likely cause because AWS CodePipeline and CodeDeploy are region-specific services; a pipeline in one region cannot resolve or use a deployment group ARN from another region, even if CloudFormation StackSets have successfully replicated the resources. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that cross-region deployments require each pipeline to be explicitly configured with its own regional resource identifiers, not just the existence of those resources. A common trap is assuming that StackSet replication automatically updates pipeline references, but the pipeline definition itself must be region-aware. Remember the memory tip: "Pipelines point locally, not globally" — always check that your deployment group ARN matches the pipeline's own region.
DVA-C02 Deployment Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. 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 large enterprise is deploying a critical application across multiple AWS regions using AWS CodePipeline and AWS CodeDeploy. The application runs on EC2 instances in an Auto Scaling group. The deployment uses a blue/green strategy. During a cross-region deployment, the pipeline fails in the secondary region with the error 'The deployment group does not exist.' The developer confirms that the deployment group exists in the primary region and has been replicated via AWS CloudFormation StackSets. The developer also checks that the StackSet is successfully deployed in the secondary region. 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.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The CodePipeline in the secondary region references the deployment group ARN from the primary region instead of the secondary region.
Option D is correct because CodePipeline is region-specific and the pipeline in the secondary region must be configured to use the deployment group in that same region. The StackSet may have created the resources, but the pipeline definition still points to the primary region. Option A is wrong because the deployment group does exist. Option B is wrong because the pipeline exists. Option C is wrong because permissions are global.
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 CodePipeline in the secondary region references the deployment group ARN from the primary region instead of the secondary region.
Why this is correct
Pipeline must reference local resources.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The deployment group name is case-sensitive and differs between regions.
Why it's wrong here
StackSet should ensure consistency.
✗
The CodePipeline in the secondary region is not configured with the correct source stage.
Why it's wrong here
The pipeline exists.
✗
The IAM role for CodeDeploy in the secondary region does not have cross-region permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Permissions are not the issue.
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.
Deployment — This question tests Deployment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The CodePipeline in the secondary region references the deployment group ARN from the primary region instead of the secondary region. — Option D is correct because CodePipeline is region-specific and the pipeline in the secondary region must be configured to use the deployment group in that same region. The StackSet may have created the resources, but the pipeline definition still points to the primary region. Option A is wrong because the deployment group does exist. Option B is wrong because the pipeline exists. Option C is wrong because permissions are global.
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", "primary". 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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.