The correct answer is to delete the existing KMS key and create a new one with new key material. This is required because imported key material in AWS KMS includes an expiration date, and once that date passes, the key becomes unusable for any cryptographic operations—AWS does not allow you to modify or extend the material of an existing key. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the immutable nature of KMS keys with imported material; a common trap is assuming you can simply reimport or renew the material, but the only path is to generate fresh key material, import it into a new KMS key, and update your applications to reference the new key ID. Remember the memory tip: "Expired import? Delete and sort."
DVA-C02 Security Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 company uses AWS KMS with imported key material. The key material is expired. What must the developer do to continue using the KMS key?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Delete the existing key and create a new one with new key material
Option D is correct because imported key material has an expiration date; you must reimport new key material before it expires. Option A is wrong because the key cannot be used after expiration. Option B is wrong because automatic renewal is not supported for imported key material. Option C is wrong because you cannot change the key material of an existing KMS key.
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.
✗
Use the existing key until it expires
Why it's wrong here
Once expired, the key cannot be used for cryptographic operations.
✗
Create a new KMS key and re-import the same key material
Why it's wrong here
Each KMS key has a unique key ID; you cannot reuse key material across keys.
✗
Enable automatic key rotation
Why it's wrong here
Automatic rotation is not available for imported key material.
✓
Delete the existing key and create a new one with new key material
Why this is correct
You must create a new key and import new key material.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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: Delete the existing key and create a new one with new key material — Option D is correct because imported key material has an expiration date; you must reimport new key material before it expires. Option A is wrong because the key cannot be used after expiration. Option B is wrong because automatic renewal is not supported for imported key material. Option C is wrong because you cannot change the key material of an existing KMS key.
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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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
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