- A
Implement an in-memory cache layer with Amazon ElastiCache.
Correct. ElastiCache caches frequently accessed data, reducing the number of reads hitting the database and thus lowering CPU load. Application changes are needed but are manageable and not 'major architectural changes'.
- B
Migrate the database to Amazon Aurora with auto-scaling.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Migrating to Aurora is a significant architectural change and would require migration effort. While Aurora offers auto-scaling, it is not the most direct solution for CPU load reduction.
- C
Increase the DB instance size to a larger instance type.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Increasing instance size provides more CPU capacity but does not reduce the read load; it simply handles more load at higher cost. It is less effective than caching.
- D
Create a Multi-AZ deployment and use the standby for read queries.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Multi-AZ deployment provides a standby instance for failover only; it cannot serve read queries, so it does not reduce CPU load on the primary.
DVA-C02 Multi-AZ Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: multi-AZ. 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
Implement an in-memory cache layer with Amazon ElastiCache.
Option A is the most effective solution without major architectural changes. Amazon ElastiCache provides an in-memory cache that offloads read traffic from the RDS instance, reducing CPU utilization. While it requires application modifications to integrate the cache, this is a standard practice and does not involve a full database migration or architectural overhaul. Option B (migrate to Aurora) involves significant migration effort. Option C (increase instance size) may temporarily help but is less cost-effective and does not address the read-heavy nature. Option D is incorrect because Multi-AZ standby instances are for failover only and cannot serve read queries.
Key principle: Multi-AZ
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 this is correct
Correct. ElastiCache caches frequently accessed data, reducing the number of reads hitting the database and thus lowering CPU load. Application changes are needed but are manageable and not 'major architectural changes'.
Related concept
Multi-AZ
- ✗
Migrate the database to Amazon Aurora with auto-scaling.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Migrating to Aurora is a significant architectural change and would require migration effort. While Aurora offers auto-scaling, it is not the most direct solution for CPU load reduction.
- ✗
Increase the DB instance size to a larger instance type.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Increasing instance size provides more CPU capacity but does not reduce the read load; it simply handles more load at higher cost. It is less effective than caching.
- ✗
Create a Multi-AZ deployment and use the standby for read queries.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Multi-AZ deployment provides a standby instance for failover only; it cannot serve read queries, so it does not reduce CPU load on the primary.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is assuming that a Multi-AZ standby can be used for read traffic. In AWS RDS, Multi-AZ standby is strictly for high availability and cannot serve reads. Read replicas are needed for offloading read queries.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Multi-AZ
- ElastiCache
- Read replica
- CPU utilization
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Multi-AZ
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.
Review multi-AZ, then practise related DVA-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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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 — Multi-AZ.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement an in-memory cache layer with Amazon ElastiCache. — Option A is the most effective solution without major architectural changes. Amazon ElastiCache provides an in-memory cache that offloads read traffic from the RDS instance, reducing CPU utilization. While it requires application modifications to integrate the cache, this is a standard practice and does not involve a full database migration or architectural overhaul. Option B (migrate to Aurora) involves significant migration effort. Option C (increase instance size) may temporarily help but is less cost-effective and does not address the read-heavy nature. Option D is incorrect because Multi-AZ standby instances are for failover only and cannot serve read queries.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Review multi-AZ, then practise related DVA-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Multi-AZ
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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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