Quick Answer
The correct answer is to increase the Lambda function timeout. This resolves the issue because the default Lambda timeout of three seconds is often too short for the complete Secrets Manager rotation workflow, which involves calling the Secrets Manager API, updating the database with new credentials, and verifying the new secret—all of which can take longer than three seconds, especially if the database is remote or under load. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of Lambda execution limits and how they interact with Secrets Manager’s automatic rotation; a common trap is to assume the problem lies in IAM permissions or the rotation policy, but the symptom of a timeout directly points to insufficient execution duration. Remember that Lambda timeouts are the first thing to check when a rotation fails with a timeout error, as increasing the timeout is a simple configuration change that gives the function the runway it needs. Memory tip: “Three seconds is for sprints, not rotations”—if your secret rotation is timing out, give Lambda more time to finish the lap.
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 is using AWS Secrets Manager to rotate database credentials automatically. The rotation Lambda function fails with a timeout. Which action should be taken to resolve this issue?
Reduce the rotation schedule interval.
Why wrong: Shortening the interval does not fix the timeout.
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
Increasing timeout allows the rotation to complete.
Place the Lambda function in a VPC with a NAT gateway.
Why wrong: VPC placement may be needed but does not address timeout directly.
Store the rotation schedule in EC2 user data.
Why wrong: Secrets Manager does not use EC2 user data for rotation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
The Lambda function is timing out during the rotation process, which indicates that the default 3-second timeout is insufficient for the rotation logic. Increasing the Lambda function timeout (Option B) directly addresses this by allowing the function more time to complete the rotation, such as calling the Secrets Manager API, updating the database, and verifying the new credentials.
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.
Reduce the rotation schedule interval.
Why it's wrong here
Shortening the interval does not fix the timeout.
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
Why this is correct
Increasing timeout allows the rotation to complete.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Place the Lambda function in a VPC with a NAT gateway.
Why it's wrong here
VPC placement may be needed but does not address timeout directly.
Store the rotation schedule in EC2 user data.
Why it's wrong here
Secrets Manager does not use EC2 user data for rotation.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a timeout with a network issue and incorrectly choose to place the Lambda in a VPC with a NAT gateway, when the real problem is simply that the default execution duration is too short for the rotation logic.
Detailed technical explanation
Lambda functions have a configurable timeout ranging from 1 second to 15 minutes (900 seconds). The default timeout is 3 seconds, which is often too short for database credential rotation that involves multiple API calls (e.g., `GetSecretValue`, `UpdateSecret`, and database connection tests). Under the hood, the Lambda service enforces the timeout by terminating the execution context, so increasing the timeout in the function configuration (or via the `UpdateFunctionConfiguration` API) is the correct fix.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All DVA-C02 questions
1,616 questions across all exam domains
AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
DVA-C02 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise DVA-C02 questions linked to Development with AWS Services.
Practise DVA-C02 questions linked to Security.
Practise DVA-C02 questions linked to Deployment.
Practise DVA-C02 questions linked to Troubleshooting and Optimization.
Practise DVA-C02 questions linked to DVA-C02 fundamentals.
Practise DVA-C02 questions linked to DVA-C02 scenario.
Practise DVA-C02 questions linked to DVA-C02 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Increase the Lambda function timeout. — The Lambda function is timing out during the rotation process, which indicates that the default 3-second timeout is insufficient for the rotation logic. Increasing the Lambda function timeout (Option B) directly addresses this by allowing the function more time to complete the rotation, such as calling the Secrets Manager API, updating the database, and verifying the new credentials.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
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.