The answer is to set the '--disable-rollback' parameter to 'false' during the stack update and to configure the '--rollback-configuration' parameter with a CloudWatch alarm. These two actions enable automatic rollback on update failure because CloudFormation treats rollback as the default behavior unless explicitly disabled; setting '--disable-rollback' to false ensures that a failed update triggers a return to the last known good state, while the '--rollback-configuration' parameter lets you define specific alarm thresholds that automatically initiate rollback when breached. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding that '--on-failure' only applies to stack creation, not updates—a common trap where candidates mistakenly apply creation logic to updates. Remember the memory tip: "Creation has 'on-failure'; updates need 'disable-rollback' false."
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.
Which TWO actions can be taken to enable automatic rollback for an AWS CloudFormation stack update that fails? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Specify a CloudWatch alarm in the '--rollback-configuration' parameter during stack update.
Options A and C are correct. The '--rollback-configuration' parameter can specify CloudWatch alarm thresholds that trigger rollback. Option C: Setting '--disable-rollback' to false (i.e., not disabling rollback) means rollback is enabled. Option B is wrong because '--on-failure' is only for stack creation, not update. Option D is wrong because a stack policy does not control rollback behavior. Option E is wrong because change sets do not enable automatic rollback.
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.
✗
Set the '--on-failure' parameter to 'ROLLBACK' during stack update.
Why it's wrong here
'--on-failure' is only applicable to stack creation, not update.
✓
Specify a CloudWatch alarm in the '--rollback-configuration' parameter during stack update.
Why this is correct
This allows CloudFormation to monitor the alarm and rollback if it triggers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a change set to review the changes before updating.
Why it's wrong here
Change sets allow review but do not automatically rollback.
✗
Apply a stack policy that denies updates to critical resources.
Why it's wrong here
Stack policy protects resources but does not enable automatic rollback.
✓
Set the '--disable-rollback' parameter to 'false' during stack update.
Why this is correct
Setting disable-rollback to false enables rollback on failure.
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.
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: Specify a CloudWatch alarm in the '--rollback-configuration' parameter during stack update. — Options A and C are correct. The '--rollback-configuration' parameter can specify CloudWatch alarm thresholds that trigger rollback. Option C: Setting '--disable-rollback' to false (i.e., not disabling rollback) means rollback is enabled. Option B is wrong because '--on-failure' is only for stack creation, not update. Option D is wrong because a stack policy does not control rollback behavior. Option E is wrong because change sets do not enable automatic rollback.
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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Question Discussion
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