Quick Answer
The answer is AWS AppConfig and AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store. These two services are purpose-built for storing and retrieving application configuration data, such as database connection strings, feature flags, and license keys, without requiring code changes or redeployment. AWS AppConfig excels at managing dynamic configuration updates with validation and controlled rollouts, while Systems Manager Parameter Store provides a hierarchical, encrypted store for parameters that integrates seamlessly with AWS KMS and IAM. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish configuration-specific services from general-purpose storage like S3 or Secrets Manager—a common trap is confusing Secrets Manager (designed for secrets rotation) with Parameter Store (for broader config). Remember the memory tip: "AppConfig for controlled config changes, Parameter Store for static or encrypted parameters."
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 services can be used to store and retrieve application configuration data in AWS? (Choose 2)
AWS CloudTrail
Why wrong: CloudTrail is for API logging and auditing.
Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS)
Why wrong: SQS is a message queue service.
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
Parameter Store is a service for storing configuration data and secrets.
Amazon DynamoDB
Why wrong: DynamoDB can store configuration but is not the primary service for that purpose.
AWS AppConfig
AppConfig is designed for application configuration management.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store (Option C) is a managed service specifically designed to store and retrieve application configuration data, such as database connection strings, passwords, and license keys. It integrates with AWS KMS for encryption and supports hierarchical parameter paths, making it ideal for configuration management without custom code.
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.
AWS CloudTrail
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail is for API logging and auditing.
Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS)
Why it's wrong here
SQS is a message queue service.
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
Why this is correct
Parameter Store is a service for storing configuration data and secrets.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Amazon DynamoDB
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB can store configuration but is not the primary service for that purpose.
AWS AppConfig
Why this is correct
AppConfig is designed for application configuration management.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often select DynamoDB (Option D) because it can store key-value data, but the question asks for services 'used to store and retrieve application configuration data'—DynamoDB is a general-purpose database, not a dedicated configuration service, and AWS offers purpose-built services (Parameter Store and AppConfig) that are the correct answers.
Detailed technical explanation
AWS AppConfig (Option E) extends Parameter Store by providing application configuration management with features like staged rollouts, validation, and automatic rollback, using the same underlying parameter hierarchy. Under the hood, both services store configuration data in a highly available, encrypted format, and AppConfig leverages the AWS AppConfig agent to poll for changes and apply them without application restarts. A real-world scenario is using Parameter Store for static configs (e.g., database URLs) and AppConfig for dynamic feature flags that require controlled deployment across environments.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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Troubleshooting and Optimization — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting and Optimization — This question tests Troubleshooting and Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store — AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store (Option C) is a managed service specifically designed to store and retrieve application configuration data, such as database connection strings, passwords, and license keys. It integrates with AWS KMS for encryption and supports hierarchical parameter paths, making it ideal for configuration management without custom code.
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.
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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.
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