The answer is to use Amazon CloudWatch Events to trigger a Lambda function that checks the build status before starting a new build. This approach is correct because CloudWatch Events can schedule the Lambda invocation, and the Lambda function uses the CodeBuild API to query whether a previous build for the same project is still in progress; only if no build is running does it start a new one, effectively preventing overlapping scheduled CodeBuild builds without relying on any built-in concurrency controls. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that CodeBuild lacks native queuing or overlap prevention for scheduled builds, so you must implement a custom check—a common trap is assuming the buildspec or separate projects handle concurrency. Remember the key: Lambda is the gatekeeper; it polls the build status before firing the trigger.
DOP-C02 SDLC Automation Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of sdlc automation. 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 migrating from Jenkins to AWS CodeBuild. They have hundreds of Jenkins jobs that run on a schedule. Some jobs take hours and must not overlap. What is the most efficient way to migrate these jobs to CodeBuild while ensuring no overlapping builds?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use Amazon CloudWatch Events to trigger a Lambda function that checks the build status before starting a new build.
Option C is correct because you can use a CloudWatch Events rule scheduled to trigger a Lambda function that checks if a previous build is running (using the CodeBuild API) before starting a new one. Option A is wrong because buildspec does not control scheduling or concurrency. Option B is wrong because different projects can run concurrently, but the issue is within the same job. Option D is wrong because there is no built-in queue for same project; you must implement it.
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.
✗
Create a buildspec file that includes a sleep command to stagger start times.
Why it's wrong here
Does not prevent overlap; just delays.
✗
Configure the CodeBuild project with a concurrent build limit of 1.
Why it's wrong here
CodeBuild does not support concurrent build limits per project.
✗
Set up a separate CodeBuild project for each job and use a custom retry policy.
Why it's wrong here
Different projects do not prevent overlap within same job.
✓
Use Amazon CloudWatch Events to trigger a Lambda function that checks the build status before starting a new build.
Why this is correct
Lambda can check and prevent overlapping builds.
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 DOP-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.
SDLC Automation — This question tests SDLC Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Amazon CloudWatch Events to trigger a Lambda function that checks the build status before starting a new build. — Option C is correct because you can use a CloudWatch Events rule scheduled to trigger a Lambda function that checks if a previous build is running (using the CodeBuild API) before starting a new one. Option A is wrong because buildspec does not control scheduling or concurrency. Option B is wrong because different projects can run concurrently, but the issue is within the same job. Option D is wrong because there is no built-in queue for same project; you must implement it.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DOP-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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