The correct answer is to publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, create a metric filter, and set an alarm. This works because RDS MySQL slow query logs contain the raw SQL statements and execution times, and by streaming them to CloudWatch Logs you can define a metric filter that counts log entries matching a pattern—such as "# Time:" or "Query_time:"—to track the number of slow queries per minute. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the separation between monitoring layers: RDS Events (Option A) only track instance lifecycle changes, Enhanced Monitoring (Option B) provides OS-level metrics like CPU and memory but not query content, and CloudTrail (Option D) records API calls, not database operations. A common trap is confusing Enhanced Monitoring with database logging, but remember that slow query logs are text-based and require a log aggregation service. Memory tip: "Logs to Metrics" — slow query logs go to CloudWatch Logs, then a metric filter counts them, then an alarm fires.
DOP-C02 Monitoring and Logging Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring and logging. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 Amazon RDS for MySQL and needs to monitor the number of slow queries. They have enabled slow query logs. How can they effectively monitor and alert on the number of slow queries per minute?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, create a metric filter, and set an alarm.
Option C is correct because you can publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, create a metric filter to count occurrences, and set an alarm on that metric. Option A is wrong because RDS Events do not include slow query counts. Option B is wrong because Enhanced Monitoring does not include slow query logs. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail does not capture database queries.
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.
✗
Use RDS Events to send slow query metrics to CloudWatch.
Why it's wrong here
RDS Events are for instance lifecycle events, not slow queries.
✗
Enable RDS Enhanced Monitoring and publish metrics to CloudWatch.
Why it's wrong here
Enhanced Monitoring provides OS-level metrics, not slow query logs.
✗
Use AWS CloudTrail to monitor SQL queries.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail records API calls, not database queries.
✓
Publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, create a metric filter, and set an alarm.
Why this is correct
Metric filters can count pattern occurrences in logs.
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.
Monitoring and Logging — This question tests Monitoring and Logging — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, create a metric filter, and set an alarm. — Option C is correct because you can publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, create a metric filter to count occurrences, and set an alarm on that metric. Option A is wrong because RDS Events do not include slow query counts. Option B is wrong because Enhanced Monitoring does not include slow query logs. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail does not capture database queries.
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.
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 →
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.
This DOP-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 DOP-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.