The correct answer is that AWS managed keys are automatically rotated every year, while customer managed keys can have automatic rotation enabled but it is not enabled by default. This distinction exists because AWS KMS handles key rotation differently based on key ownership: AWS managed keys are rotated automatically on an annual basis without any action required from the user, and this rotation cannot be disabled. In contrast, customer managed keys require you to explicitly enable automatic rotation, and imported key material does not support automatic rotation at all. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this topic tests your understanding of KMS lifecycle management and common misconfigurations—a frequent trap is assuming that all KMS keys rotate automatically or that imported keys can be rotated. Remember the memory tip: "AWS managed keys rotate on their own, customer keys need a nudge, and imported keys are stuck."
DOP-C02 Security and Compliance Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. 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 KMS to encrypt data. Which TWO statements about AWS KMS key rotation are correct? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Customer managed keys can be configured for automatic rotation
AWS managed keys are rotated automatically every year. Customer managed keys can have automatic rotation enabled, but it is not enabled by default. Option C is wrong because AWS managed keys cannot have automatic rotation disabled. Option E is wrong because imported key material does not support automatic rotation.
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.
✓
Customer managed keys can be configured for automatic rotation
Why this is correct
You can enable automatic rotation for customer managed keys.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Keys imported into KMS support automatic rotation
Why it's wrong here
Imported key material does not support automatic rotation.
✗
Automatic rotation is enabled by default for customer managed keys
Why it's wrong here
Automatic rotation is optional, not default.
✗
Automatic rotation can be disabled for AWS managed keys
Why it's wrong here
AWS managed keys are rotated automatically and cannot be disabled.
✓
AWS managed keys are automatically rotated every year
Why this is correct
AWS rotates them automatically.
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.
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Customer managed keys can be configured for automatic rotation — AWS managed keys are rotated automatically every year. Customer managed keys can have automatic rotation enabled, but it is not enabled by default. Option C is wrong because AWS managed keys cannot have automatic rotation disabled. Option E is wrong because imported key material does not support automatic rotation.
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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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
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