- A
The CloudFormation template uses a fixed physical name for the deployment resource, causing a conflict when CloudFormation tries to create a new deployment with the same name.
Using a fixed name prevents CloudFormation from creating a new deployment; it should use a unique name or allow CloudFormation to generate one.
- B
The Lambda function does not have permission to be invoked by API Gateway.
Why wrong: Permissions issues would cause invocation errors, not deployment conflicts.
- C
The account has reached the limit for API Gateway deployments.
Why wrong: The default limit is high (600) and unlikely to be reached.
- D
The API Gateway stage name is being changed in the template.
Why wrong: If the stage name changed, it would create a new stage, not conflict.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the CloudFormation template uses a fixed physical name for the deployment resource, causing a conflict when CloudFormation tries to create a new deployment with the same name. This happens because API Gateway deployments are immutable—each time you deploy, a new deployment resource must be created with a unique identifier. When a CloudFormation template assigns a static physical name to the deployment resource (e.g., via the `Deployment` resource's `Name` property or a hardcoded `StageName`), the stack update fails on subsequent runs because CloudFormation attempts to create a new deployment with that same name, which already exists. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of CloudFormation resource naming conflicts and the immutable nature of API Gateway deployments. A common trap is assuming the error is due to permissions or stage name changes, but the real issue is that CloudFormation cannot reuse a fixed physical name for a new deployment. Memory tip: think "Deployments are like snowflakes—no two can be identical."
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 team is using AWS CodePipeline to deploy a serverless application using AWS Lambda and Amazon API Gateway. The pipeline has a source stage from CodeCommit, a build stage using CodeBuild (which runs unit tests and packages the Lambda code), and a deploy stage using AWS CloudFormation to update a stack that contains the Lambda function and API Gateway. The deployment stage uses a CloudFormation template that creates the Lambda function and API Gateway. Recently, the deployment stage started failing with the error: 'The API Gateway deployment already exists'. The team has not changed the template. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The CloudFormation template uses a fixed physical name for the deployment resource, causing a conflict when CloudFormation tries to create a new deployment with the same name.
Option D is correct because CloudFormation creates a deployment resource with a unique ID each time; if the template does not change the logical ID, it may try to create a new deployment with the same name, causing a conflict. Option A is wrong because the stage name is not changed. Option B is wrong because permissions would cause a different error. Option C is wrong because API Gateway limits are higher.
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.
- ✓
The CloudFormation template uses a fixed physical name for the deployment resource, causing a conflict when CloudFormation tries to create a new deployment with the same name.
Why this is correct
Using a fixed name prevents CloudFormation from creating a new deployment; it should use a unique name or allow CloudFormation to generate one.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The Lambda function does not have permission to be invoked by API Gateway.
Why it's wrong here
Permissions issues would cause invocation errors, not deployment conflicts.
- ✗
The account has reached the limit for API Gateway deployments.
Why it's wrong here
The default limit is high (600) and unlikely to be reached.
- ✗
The API Gateway stage name is being changed in the template.
Why it's wrong here
If the stage name changed, it would create a new stage, not conflict.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DOP-C02 question test?
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: The CloudFormation template uses a fixed physical name for the deployment resource, causing a conflict when CloudFormation tries to create a new deployment with the same name. — Option D is correct because CloudFormation creates a deployment resource with a unique ID each time; if the template does not change the logical ID, it may try to create a new deployment with the same name, causing a conflict. Option A is wrong because the stage name is not changed. Option B is wrong because permissions would cause a different error. Option C is wrong because API Gateway limits are higher.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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