- A
Create a StackPolicy that denies updates to the RDS instance
Why wrong: Not correct. A StackPolicy that denies updates to the RDS instance only prevents modifications, not deletion. To prevent accidental deletion, the policy must deny delete actions.
- B
Use nested stacks to isolate the database
Why wrong: Not correct. Nested stacks isolate resources but do not prevent deletion of the parent stack or ensure retention of the nested resources. Additional measures are needed.
- C
Use a StackPolicy to deny delete actions
Correct. Using a StackPolicy to deny delete actions on the RDS instance prevents accidental deletion of that resource, even if the stack is deleted. This is a key protection.
- D
Set the DeletionPolicy attribute to Retain on the RDS instance
Correct. Setting the DeletionPolicy to Retain on the RDS instance ensures the database is preserved when the stack is deleted, meeting the retention requirement.
- E
Enable termination protection on the stack
Correct. Enabling termination protection on the stack prevents the entire stack from being deleted, providing a strong safeguard against accidental removal.
DOP-C02 StackPolicy Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of sdlc automation. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: stackPolicy. 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 uses AWS CloudFormation to deploy a multi-tier application. The engineer wants to ensure that the stack is not accidentally deleted and that critical resources like databases are retained even if the stack is deleted. Which THREE steps should the engineer take?
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
Use a StackPolicy to deny delete actions
To prevent accidental deletion of the stack and ensure critical resources like databases are retained, the engineer should: (1) enable termination protection on the stack (E), which blocks delete actions on the entire stack; (2) set the DeletionPolicy attribute to Retain on the RDS instance (D), so the database persists even if the stack is deleted; and (3) use a StackPolicy to deny delete actions (C) on the RDS instance or other critical resources, adding a second layer of protection. Option A is incorrect because denying updates does not prevent deletion; the policy must explicitly deny delete actions on the resource. Option B (nested stacks) can help with organization but does not directly prevent deletion or ensure retention.
Key principle: StackPolicy
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 StackPolicy that denies updates to the RDS instance
Why it's wrong here
Not correct. A StackPolicy that denies updates to the RDS instance only prevents modifications, not deletion. To prevent accidental deletion, the policy must deny delete actions.
- ✗
Use nested stacks to isolate the database
Why it's wrong here
Not correct. Nested stacks isolate resources but do not prevent deletion of the parent stack or ensure retention of the nested resources. Additional measures are needed.
- ✓
Use a StackPolicy to deny delete actions
Why this is correct
Correct. Using a StackPolicy to deny delete actions on the RDS instance prevents accidental deletion of that resource, even if the stack is deleted. This is a key protection.
Related concept
StackPolicy
- ✓
Set the DeletionPolicy attribute to Retain on the RDS instance
Why this is correct
Correct. Setting the DeletionPolicy to Retain on the RDS instance ensures the database is preserved when the stack is deleted, meeting the retention requirement.
Related concept
StackPolicy
- ✓
Enable termination protection on the stack
Why this is correct
Correct. Enabling termination protection on the stack prevents the entire stack from being deleted, providing a strong safeguard against accidental removal.
Related concept
StackPolicy
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often confuse StackPolicy with DeletionPolicy. A StackPolicy governs who can perform actions (update/delete) on resources, while DeletionPolicy specifies what happens to a resource when the stack is deleted. Also, termination protection and a deny-delete StackPolicy both prevent stack deletion, but they work differently: termination protection prevents stack deletion entirely, while a StackPolicy can block delete operations on specific resources even if the stack is deleted.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A StackPolicy is a JSON document that defines which actions (e.g., Update, Delete) are allowed or denied on specific resources within a CloudFormation stack. It is evaluated during stack operations, and explicit denies override any allows. The DeletionPolicy attribute on a resource, such as 'Retain', ensures that the physical resource (e.g., RDS database) is preserved even when the stack is deleted, but it does not prevent the stack deletion itself. Termination protection on the stack prevents the entire stack from being deleted, which is a broader safeguard.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- StackPolicy
- DeletionPolicy
- Termination Protection
TExam Day Tips
- 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
StackPolicy
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review stackPolicy, then practise related DOP-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DOP-C02 question test?
SDLC Automation — This question tests SDLC Automation — StackPolicy.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a StackPolicy to deny delete actions — To prevent accidental deletion of the stack and ensure critical resources like databases are retained, the engineer should: (1) enable termination protection on the stack (E), which blocks delete actions on the entire stack; (2) set the DeletionPolicy attribute to Retain on the RDS instance (D), so the database persists even if the stack is deleted; and (3) use a StackPolicy to deny delete actions (C) on the RDS instance or other critical resources, adding a second layer of protection. Option A is incorrect because denying updates does not prevent deletion; the policy must explicitly deny delete actions on the resource. Option B (nested stacks) can help with organization but does not directly prevent deletion or ensure retention.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review stackPolicy, then practise related DOP-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
StackPolicy
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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