Quick Answer
The answer is to increase the Lambda function timeout. This is the correct fix because the default Lambda timeout of 3 seconds is almost always insufficient for the full rotation workflow, which must connect to the RDS database, generate a new password, and update the secret in Secrets Manager—any network latency or slow database response will push execution past that limit. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that a timeout error points to duration, not permissions or code logic; a common trap is overcomplicating the fix by adjusting VPC settings or IAM roles when the root cause is simply insufficient execution time. Remember the memory tip: "Timeout = Time, not Trust"—if the error is a timeout, always check the Lambda duration setting first before touching security configurations.
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 uses AWS Secrets Manager to rotate secrets for an RDS database. The rotation Lambda function fails with a timeout error. Which configuration change is MOST likely to resolve the issue?
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.
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
A longer timeout can prevent timeout errors.
Increase the Lambda function memory.
Why wrong: Memory increase does not extend timeout.
Place the Lambda function in the same VPC as the RDS instance.
Why wrong: This addresses network connectivity, not timeout.
Configure the Lambda function to retry on failure.
Why wrong: Retries won't help if each attempt times out.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
The Lambda function is timing out during the secret rotation process, which involves connecting to the RDS database, generating a new password, and updating the secret. Increasing the Lambda function timeout directly addresses the symptom by allowing more time for the rotation to complete, especially if the database response is slow or the network latency is high. This is the most direct fix for a timeout error, as the default Lambda timeout (3 seconds) is often insufficient for database operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
Why this is correct
A longer timeout can prevent timeout errors.
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.
Increase the Lambda function memory.
Why it's wrong here
Memory increase does not extend timeout.
Place the Lambda function in the same VPC as the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
This addresses network connectivity, not timeout.
Configure the Lambda function to retry on failure.
Why it's wrong here
Retries won't help if each attempt times out.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a timeout error with a connectivity error and incorrectly choose to place the Lambda in the same VPC, overlooking that the function must already be in the VPC to even attempt the rotation.
Detailed technical explanation
AWS Secrets Manager rotation uses a Lambda function that must complete within the function's configured timeout (default 3 seconds, max 15 minutes). The rotation process involves four steps: createSecret, setSecret, testSecret, and finishSecret, each of which may require database queries. If the database is under load or the network has high latency, the cumulative time can exceed the timeout, making a timeout increase the appropriate fix. In practice, a common cause is the Lambda function's VPC configuration requiring a NAT gateway or VPC endpoints, which can add latency, but the direct fix for the timeout error itself is increasing the timeout value.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security and Compliance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Increase the Lambda function timeout. — The Lambda function is timing out during the secret rotation process, which involves connecting to the RDS database, generating a new password, and updating the secret. Increasing the Lambda function timeout directly addresses the symptom by allowing more time for the rotation to complete, especially if the database response is slow or the network latency is high. This is the most direct fix for a timeout error, as the default Lambda timeout (3 seconds) is often insufficient for database operations.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Variation 1. A company uses AWS Secrets Manager to rotate secrets for an RDS database. The rotation Lambda function fails with a timeout error. What is the most likely cause?
mediumWhy B: The most likely cause of the timeout error is that the Lambda function is not configured to access the VPC where the RDS instance resides. When Secrets Manager rotates a secret for an RDS database, the rotation Lambda function must connect to the database to update the credentials. If the Lambda function is not attached to the same VPC (or a VPC with proper routing and security group rules), it cannot reach the RDS instance, causing network connection attempts to hang until the function times out.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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