The answer is that the Lambda function’s IAM role lacks sufficient permissions to write logs to CloudWatch, causing the timeout. This occurs because the role’s policy does not include the correct `logs:CreateLogGroup` and `logs:CreateLogStream` actions for the specific log group ARN, which must include the log group name pattern (e.g., `/aws/lambda/function-name`). Without these permissions, the Lambda runtime cannot create the log stream, so it retries until it times out, and no logs appear. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of IAM policy ARN syntax and how missing log group names in resource statements silently break execution. A common trap is assuming the code or runtime is faulty, but the real issue is always the policy’s resource scope. Memory tip: “No ARN name, no log stream—timeout is the silent scream.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit. A CloudFormation template creates a Lambda function. After deployment, the function fails with a timeout error. Logs are not being created in CloudWatch. 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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The IAM role does not grant sufficient permissions to write logs.
Option C is correct because the Lambda function does not have permission to create log groups in the correct log group ARN. The log group ARN pattern is missing the log group name. Option A is wrong because the code is not the issue. Option B is wrong because the runtime is correct. Option D is wrong because the role is correctly assumed.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 IAM role does not grant sufficient permissions to write logs.
Why this is correct
The log group ARN should include a log group name pattern like '/aws/lambda/*'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The runtime is not supported.
Why it's wrong here
Python 3.9 is supported.
✗
The Lambda execution role has a trust policy that is missing the lambda service.
Why it's wrong here
The trust policy includes lambda.amazonaws.com.
✗
The Lambda function code is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
The code is not shown, but the issue is with logging.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The code is not shown, but the issue is with logging.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DOP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
SDLC Automation — This question tests SDLC Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The IAM role does not grant sufficient permissions to write logs. — Option C is correct because the Lambda function does not have permission to create log groups in the correct log group ARN. The log group ARN pattern is missing the log group name. Option A is wrong because the code is not the issue. Option B is wrong because the runtime is correct. Option D is wrong because the role is correctly assumed.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DOP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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