Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the LaunchTemplate version specified in the template was deleted. This is because AWS CloudFormation references a specific, immutable version of a LaunchTemplate when managing an Auto Scaling group; if that exact version is manually removed or purged, any stack update that attempts to use it will fail with the "Launch template version does not exist" error. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how CloudFormation resolves launch template references versus the Auto Scaling group’s ability to fall back to a default version—a common trap is assuming the ASG will automatically use the latest version, but CloudFormation strictly enforces the version ID you declare. Remember: CloudFormation is version-locked, not version-flexible. Memory tip: "If you delete the version, you delete the update."
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of configuration management and iac. 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 CloudFormation to manage a stack that includes an Auto Scaling group with a LaunchTemplate. The DevOps team wants to update the LaunchTemplate with a new AMI. The stack update fails with the error 'Launch template version does not exist'. 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.
The LaunchTemplate was recently modified and the new version is not yet available
Why wrong: New versions are immediately available.
The LaunchTemplate version specified in the template was deleted
If the version is deleted, CloudFormation cannot find it.
The target group attachment is incorrect
Why wrong: Target group is unrelated.
The Auto Scaling group is using a different launch template
Why wrong: The error is specific about version.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The LaunchTemplate version specified in the template was deleted
Option A is correct because CloudFormation references a specific LaunchTemplate version. If the version is deleted, the update fails. Option B is incorrect because the error is about version not existing, not a recent modification. Option C is incorrect because the Auto Scaling group uses the template version, not the default. Option D is incorrect because target group attachment does not affect LaunchTemplate versions.
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.
The LaunchTemplate was recently modified and the new version is not yet available
Why it's wrong here
New versions are immediately available.
The LaunchTemplate version specified in the template was deleted
Why this is correct
If the version is deleted, CloudFormation cannot find it.
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 target group attachment is incorrect
Why it's wrong here
Target group is unrelated.
The Auto Scaling group is using a different launch template
Why it's wrong here
The error is specific about version.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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
Configuration Management and IaC — This question tests Configuration Management and IaC — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The LaunchTemplate version specified in the template was deleted — Option A is correct because CloudFormation references a specific LaunchTemplate version. If the version is deleted, the update fails. Option B is incorrect because the error is about version not existing, not a recent modification. Option C is incorrect because the Auto Scaling group uses the template version, not the default. Option D is incorrect because target group attachment does not affect LaunchTemplate versions.
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.
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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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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