The correct query is fields @timestamp, @message | filter @message like /500/ | stats count() by bin(1m). This works because it first selects the essential timestamp and message fields, then filters only log entries containing the pattern “500” (representing HTTP status codes), and finally uses the stats count() function grouped by bin(1m) to tally errors per minute. On the AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty MLS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to construct precise CloudWatch Logs Insights queries for operational metrics, a common task when preprocessing log data for ML pipelines. A frequent trap is confusing status codes with error messages—filtering for “error” instead of “500” would miss numeric status codes entirely. Another pitfall is omitting the bin() function, which would return a single total count instead of a time-series breakdown. Memory tip: think “filter the number, bin the time”—always filter your numeric status code first, then apply bin() to your stats grouping for temporal aggregation.
MLS-C01 Exploratory Data Analysis Practice Question
This MLS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of exploratory data analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
2019-09-01 12:00:01 ERROR 500 Server Error: /api/v1/users
2019-09-01 12:00:02 INFO 200 OK: /api/v1/users
2019-09-01 12:00:03 ERROR 500 Server Error: /api/v1/users
```
A data scientist is analyzing server logs stored in Amazon CloudWatch Logs. The above snippet shows three log entries. They want to count the number of 500 errors per minute using CloudWatch Logs Insights. Which query should they use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
fields @timestamp, @message | filter @message like /500/ | stats count() by bin(1m)
Option B is correct because the query filters status 500, parses the timestamp, and counts per minute. Option A is wrong because it filters error messages, not status codes. Option C is wrong because it filters by fields that may not exist. Option D is wrong because it uses sort without stats.
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.
✗
fields @timestamp, status | filter status = 500 | stats count() by bin(1m)
Why it's wrong here
Status field may not be parsed automatically.
✗
fields @timestamp, @message | filter @message like /ERROR/ | stats count() by bin(1m)
fields @timestamp, @message | filter @message like /500/ | stats count() by bin(1m)
Why this is correct
Correctly filters for 500 status code and counts per minute.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which MLS-C01 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.
Exploratory Data Analysis — This question tests Exploratory Data Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: fields @timestamp, @message | filter @message like /500/ | stats count() by bin(1m) — Option B is correct because the query filters status 500, parses the timestamp, and counts per minute. Option A is wrong because it filters error messages, not status codes. Option C is wrong because it filters by fields that may not exist. Option D is wrong because it uses sort without stats.
What should I do if I get this MLS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which MLS-C01 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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