SAA-C03 Interface VPC endpoints use AWS PrivateLink. Practice Question
A private application in two private subnets must download objects from S3 and read parameters from Systems Manager Parameter Store without routing traffic through the public internet. Which two components should the architect use? The design must avoid adding custom operational scripts.
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse Gateway VPC endpoints (used for S3 and DynamoDB) with Interface VPC endpoints (used for most other AWS services like Systems Manager), and may incorrectly assume a NAT gateway or internet gateway is needed for private subnet access to AWS services.
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
✓
Interface VPC endpoint for Systems Manager
An Interface VPC endpoint for Systems Manager (SSM) allows private subnets to communicate with AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store over the AWS network using private IP addresses, without traversing the internet. This endpoint uses AWS PrivateLink, enabling secure and private access to SSM APIs, which is required for reading parameters from Parameter Store.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Interface VPC endpoint for Systems Manager
Why this is correct
Systems Manager/Parameter Store access uses interface endpoints powered by AWS PrivateLink.
- ✗
Internet gateway attached to the VPC
Why it's wrong here
An internet gateway is not used by private subnets for private AWS service access.
- ✗
NAT gateway in each Availability Zone
Why it's wrong here
A NAT gateway allows outbound internet access but does not keep traffic fully private.
- ✓
Gateway VPC endpoint for Amazon S3
Why this is correct
A gateway endpoint provides private connectivity from a VPC to S3 without NAT or internet gateways.
Visual reference
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SAA-C03 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 SAA-C03 exam.