- A
Update the CloudFront cache policy to exclude query strings from the cache key so that requests differing only by tracking query parameters reuse the same cached object.
CloudFront cache misses increase when the cache key includes values that vary per request. If the tracking query string is part of the cache key, each unique ?utm value generates a separate cache entry even though the underlying object (JS/CSS/image) is identical, causing repeated origin fetches. Excluding query strings from the cache key collapses those variations into a single cached object, increasing the cache hit rate and reducing origin fetches and origin data transfer.
- B
Lower the minimum TTL and set Cache-Control headers to no-store to force CloudFront to revalidate more often.
Why wrong: no-store (or effectively forcing revalidation/short TTLs) reduces cache effectiveness. That increases the number of requests that must reach the origin or be revalidated, which directly increases origin fetches and cost—opposite of the goal.
- C
Enable Origin Shield to ensure all origin fetches go through a single regional shield with no other configuration changes.
Why wrong: Origin Shield can reduce origin load in some scenarios by improving cache coordination, but it does not change what constitutes a unique cache object. If query strings remain in the cache key, CloudFront will still treat each unique tracking query string as a different cache object, so cache misses and origin fetches will remain high.
- D
Switch the S3 origin from S3 to a different storage class optimized for request rates, keeping the cache key the same.
Why wrong: Changing the S3 storage class does not address the root cause: CloudFront cache fragmentation caused by query strings in the cache key. Even with a different storage class, CloudFront will still generate separate cache entries (and therefore origin fetches) for each unique query string.
SAA-C03 Design Cost-Optimized Architectures Practice Question
This SAA-C03 practice question tests your understanding of design cost-optimized architectures. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 team serves static web assets (JS, CSS, images) from an Amazon S3 origin through CloudFront. Recently, the S3 origin has received a high number of requests for the same files, increasing origin data transfer costs. CloudFront access logs show many cache misses, and each request includes a unique query string used only for tracking (for example, ?utm=...). The application does not require query-string-specific content. What CloudFront change will most directly reduce origin fetches and cost?
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
Update the CloudFront cache policy to exclude query strings from the cache key so that requests differing only by tracking query parameters reuse the same cached object.
Option A is correct because CloudFront's cache policy controls which parts of a request (including query strings) are included in the cache key. By excluding the tracking query strings (e.g., `?utm=...`) from the cache key, CloudFront will treat all requests for the same file as identical, serving the cached object regardless of the query string. This directly reduces the number of origin fetches (cache misses) and lowers S3 data transfer costs, as the application does not require query-string-specific content.
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.
- ✓
Update the CloudFront cache policy to exclude query strings from the cache key so that requests differing only by tracking query parameters reuse the same cached object.
Why this is correct
CloudFront cache misses increase when the cache key includes values that vary per request. If the tracking query string is part of the cache key, each unique ?utm value generates a separate cache entry even though the underlying object (JS/CSS/image) is identical, causing repeated origin fetches. Excluding query strings from the cache key collapses those variations into a single cached object, increasing the cache hit rate and reducing origin fetches and origin data transfer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Lower the minimum TTL and set Cache-Control headers to no-store to force CloudFront to revalidate more often.
Why it's wrong here
no-store (or effectively forcing revalidation/short TTLs) reduces cache effectiveness. That increases the number of requests that must reach the origin or be revalidated, which directly increases origin fetches and cost—opposite of the goal.
- ✗
Enable Origin Shield to ensure all origin fetches go through a single regional shield with no other configuration changes.
Why it's wrong here
Origin Shield can reduce origin load in some scenarios by improving cache coordination, but it does not change what constitutes a unique cache object. If query strings remain in the cache key, CloudFront will still treat each unique tracking query string as a different cache object, so cache misses and origin fetches will remain high.
- ✗
Switch the S3 origin from S3 to a different storage class optimized for request rates, keeping the cache key the same.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the S3 storage class does not address the root cause: CloudFront cache fragmentation caused by query strings in the cache key. Even with a different storage class, CloudFront will still generate separate cache entries (and therefore origin fetches) for each unique query string.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think enabling Origin Shield (Option C) or changing storage classes (Option D) will solve the problem, but they overlook the fundamental issue of cache key fragmentation caused by unique query strings, which is directly addressed by adjusting the cache policy.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Origin Shield can reduce origin load in some scenarios by improving cache coordination, but it does not change what constitutes a unique cache object. If query strings remain in the cache key, CloudFront will still treat each unique tracking query string as a different cache object, so cache misses and origin fetches will remain high.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CloudFront cache keys are defined by the cache policy, which can include or exclude query strings, headers, and cookies. By default, CloudFront includes all query strings in the cache key, meaning each unique query string (e.g., `?utm=abc` vs `?utm=xyz`) creates a separate cache entry. Excluding query strings from the cache key collapses all variations into a single cached object, dramatically improving cache hit ratio. This is especially important for tracking parameters like UTM tags, which are irrelevant to the content but cause cache fragmentation.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAA-C03 question test?
Design Cost-Optimized Architectures — This question tests Design Cost-Optimized Architectures — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Update the CloudFront cache policy to exclude query strings from the cache key so that requests differing only by tracking query parameters reuse the same cached object. — Option A is correct because CloudFront's cache policy controls which parts of a request (including query strings) are included in the cache key. By excluding the tracking query strings (e.g., `?utm=...`) from the cache key, CloudFront will treat all requests for the same file as identical, serving the cached object regardless of the query string. This directly reduces the number of origin fetches (cache misses) and lowers S3 data transfer costs, as the application does not require query-string-specific content.
What should I do if I get this SAA-C03 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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