- A
Create a CloudFront cache policy that excludes the Authorization header from the cache key when the assets do not require per-user authorization.
Correct because an unnecessary Authorization header fragments the cache into many unique variants. If the files are truly public and identical, CloudFront should not vary the cache key on that header.
- B
Use versioned object names for each release and apply long cache TTLs so viewers reuse the same objects until the content changes.
Correct because versioned filenames let you cache aggressively without risking stale content. Long TTLs improve reuse, and a new versioned key naturally forces a fresh fetch when the build changes.
- C
Use a cache policy that forwards only required query strings and ignores the tracking parameters that do not affect object content.
Correct because query strings become part of the cache key when forwarded. Removing irrelevant parameters keeps more requests mapped to the same cached object and increases hit ratio.
- D
Place the S3 origin behind an Application Load Balancer so CloudFront can reuse more cached responses.
Why wrong: Incorrect because an ALB does not inherently improve CloudFront cache efficiency for static S3 assets. It adds unnecessary complexity and does not remove the cache-busting headers or query strings.
- E
Enable S3 Transfer Acceleration to increase the cache hit ratio for repeated browser requests.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Transfer Acceleration helps upload and download paths to S3, not CloudFront cache-key behavior. It does not solve header or query-string fragmentation at the edge.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use a cache policy that excludes the Authorization header and ignores unnecessary tracking query strings. This works because CloudFront’s default behavior includes the Authorization header in the cache key, creating a unique cache entry for every user even when the content is public and identical. By stripping that header and only forwarding the query strings that actually affect the object (like version numbers), you ensure all users share the same cached response, dramatically improving the cache hit ratio. On the SAA-C03 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cache keys and origin request policies—a common trap is assuming you must forward all headers or query strings for security, when in fact you should only forward what changes the response. Remember the memory tip: “If it doesn’t change the object, don’t put it in the key.”
SAA-C03 Design High-Performing Architectures Practice Question
This SAA-C03 practice question tests your understanding of design high-performing architectures. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 media company serves versioned JavaScript and CSS from an S3 origin through CloudFront. After a release, the cache hit ratio drops because the SPA sends an Authorization header and several tracking query strings on every request, even though the assets are public and identical for all users. Which changes would most improve cache efficiency without changing the content returned? Select three.
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
Create a CloudFront cache policy that excludes the Authorization header from the cache key when the assets do not require per-user authorization.
Option A is correct because CloudFront's default behavior includes the Authorization header in the cache key, causing unique cache entries for each user even when the content is public. By creating a cache policy that excludes the Authorization header, CloudFront treats all requests for the same object as identical, dramatically improving the cache hit ratio without affecting the content served.
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.
- ✓
Create a CloudFront cache policy that excludes the Authorization header from the cache key when the assets do not require per-user authorization.
Why this is correct
Correct because an unnecessary Authorization header fragments the cache into many unique variants. If the files are truly public and identical, CloudFront should not vary the cache key on that header.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Use versioned object names for each release and apply long cache TTLs so viewers reuse the same objects until the content changes.
Why this is correct
Correct because versioned filenames let you cache aggressively without risking stale content. Long TTLs improve reuse, and a new versioned key naturally forces a fresh fetch when the build changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Use a cache policy that forwards only required query strings and ignores the tracking parameters that do not affect object content.
Why this is correct
Correct because query strings become part of the cache key when forwarded. Removing irrelevant parameters keeps more requests mapped to the same cached object and increases hit ratio.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Place the S3 origin behind an Application Load Balancer so CloudFront can reuse more cached responses.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because an ALB does not inherently improve CloudFront cache efficiency for static S3 assets. It adds unnecessary complexity and does not remove the cache-busting headers or query strings.
- ✗
Enable S3 Transfer Acceleration to increase the cache hit ratio for repeated browser requests.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Transfer Acceleration helps upload and download paths to S3, not CloudFront cache-key behavior. It does not solve header or query-string fragmentation at the edge.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think adding an ALB or enabling Transfer Acceleration improves caching performance, but these services address availability and speed, not cache key efficiency, which is the root cause of low hit ratios.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CloudFront cache keys are composed from the request's origin, URL path, query strings, and headers included in the cache policy. When the Authorization header is part of the cache key, each unique token creates a separate cache entry, even for identical static assets. Excluding it via a custom cache policy collapses these entries into a single cached object, maximizing reuse. Additionally, versioned object names (Option B) and selective query string forwarding (Option C) further optimize the cache key by ensuring that only content-changing parameters affect caching.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAA-C03 question test?
Design High-Performing Architectures — This question tests Design High-Performing Architectures — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a CloudFront cache policy that excludes the Authorization header from the cache key when the assets do not require per-user authorization. — Option A is correct because CloudFront's default behavior includes the Authorization header in the cache key, causing unique cache entries for each user even when the content is public. By creating a cache policy that excludes the Authorization header, CloudFront treats all requests for the same object as identical, dramatically improving the cache hit ratio without affecting the content served.
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
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.
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