Quick Answer
The answer is Fn::ImportValue. This intrinsic function is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to retrieve the value of an exported output from another CloudFormation stack, enabling cross-stack references. When a stack exports an output using the Export field in the Outputs section, Fn::ImportValue allows a second stack to import that value by name, such as importing an SQS queue URL. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of cross-stack dependencies and infrastructure modularity, often appearing in questions that ask how to share resource identifiers like queue URLs or security group IDs between stacks without hardcoding. A common trap is confusing Fn::ImportValue with Fn::GetAtt, which only works within the same template, or Fn::Ref, which returns a resource’s logical ID or primary identifier. Remember the memory tip: “Export to share, Import to care”—if you need a value from another stack, you must first export it, then import it with Fn::ImportValue.
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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.
A CloudFormation stack output is as above. The company wants to use the SQS queue URL in another stack. Which intrinsic function should be used to reference the queue URL in the second stack?
Fn::ImportValue
ImportValue imports exported output values from other stacks.
Fn::GetAtt
Why wrong: GetAtt retrieves attributes of resources in the same stack.
Fn::Sub
Why wrong: Sub is for string substitution, not cross-stack references.
Fn::Ref
Why wrong: Ref returns the resource ID, not cross-stack outputs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Fn::ImportValue
Option C is correct because Fn::ImportValue is used to import exported stack outputs. Option A is wrong because Fn::GetAtt gets attributes from resources in the same template. Option B is wrong because Fn::Ref returns a resource's primary identifier. Option D is wrong because Fn::Sub is for string substitution.
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.
Fn::ImportValue
Why this is correct
ImportValue imports exported output values from other stacks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Fn::GetAtt
Why it's wrong here
GetAtt retrieves attributes of resources in the same stack.
Fn::Sub
Why it's wrong here
Sub is for string substitution, not cross-stack references.
Fn::Ref
Why it's wrong here
Ref returns the resource ID, not cross-stack outputs.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Ref returns the resource ID, not cross-stack outputs.
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 SAP-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
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Fn::ImportValue — Option C is correct because Fn::ImportValue is used to import exported stack outputs. Option A is wrong because Fn::GetAtt gets attributes from resources in the same template. Option B is wrong because Fn::Ref returns a resource's primary identifier. Option D is wrong because Fn::Sub is for string substitution.
Identify which SAP-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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SAP-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 SAP-C02 exam.
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