Quick Answer
The answer is to enable auto scaling for DynamoDB write capacity. This is the most cost-effective solution because auto scaling dynamically adjusts the provisioned write capacity in response to actual traffic, eliminating the need to over-provision for peak loads while preventing write throttling errors. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DynamoDB capacity management versus caching solutions—a common trap is choosing DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX), which only caches reads, not writes. The exam expects you to recognize that write throttling is a capacity issue, not a latency issue, and that auto scaling provides the optimal balance of cost and performance for variable workloads. Remember the mnemonic: “Throttled writes? Scale the writes—DAX is for reads, not fights.”
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing 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 company uses Amazon DynamoDB as a data store for a mobile application. The application experiences throttling errors during peak hours. The table has a provisioned read capacity of 5000 RCUs and write capacity of 2000 WCUs. The throttling is on writes. What is the MOST cost-effective solution?
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to offload writes.
Why wrong: DAX is for reads, not writes.
Switch to on-demand capacity mode.
Why wrong: On-demand is costly for predictable workloads and may exceed budget.
Increase write capacity to 4000 WCUs.
Why wrong: Over-provisioning is not cost-effective.
Enable auto scaling for DynamoDB write capacity.
Auto scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic, reducing throttling and cost.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable auto scaling for DynamoDB write capacity.
DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is a read cache, not for writes. The most cost-effective solution is to use DynamoDB auto scaling for writes to handle peak loads without over-provisioning.
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.
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to offload writes.
Why it's wrong here
DAX is for reads, not writes.
Switch to on-demand capacity mode.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand is costly for predictable workloads and may exceed budget.
Increase write capacity to 4000 WCUs.
Why it's wrong here
Over-provisioning is not cost-effective.
Enable auto scaling for DynamoDB write capacity.
Why this is correct
Auto scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic, reducing throttling and cost.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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 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
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
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — This question tests Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enable auto scaling for DynamoDB write capacity. — DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is a read cache, not for writes. The most cost-effective solution is to use DynamoDB auto scaling for writes to handle peak loads without over-provisioning.
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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