SAP-C02 UpdateReplacePolicy Practice Question
A company uses AWS CloudFormation to deploy infrastructure. They want to update a stack but need to ensure that a specific resource is not accidentally replaced. Which CloudFormation attribute should they use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse DeletionPolicy with UpdateReplacePolicy. DeletionPolicy applies when a resource is removed from the template or the stack is deleted, not when an update forces replacement.
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
✓
UpdateReplacePolicy
UpdateReplacePolicy. This attribute allows you to specify how CloudFormation handles resource updates that require replacement. You can set it to 'Retain' to keep the old resource and prevent replacement during a stack update. DeletionPolicy (option A) only controls what happens when a resource is deleted, not during updates that require replacement. CreationPolicy and UpdatePolicy do not address replacement prevention.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DeletionPolicy
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. DeletionPolicy controls behavior on resource deletion, not replacement during updates.
- ✓
UpdateReplacePolicy
Why this is correct
Correct. UpdateReplacePolicy with 'Retain' prevents replacement by keeping the old resource during an update.
- ✗
CreationPolicy
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. CreationPolicy controls resource creation signals, not replacement behavior.
- ✗
UpdatePolicy
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. UpdatePolicy controls rolling updates and other update behaviors, but not replacement prevention.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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