- A
The --filters parameter is incorrectly formatted.
Why wrong: The --filters parameter is incorrectly formatted. This would produce a different error related to the filter syntax, not an 'Unknown options' error for --query.
- B
The --query parameter is used without specifying --output.
Why wrong: This is incorrect. The error 'Unknown options' indicates the parameter itself is not recognized, not that a required parameter is missing. Using --query without --output would result in a different error about missing output format, or in some cases, it might work with default output. Therefore, missing --output is not the most likely cause.
- C
The tag value is missing.
Why wrong: The tag value is missing. This would produce an error about missing required parameters, not an 'Unknown options' error.
- D
The AWS CLI version is outdated.
This is correct. Outdated AWS CLI versions do not support the --query parameter. If the version is older than 1.6.0, --query is not a known option, leading to the 'Unknown options' error. Upgrading the AWS CLI resolves the issue.
SAP-C02 --query parameter Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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. A key principle to apply: --query parameter. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A solutions architect runs this CLI command but receives an error: 'Unknown options: --query'. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The AWS CLI version is outdated.
The 'Unknown options: --query' error occurs when the AWS CLI version is outdated and does not recognize the --query parameter. The --query parameter was introduced in AWS CLI version 1.6.0. If the CLI version is older, it will treat --query as an unknown option. While it is true that --query often requires --output for proper formatting, the error for missing --output would be different, not 'Unknown options'. Therefore, the most likely cause is an outdated AWS CLI version.
Key principle: --query parameter
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The --filters parameter is incorrectly formatted.
Why it's wrong here
The --filters parameter is incorrectly formatted. This would produce a different error related to the filter syntax, not an 'Unknown options' error for --query.
- ✗
The --query parameter is used without specifying --output.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. The error 'Unknown options' indicates the parameter itself is not recognized, not that a required parameter is missing. Using --query without --output would result in a different error about missing output format, or in some cases, it might work with default output. Therefore, missing --output is not the most likely cause.
- ✗
The tag value is missing.
Why it's wrong here
The tag value is missing. This would produce an error about missing required parameters, not an 'Unknown options' error.
- ✓
The AWS CLI version is outdated.
Why this is correct
This is correct. Outdated AWS CLI versions do not support the --query parameter. If the version is older than 1.6.0, --query is not a known option, leading to the 'Unknown options' error. Upgrading the AWS CLI resolves the issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
--query parameter
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The 'Unknown options: --query' error is most commonly caused by an outdated AWS CLI version that does not support the --query parameter, not by a missing --output parameter. Candidates often incorrectly assume that --query requires explicit --output specification.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is incorrect. The error 'Unknown options' indicates the parameter itself is not recognized, not that a required parameter is missing. Using --query without --output would result in a different error about missing output format, or in some cases, it might work with default output. Therefore, missing --output is not the most likely cause.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `--query` parameter uses JMESPath syntax to filter JSON output, but it is parsed only after the CLI determines the output format via `--output`. If `--output` is missing, the CLI defaults to `json` in some contexts, but the parser still requires explicit declaration for `--query` to be recognized as a valid option. In AWS CLI v2, the `--cli-auto-prompt` feature or interactive mode may also cause this error if `--output` is not set, as the CLI enforces stricter parameter validation.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- --query parameter
- --output parameter
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
--query parameter
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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. --query parameter 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review --query parameter, then practise related SAP-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — --query parameter.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The AWS CLI version is outdated. — The 'Unknown options: --query' error occurs when the AWS CLI version is outdated and does not recognize the --query parameter. The --query parameter was introduced in AWS CLI version 1.6.0. If the CLI version is older, it will treat --query as an unknown option. While it is true that --query often requires --output for proper formatting, the error for missing --output would be different, not 'Unknown options'. Therefore, the most likely cause is an outdated AWS CLI version.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Review --query parameter, then practise related SAP-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
--query parameter
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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