The correct answer is that the runtime is no longer supported by AWS Lambda. When a CloudFormation stack update fails with an error about an unsupported Lambda runtime, it means the runtime version specified in the template—such as 'nodejs14.x'—has been deprecated by AWS and is no longer available for new or updated function deployments. This is a direct mapping of the error message to the underlying cause: AWS periodically retires older runtimes, and any stack update referencing a deprecated runtime will fail until the template is updated to a supported version. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Lambda runtime lifecycle management and how CloudFormation enforces service constraints during updates. A common trap is to suspect misconfigured IAM roles, S3 bucket issues, or timeout limits, but the error message itself is explicit. Memory tip: think "runtime retirement" — if the error says unsupported, check the runtime version first, not the permissions.
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing solutions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
{
"ResourceType": "AWS::Lambda::Function",
"LogicalResourceId": "MyFunction",
"ResourceStatus": "UPDATE_FAILED",
"ResourceProperties": {
"Handler": "index.handler",
"Role": "arn:aws:iam::123456789012:role/lambda-role",
"Code": {
"S3Bucket": "my-bucket",
"S3Key": "my-function.zip"
},
"Runtime": "nodejs14.x",
"Timeout": 30
},
"ResourceStatusReason": "The runtime parameter of nodejs14.x is not supported (Service: AWSLambdaInternal; Status Code: 400)"
}
A CloudFormation stack update failed with the above error. What is the likely cause?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The runtime is no longer supported by AWS Lambda.
Option D is correct because the error message explicitly states that the runtime 'nodejs14.x' is not supported. Option A is wrong because the S3 bucket is not the issue. Option B is wrong because the role ARN is correct. Option C is wrong because the timeout is within limits.
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.
✗
The S3 bucket does not contain the zip file.
Why it's wrong here
The error is about runtime, not the code.
✗
The IAM role ARN is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
The role ARN looks valid.
✗
The timeout value is too high.
Why it's wrong here
30 seconds is acceptable.
✓
The runtime is no longer supported by AWS Lambda.
Why this is correct
Node.js 14.x is deprecated.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
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.
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — This question tests Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The runtime is no longer supported by AWS Lambda. — Option D is correct because the error message explicitly states that the runtime 'nodejs14.x' is not supported. Option A is wrong because the S3 bucket is not the issue. Option B is wrong because the role ARN is correct. Option C is wrong because the timeout is within limits.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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