- A
Optimize DynamoDB queries by using global secondary indexes and reducing the number of separate queries.
GSIs and efficient query patterns reduce latency and consumed capacity.
- B
Configure DynamoDB auto scaling to adjust read and write capacity based on demand.
Auto scaling prevents throttling during peak usage.
- C
Use Amazon ElastiCache for Redis to cache DynamoDB query results.
Why wrong: ElastiCache is external to DynamoDB; DAX is the native caching solution.
- D
Implement Lambda function warmers to keep containers initialized and reduce cold starts.
Why wrong: Warmers address Lambda cold starts, not DynamoDB query performance.
- E
Enable Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for read-heavy workloads.
DAX provides in-memory caching for DynamoDB, reducing read latency.
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for read-heavy workloads, along with read capacity auto scaling and connection pooling for Lambda. DAX acts as an in-memory cache that reduces query latency from milliseconds to microseconds, directly addressing the slow DynamoDB queries identified in X-Ray traces during peak hours. Auto scaling adjusts read capacity to match traffic spikes, while connection pooling in Lambda minimizes the overhead of establishing new database connections, which is critical for cold starts. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between DynamoDB-specific optimizations and general Lambda improvements—a common trap is choosing ElastiCache or warm containers, which solve different problems. Remember the mnemonic “DAC”: DAX for reads, Auto scaling for demand, Connection pooling for cold starts.
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing 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. 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 has a serverless application using AWS Lambda, Amazon API Gateway, and Amazon DynamoDB. The application experiences occasional timeouts during peak hours. After reviewing AWS X-Ray traces, the team finds that DynamoDB queries are slow. Which THREE actions should the team take to improve performance and continuously optimize the solution?
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
Optimize DynamoDB queries by using global secondary indexes and reducing the number of separate queries.
Option A (DAX) reduces read latency. Option B (read capacity auto scaling) adapts to demand. Option E (connection pooling) reduces cold start overhead. Option C (ElastiCache) is for external caching, not DynamoDB. Option D (warm containers) is for Lambda optimization but not directly addressing DynamoDB performance.
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.
- ✓
Optimize DynamoDB queries by using global secondary indexes and reducing the number of separate queries.
Why this is correct
GSIs and efficient query patterns reduce latency and consumed capacity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Configure DynamoDB auto scaling to adjust read and write capacity based on demand.
Why this is correct
Auto scaling prevents throttling during peak usage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use Amazon ElastiCache for Redis to cache DynamoDB query results.
Why it's wrong here
ElastiCache is external to DynamoDB; DAX is the native caching solution.
- ✗
Implement Lambda function warmers to keep containers initialized and reduce cold starts.
Why it's wrong here
Warmers address Lambda cold starts, not DynamoDB query performance.
- ✓
Enable Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for read-heavy workloads.
Why this is correct
DAX provides in-memory caching for DynamoDB, reducing read latency.
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 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
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.
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Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — study guide chapter
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Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
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: Optimize DynamoDB queries by using global secondary indexes and reducing the number of separate queries. — Option A (DAX) reduces read latency. Option B (read capacity auto scaling) adapts to demand. Option E (connection pooling) reduces cold start overhead. Option C (ElastiCache) is for external caching, not DynamoDB. Option D (warm containers) is for Lambda optimization but not directly addressing DynamoDB performance.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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