Quick Answer
The correct answer is CloudFormation cross-stack references using the Export and ImportValue functions. This is the native AWS mechanism designed specifically to pass CloudFormation stack outputs to another stack, where you export a stack output with a logical name using the Export field, then import it into a different stack using the Fn::ImportValue intrinsic function, enabling modular and reusable infrastructure. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to decouple stacks while sharing resource identifiers like VPC IDs and subnet IDs, and it often appears in multi-stack architecture scenarios. A common trap is choosing Systems Manager Parameter Store, which can store values but is not the native CloudFormation way and introduces unnecessary complexity and latency. Remember the memory tip: “Export to share, ImportValue to care” — if you need to pass outputs between stacks, always reach for Export and ImportValue first.
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. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A CloudFormation stack has been deployed with the VPCId and SubnetIds outputs. A developer wants to use these outputs as parameters in another CloudFormation stack. Which AWS service can be used to pass these values to the new stack?
Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS)
Why wrong: SNS is for notifications.
AWS Secrets Manager
Why wrong: Secrets Manager is for secrets, not outputs.
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
Why wrong: Not the native way; cross-stack references are better.
CloudFormation cross-stack references using Export and ImportValue
Exports allow passing outputs to other stacks.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
CloudFormation cross-stack references using Export and ImportValue
Option B is correct because AWS CloudFormation cross-stack references allow you to export stack outputs and import them into other stacks using the Fn::ImportValue function. Option A is incorrect because Systems Manager Parameter Store can store parameters but is not the native CloudFormation way. Option C is incorrect because Secrets Manager is for secrets. Option D is incorrect because SNS is for notifications.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS)
Why it's wrong here
SNS is for notifications.
AWS Secrets Manager
Why it's wrong here
Secrets Manager is for secrets, not outputs.
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
Why it's wrong here
Not the native way; cross-stack references are better.
CloudFormation cross-stack references using Export and ImportValue
Why this is correct
Exports allow passing outputs to other stacks.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Secrets Manager is for secrets, not outputs.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SAP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Design for New Solutions — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
The correct answer is: CloudFormation cross-stack references using Export and ImportValue — Option B is correct because AWS CloudFormation cross-stack references allow you to export stack outputs and import them into other stacks using the Fn::ImportValue function. Option A is incorrect because Systems Manager Parameter Store can store parameters but is not the native CloudFormation way. Option C is incorrect because Secrets Manager is for secrets. Option D is incorrect because SNS is for notifications.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SAP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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