Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the database CPU utilization spiked to 85.3% at 00:10 UTC. This is determined because the AWS CLI command `aws rds describe-db-instances` with the `--query` parameter returns CloudWatch metric data points for CPU utilization, averaged over five-minute intervals, and the second data point in the output clearly shows a value of 85.3, indicating a sharp spike in CPU usage. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to interpret RDS monitoring outputs and distinguish CPU metrics from memory, connections, or database activity metrics—a common trap where candidates confuse CPU spikes with general database load. Remember that CPU utilization is a resource-level metric, not a measure of query activity or connections. Memory tip: “CPU is the engine’s rev, not the car’s speed”—a spike in CPU doesn’t mean more database work, just more processing demand.
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
An SAP administrator runs the AWS CLI command shown in the exhibit. What does the output indicate about the RDS instance my-sap-db?
The database is idle because CPU utilization is low.
Why wrong: D is wrong: there is a spike showing activity.
The database experienced high memory usage.
Why wrong: A is wrong: only CPU data is shown.
The database CPU utilization spiked to 85.3% at 00:10 UTC.
C is correct: the data shows a spike.
The database had a high number of connections.
Why wrong: B is wrong: connections are not shown.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The database CPU utilization spiked to 85.3% at 00:10 UTC.
Option C is correct: The data points show CPU utilization averages over 5-minute intervals. The second point shows 85.3%, indicating a spike. Option A is incorrect because the command does not show memory metrics. Option B is incorrect because the command does not show connections. Option D is incorrect because the data shows CPU utilization, not database activity.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The database is idle because CPU utilization is low.
Why it's wrong here
D is wrong: there is a spike showing activity.
The database experienced high memory usage.
Why it's wrong here
A is wrong: only CPU data is shown.
The database CPU utilization spiked to 85.3% at 00:10 UTC.
Why this is correct
C is correct: the data shows a spike.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The database had a high number of connections.
Why it's wrong here
B is wrong: connections are not shown.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
D is wrong: there is a spike showing activity.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which PAS-C01 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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FAQ
Technology — This question tests Technology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The database CPU utilization spiked to 85.3% at 00:10 UTC. — Option C is correct: The data points show CPU utilization averages over 5-minute intervals. The second point shows 85.3%, indicating a spike. Option A is incorrect because the command does not show memory metrics. Option B is incorrect because the command does not show connections. Option D is incorrect because the data shows CPU utilization, not database activity.
Identify which PAS-C01 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 exam.
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