The correct first step is to install the CloudWatch agent on the application server and enable memory metrics. This is necessary because standard Amazon CloudWatch metrics only capture hypervisor-level data like CPU and disk I/O, but they cannot see inside the operating system to report memory usage. To diagnose a memory leak in an SAP application server, you must explicitly collect OS-level memory metrics, which the CloudWatch agent provides. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the CloudWatch agent’s role in hybrid monitoring—a common trap is assuming CloudWatch automatically includes memory metrics or jumping to a disruptive reboot. A key memory tip: remember that CloudWatch sees the host, not the guest; the agent is your window into the OS.
PAS-C01 Operations and Maintenance Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of operations and maintenance. 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.
An SAP system on AWS is experiencing performance degradation. Amazon CloudWatch metrics show high CPU utilization on the application server, but the database server (RDS) metrics are normal. The application team suspects a memory leak. Which action should the operations team take FIRST to confirm the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install the CloudWatch agent on the application server and enable memory metrics.
Option B is correct because CloudWatch cannot see inside the OS without the CloudWatch agent. Installing the agent and collecting memory metrics is the first step to confirm a memory leak. Option A is wrong because CloudWatch does not provide memory metrics by default. Option C is wrong because rebooting is disruptive and does not help diagnose. Option D is wrong because switching to a larger instance is a reactive fix, not diagnostic.
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.
✗
Review the existing CloudWatch CPU utilization and memory metrics for the application server.
Why it's wrong here
CloudWatch does not provide memory metrics by default; you need the CloudWatch agent.
✓
Install the CloudWatch agent on the application server and enable memory metrics.
Why this is correct
Installing the agent allows collection of memory metrics, which can confirm a memory leak.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reboot the application server and monitor performance after reboot.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting is disruptive and does not help diagnose the root cause.
✗
Increase the instance size of the application server to handle the load.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing instance size is a reactive fix, not a diagnostic step.
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 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.
Operations and Maintenance — This question tests Operations and Maintenance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install the CloudWatch agent on the application server and enable memory metrics. — Option B is correct because CloudWatch cannot see inside the OS without the CloudWatch agent. Installing the agent and collecting memory metrics is the first step to confirm a memory leak. Option A is wrong because CloudWatch does not provide memory metrics by default. Option C is wrong because rebooting is disruptive and does not help diagnose. Option D is wrong because switching to a larger instance is a reactive fix, not diagnostic.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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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