Quick Answer
The answer is the `DatabaseConnections` CloudWatch metric. This metric is the correct choice because Amazon RDS for MySQL derives it directly from the MySQL `Threads_connected` status variable, which counts every active client connection to the database instance. Since CloudWatch updates this metric every minute, it provides near real-time visibility into connection loads, making it ideal for monitoring RDS MySQL database connections in real time with CloudWatch metric. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of which RDS metrics are native versus those that require the Enhanced Monitoring agent; a common trap is confusing `DatabaseConnections` with `ActiveTransactions` or `CPUUtilization`, which measure different aspects of performance. Remember the memory tip: “Threads connected, connections reflected” — the metric name directly mirrors the MySQL status variable it monitors.
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring, logging, and remediation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 uses Amazon RDS for MySQL and wants to monitor the number of database connections in real time. Which CloudWatch metric should the SysOps administrator use?
DatabaseConnections
This is the standard CloudWatch metric for RDS connections.
CPUUtilization
Why wrong: CPU utilization is not a direct measure of connections.
ActiveConnections
Why wrong: Not a standard RDS CloudWatch metric.
ConnectionCount
Why wrong: ConnectionCount is a custom metric, not provided by default.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DatabaseConnections
Amazon RDS for MySQL exposes a CloudWatch metric named `DatabaseConnections` that reports the number of client connections to the DB instance. This metric is derived from the MySQL `Threads_connected` status variable and is updated every minute, providing real-time visibility into connection counts for monitoring and alarming.
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.
DatabaseConnections
Why this is correct
This is the standard CloudWatch metric for RDS connections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
CPUUtilization
Why it's wrong here
CPU utilization is not a direct measure of connections.
ActiveConnections
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard RDS CloudWatch metric.
ConnectionCount
Why it's wrong here
ConnectionCount is a custom metric, not provided by default.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the MySQL status variable `Threads_connected` (which maps to `DatabaseConnections`) with `Threads_running` (which counts only actively executing queries) or assume a generic name like `ActiveConnections` or `ConnectionCount` exists as a CloudWatch metric.
Detailed technical explanation
The `DatabaseConnections` metric maps directly to the MySQL `SHOW GLOBAL STATUS LIKE 'Threads_connected'` value, which counts all current open connections regardless of state (active, idle, or sleeping). This metric is critical for capacity planning because each connection consumes memory (typically ~256 KB per connection in MySQL), and exceeding the `max_connections` limit (default 151 for MySQL 8.0) causes new connection attempts to fail with 'Too many connections' errors.
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
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FAQ
Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation — This question tests Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DatabaseConnections — Amazon RDS for MySQL exposes a CloudWatch metric named `DatabaseConnections` that reports the number of client connections to the DB instance. This metric is derived from the MySQL `Threads_connected` status variable and is updated every minute, providing real-time visibility into connection counts for monitoring and alarming.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This SOA-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 SOA-C02 exam.
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