Quick Answer
The answer is CPUUtilization and DatabaseConnections, as these two metrics are published by default to Amazon CloudWatch for every RDS instance without any additional configuration or cost. Amazon RDS automatically streams a core set of operational metrics to CloudWatch at one-minute intervals, including CPUUtilization, which measures the percentage of compute capacity consumed, and DatabaseConnections, which tracks the current number of client sessions. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this distinction is critical because many candidates mistakenly assume that memory-related metrics like FreeableMemory or disk metrics like ReadIOPS are also default—they are not, as Enhanced Monitoring must be enabled for those. A common trap is confusing the default CloudWatch metrics with the more granular metrics available only through the RDS Enhanced Monitoring agent. To remember, think of the two C’s: CPU and Connections are the only core default metrics that require zero setup.
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 SysOps administrator is setting up monitoring for an Amazon RDS instance. Which TWO metrics are available by default in Amazon CloudWatch for RDS?
DatabaseConnections
Default metric for RDS.
CPUUtilization
Default metric for RDS.
FreeableMemory
Why wrong: FreeableMemory is not a default metric for all RDS engines.
FailedLoginAttempts
Why wrong: Not a default CloudWatch metric for RDS.
WriteLatency
Why wrong: WriteLatency is also a default metric, but the question asks for TWO; A and D are clear defaults.
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 automatically publishes a set of metrics to CloudWatch at no additional cost. DatabaseConnections is one of these default metrics, as it tracks the number of database client connections to the RDS instance. This metric is essential for monitoring connection limits and application connectivity health.
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
Default metric for RDS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
CPUUtilization
Why this is correct
Default metric for RDS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FreeableMemory
Why it's wrong here
FreeableMemory is not a default metric for all RDS engines.
FailedLoginAttempts
Why it's wrong here
Not a default CloudWatch metric for RDS.
WriteLatency
Why it's wrong here
WriteLatency is also a default metric, but the question asks for TWO; A and D are clear defaults.
Common exam traps
AWS often tests the distinction between default CloudWatch metrics and Enhanced Monitoring metrics, trapping candidates who assume all performance-related metrics (like FreeableMemory or WriteLatency) are automatically available without additional configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
Default RDS CloudWatch metrics are collected from the hypervisor layer at a 1-minute granularity and include CPUUtilization, DatabaseConnections, FreeStorageSpace, and Read/Write IOPS. Enhanced Monitoring, in contrast, provides OS-level metrics (e.g., memory, disk, and process lists) at sub-minute intervals using the CloudWatch agent on the RDS host. In a real-world scenario, relying solely on default metrics may miss memory pressure (FreeableMemory) or I/O latency spikes, which is why many production environments enable Enhanced Monitoring for deeper troubleshooting.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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 automatically publishes a set of metrics to CloudWatch at no additional cost. DatabaseConnections is one of these default metrics, as it tracks the number of database client connections to the RDS instance. This metric is essential for monitoring connection limits and application connectivity health.
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 30, 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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