Quick Answer
The answer is DynamoDB Auto Scaling, which is the correct feature to automatically handle increases in read capacity without throttling. DynamoDB Auto Scaling works by monitoring the actual read traffic against your provisioned capacity and dynamically adjusting the Read Capacity Units (RCUs) up or down based on a target utilization percentage you define, typically around 70%. This ensures that sudden spikes in read traffic are accommodated without manual intervention, preventing ProvisionedThroughputExceededException errors. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of operational scaling mechanisms versus caching or replication services—a common trap is confusing DynamoDB Auto Scaling with DAX, but remember that DAX is an in-memory cache that reduces read load, not a capacity scaler. For a quick memory tip, think “Auto Scaling adjusts the tap, DAX speeds up the sip”—the former changes the flow rate of provisioned capacity, while the latter just makes existing reads faster.
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of reliability and business continuity. 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 team of developers is deploying a new microservice that uses Amazon DynamoDB as its data store. The SysOps administrator must ensure that the application can handle a sudden spike in read traffic without throttling. Which DynamoDB feature can be used to automatically handle increases in read capacity?
DynamoDB Global Tables
Why wrong: Global tables provide multi-region replication.
DynamoDB Time to Live (TTL)
Why wrong: TTL is for automatic item deletion.
DynamoDB Auto Scaling
Auto scaling adjusts capacity automatically.
DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Why wrong: DAX improves read performance but does not scale capacity.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DynamoDB Auto Scaling
Option A is correct because DynamoDB auto scaling can adjust provisioned read capacity based on traffic. Option B is wrong because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is a caching layer, not capacity scaling. Option C is wrong because global tables are for multi-region replication. Option D is wrong because TTL is for item expiration.
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.
DynamoDB Global Tables
Why it's wrong here
Global tables provide multi-region replication.
DynamoDB Time to Live (TTL)
Why it's wrong here
TTL is for automatic item deletion.
DynamoDB Auto Scaling
Why this is correct
Auto scaling adjusts capacity automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Why it's wrong here
DAX improves read performance but does not scale capacity.
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.
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 SOA-C02 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.
Reliability and Business Continuity — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Reliability and Business Continuity — This question tests Reliability and Business Continuity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DynamoDB Auto Scaling — Option A is correct because DynamoDB auto scaling can adjust provisioned read capacity based on traffic. Option B is wrong because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is a caching layer, not capacity scaling. Option C is wrong because global tables are for multi-region replication. Option D is wrong because TTL is for item expiration.
Identify which SOA-C02 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 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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