- A
Use CloudWatch Logs Insights to query the existing RDS log group for any SQL statements.
Why wrong: The existing logs may not contain slow queries; slow query logging must be enabled.
- B
Enable AWS CloudTrail to capture database queries and send them to CloudWatch Logs.
Why wrong: CloudTrail records API calls, not database queries.
- C
Enable the slow query log in the RDS parameter group and publish it to CloudWatch Logs. Then use CloudWatch Logs Insights to query the logs for slow queries.
Slow query logs directly show queries that take a long time.
- D
Enable Amazon RDS Performance Insights and use the dashboard to identify top SQL queries.
Why wrong: Performance Insights shows top SQL queries but requires enabling; however, it may not show the exact query text.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable the slow query log in the RDS parameter group, publish it to CloudWatch Logs, and then use CloudWatch Logs Insights to query the logs for slow queries. This works because MySQL’s slow query log captures queries that exceed a defined execution time, and when published to CloudWatch Logs, you can use CloudWatch Logs Insights to run SQL-like queries against that log data to pinpoint the exact queries consuming CPU cycles. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to investigate high CPU on RDS MySQL using slow query logs and CloudWatch, specifically distinguishing between enabling the log source and querying it. A common trap is assuming Performance Insights shows raw queries (it shows performance metrics, not query text) or that CloudTrail captures database queries (it records API calls, not SQL). Memory tip: think “Enable first, then query”—you cannot analyze what you haven’t turned on.
SOA-C02 Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring, logging, and remediation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 has a production environment that includes an Amazon RDS for MySQL database. The SysOps administrator receives an alert that the database's CPU utilization has been above 90% for the past hour. The administrator checks the CloudWatch metrics and sees that the DatabaseConnections metric is also high. The application team reports that users are experiencing slow response times. The administrator wants to investigate which queries are causing the high CPU. The database is already configured to send logs to CloudWatch Logs. Which course of action should the administrator take to identify the problematic queries?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable the slow query log in the RDS parameter group and publish it to CloudWatch Logs. Then use CloudWatch Logs Insights to query the logs for slow queries.
Option B is correct because RDS can publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, which can then be queried. Option A is wrong because Performance Insights shows performance data but not raw queries. Option C is wrong because CloudWatch Logs Insights can query logs, but the slow query logs need to be enabled first. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail does not capture database queries.
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.
- ✗
Use CloudWatch Logs Insights to query the existing RDS log group for any SQL statements.
Why it's wrong here
The existing logs may not contain slow queries; slow query logging must be enabled.
- ✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail to capture database queries and send them to CloudWatch Logs.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail records API calls, not database queries.
- ✓
Enable the slow query log in the RDS parameter group and publish it to CloudWatch Logs. Then use CloudWatch Logs Insights to query the logs for slow queries.
Why this is correct
Slow query logs directly show queries that take a long time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable Amazon RDS Performance Insights and use the dashboard to identify top SQL queries.
Why it's wrong here
Performance Insights shows top SQL queries but requires enabling; however, it may not show the exact query text.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Performance Insights shows top SQL queries but requires enabling; however, it may not show the exact query text.
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 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SOA-C02 question test?
Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation — This question tests Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable the slow query log in the RDS parameter group and publish it to CloudWatch Logs. Then use CloudWatch Logs Insights to query the logs for slow queries. — Option B is correct because RDS can publish slow query logs to CloudWatch Logs, which can then be queried. Option A is wrong because Performance Insights shows performance data but not raw queries. Option C is wrong because CloudWatch Logs Insights can query logs, but the slow query logs need to be enabled first. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail does not capture database queries.
What should I do if I get this SOA-C02 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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