The answer is the log group name in the Resource ARN does not match the actual log group created by the Lambda function. This is because the IAM policy explicitly grants permissions only to the log group `/aws/lambda/my-function`, but Lambda automatically creates a log group based on the function name, which is case-sensitive—so if the function is named `MyFunction`, the actual log group becomes `/aws/lambda/MyFunction`, and the policy’s ARN mismatch blocks `PutLogEvents`. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this tests your understanding of how IAM resource-level permissions interact with Lambda’s automatic CloudWatch Logs group creation, a common trap where candidates overlook case sensitivity or assume the policy is missing actions. Remember the memory tip: “Lambda logs are case-sensitive—match the ARN exactly, or logs won’t flow.”
SOA-C02 Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring, logging, and remediation. 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.
A SysOps administrator is troubleshooting a Lambda function that does not write logs to CloudWatch Logs. The IAM role attached to the function includes the policy shown. What is the most likely reason the logs are not being created?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The log group name in the Resource ARN does not match the actual log group created by the Lambda function.
Option B is correct because the policy only grants permissions for a specific log group '/aws/lambda/my-function', but the Lambda function likely tries to write to a different log group, such as '/aws/lambda/MyFunction' (case-sensitive). Option A is wrong because PutLogEvents is included. Option C is wrong because the Lambda service role, not user, needs the permissions. Option D is wrong because CloudWatch Logs does not require VPC endpoints.
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.
✓
The log group name in the Resource ARN does not match the actual log group created by the Lambda function.
Why this is correct
Lambda creates log groups with a specific naming pattern; mismatch in name prevents writing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The IAM role is not assigned to the Lambda function's execution role.
Why it's wrong here
The administrator is troubleshooting an existing role; the role is attached.
✗
The Lambda function is in a VPC without a VPC endpoint for CloudWatch Logs.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda in a VPC can still reach CloudWatch via public endpoints if it has NATgateway; VPC endpoints are not required.
✗
The policy does not include the logs:PutLogEvents permission.
Why it's wrong here
The policy includes logs:PutLogEvents, so permission is present.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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.
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: The log group name in the Resource ARN does not match the actual log group created by the Lambda function. — Option B is correct because the policy only grants permissions for a specific log group '/aws/lambda/my-function', but the Lambda function likely tries to write to a different log group, such as '/aws/lambda/MyFunction' (case-sensitive). Option A is wrong because PutLogEvents is included. Option C is wrong because the Lambda service role, not user, needs the permissions. Option D is wrong because CloudWatch Logs does not require VPC endpoints.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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