ARA-C01 Performance Optimization Practice Question
A user runs a query that takes 10 minutes to execute. They immediately run the exact same query again, but it still takes 10 minutes. Which of the following is a likely reason why the Result Cache was not utilized?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume that any identical query will hit the Result Cache, forgetting that non-deterministic functions invalidate the cache regardless of the underlying data remaining unchanged.
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
✓
The query contains a non-deterministic function like CURRENT_DATE().
The Snowflake Result Cache stores the results of queries for 24 hours. However, for a query to use the Result Cache, it must be identical to the previous query and must not contain non-deterministic functions like CURRENT_TIMESTAMP() or UUID_STRING(), which are evaluated at execution time and prevent cache reuse.
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 query contains a non-deterministic function like CURRENT_DATE().
Why this is correct
Non-deterministic functions are evaluated every time a query is run. Because the value of functions like CURRENT_DATE() or CURRENT_TIMESTAMP() can change between executions, Snowflake cannot guarantee that the cached result is still valid. Therefore, it bypasses the Result Cache and re-executes the query to ensure data accuracy.
- ✗
The warehouse used for the second query was a different size.
Why it's wrong here
The Result Cache is maintained at the Global Services layer, not within the individual virtual warehouses. This means that a query result can be retrieved from the cache regardless of which warehouse is used for the subsequent execution, provided all other conditions for cache reuse are met by the system.
- ✗
The table data was updated via a SELECT statement.
Why it's wrong here
A SELECT statement does not modify the underlying data in a table; it only reads it. The Result Cache is invalidated only when the underlying data is changed by DML operations like INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or TRUNCATE. Since a SELECT is read-only, it would not cause the cache to be invalidated.
- ✗
The user does not have the same role as the previous user.
Why it's wrong here
Snowflake's Result Cache is generally accessible across different users and roles, provided they are querying the same data and have the necessary permissions. Access to the cache is not strictly restricted to the exact same role that originally generated the result, as long as the security context is equivalent.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every ARA-C01 question from scratch — 209 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Snowflake exam blueprint
This ARA-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Snowflake 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 ARA-C01 exam.