Jeff’s Note #
Unlike generic exam dumps, ArchitectDecisionHub analyzes this scenario through the lens of a Real-World Lead Developer.
For AWS DVA-C02 candidates, the confusion often lies in which AWS region to import SSL certificates into and how DNS records relate to CloudFront distributions vs API Gateway endpoints. In production, this is about knowing exactly where ACM certificates must reside to integrate properly when using CloudFront in front of API Gateway. Let’s drill down.
The Certification Drill (Simulated Question) #
Scenario #
A tech startup named ZenSoft Solutions is building a new customer engagement platform. The platform includes an Amazon API Gateway REST API deployed in the us-west-2 Region. ZenSoft wants to enhance the API’s performance and security by fronting it with Amazon CloudFront and using a custom domain name, smokeyapi.zensoft.com. The team has obtained an SSL/TLS certificate for smokeyapi.zensoft.com from DigiCert, a third-party CA.
The Requirement: #
How should the ZenSoft developer configure the custom domain name with SSL/TLS certificate to correctly integrate CloudFront and API Gateway, ensuring the application is accessible securely through the custom domain?
The Options #
- A) Import the SSL/TLS certificate into AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) in the same Region as the API Gateway (us-west-2). Create a DNS A record pointing the custom domain to the API Gateway endpoint.
- B) Import the SSL/TLS certificate directly into the CloudFront distribution. Create a DNS CNAME record pointing the custom domain to the CloudFront distribution.
- C) Import the SSL/TLS certificate into AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) in the same Region as the API Gateway (us-west-2). Create a DNS CNAME record pointing the custom domain to the CloudFront distribution.
- D) Import the SSL/TLS certificate into AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) in the us-east-1 Region. Create a DNS CNAME record pointing the custom domain to the CloudFront distribution.
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Correct Answer #
D
Quick Insight: The Developer Imperative #
When using CloudFront with a custom domain, ACM certificates must be in the us-east-1 Region because CloudFront only integrates with certificates from ACM in us-east-1. Attempting to import certificates in other regions or use API Gateway regional certificates directly will cause SSL validation to fail or require incorrect DNS settings.
Content Locked: The Expert Analysis #
You’ve identified the answer. But do you know the implementation details that separate a Junior from a Senior?
The Expert’s Analysis #
Correct Answer #
Option D
The Winning Logic #
CloudFront distributions require ACM certificates to be imported specifically in the us-east-1 (N. Virginia) Region. This is because CloudFront is a global service that only recognizes ACM certificates issued in or imported into us-east-1. Since the API Gateway is deployed in us-west-2 and the frontend is CloudFront, the SSL/TLS certificate must be imported into us-east-1 ACM to associate with CloudFront’s custom domain name configuration.
Additionally, DNS must use a CNAME record pointing to the CloudFront distribution’s domain name because CloudFront acts as the front door. The SSL handshake and validation occur at CloudFront, not directly at the API Gateway endpoint.
The Trap (Distractor Analysis): #
-
Why not A?
ACM certificates in the API Gateway’s region (us-west-2) can be used only if the custom domain is associated directly with API Gateway Regional or Edge-Optimized endpoint. But when using CloudFront in front, CloudFront must hold the certificate in us-east-1. Also, pointing DNS A record to API Gateway bypasses CloudFront, breaking the intended architecture. -
Why not B?
You cannot import a third-party SSL/TLS certificate directly into CloudFront. CloudFront requires certificates to be managed via ACM in us-east-1 or use Amazon-issued certificates. Direct import into CloudFront invalidates the setup. -
Why not C?
Same reason as A: certificates must be in us-east-1 for CloudFront. Having ACM cert in us-west-2 cannot be attached to CloudFront distributions.
The Technical Blueprint #
Developer CLI Snippet: Importing Certificate to ACM in us-east-1 and associating with CloudFront #
# Import third-party certificate into ACM in us-east-1
aws acm import-certificate \
--region us-east-1 \
--certificate fileb://certificate.pem \
--private-key fileb://private_key.pem \
--certificate-chain fileb://chain.pem \
--tags Key=Project,Value=ZenSoftAPI
# Then update CloudFront distribution configuration to attach ACM certificate ARN from us-east-1
aws cloudfront update-distribution \
--id E2EXAMPLE1234 \
--distribution-config file://cf-config-with-acm.json
The Comparative Analysis #
| Option | ACM Region | DNS Record Type | Usable with CloudFront? | Correct Setup for Custom Domain + CloudFront |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | us-west-2 (API RG) | A | No | DNS points to API Gateway, bypasses CloudFront |
| B | N/A (direct import) | CNAME | No | CloudFront does not accept direct cert imports |
| C | us-west-2 (API RG) | CNAME | No | ACM cert in wrong region for CloudFront |
| D | us-east-1 | CNAME | Yes | Correct ACM region and proper DNS pointing to CloudFront |
Real-World Application (Practitioner Insight) #
Exam Rule #
“For the exam, always remember: CloudFront requires ACM certificates in us-east-1, regardless of API Gateway region.”
Real World #
“In production, many overlook ACM regional constraints and try to upload certs in API regions, wasting time debugging SSL handshake failures. Designing multi-region APIs with CloudFront requires centralized certificate management workflows.”
(CTA) Stop Guessing, Start Mastering #
Disclaimer
This is a study note based on simulated scenarios for the AWS DVA-C02 exam.