Jeff’s Note #
Unlike generic exam dumps, ADH analyzes this scenario through the lens of a Real-World Lead Developer.
For DVA-C02 candidates, the confusion often lies in how to properly configure local developer tools to authenticate AWS API calls. In production, this is about knowing exactly which credential types are valid for CLI commands and SDK interactions — especially around IAM access keys vs. SSH or X.509 certs. Let’s drill down.
The Certification Drill (Simulated Question) #
Scenario #
NovaSoft Solutions is building automation scripts to deploy cloud infrastructure via AWS CloudFormation. A developer wants to write and test a CloudFormation template on their laptop, then deploy the CloudFormation stack to their AWS environment. They need to configure their local setup to authenticate properly with AWS.
The Requirement #
Determine the correct method to install and configure AWS tools on a local machine so that the developer can successfully deploy CloudFormation stacks to AWS.
The Options #
- A) Install the AWS CLI. Configure the AWS CLI by using an IAM user name and password.
- B) Install the AWS CLI. Configure the AWS CLI by using an SSH key.
- C) Install the AWS CLI. Configure the AWS CLI by using an IAM user access key and secret key.
- D) Install an AWS software development kit (SDK). Configure the SDK by using an X.509 certificate.
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Correct Answer #
C
Quick Insight: The Developer Imperative #
The AWS CLI requires programmatic credentials — typically an IAM user’s access key ID and secret access key — to sign API requests securely. Username/password, SSH keys, or X.509 certificates are not valid authentication methods for the CLI or SDK in this context.
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 C
The Winning Logic #
AWS CLI and SDKs are designed to use IAM security credentials, commonly expressed as an Access Key ID and Secret Access Key pair. These credentials authenticate and authorize API calls to AWS services. To deploy a CloudFormation stack from a local machine, the developer must configure the CLI with those credentials, typically via aws configure. This enables signed requests to AWS endpoints.
The Trap (Distractor Analysis): #
- Why not A? IAM user passwords are used only to sign in to AWS Management Console, not for programmatic access. The CLI cannot use a username/password combo to authenticate.
- Why not B? SSH keys are for EC2 instance access and cannot be used for CLI authentication to AWS APIs.
- Why not D? X.509 certificates were historically used in older AWS services but are deprecated for SDK usage and not relevant for standard CloudFormation deployments today.
The Technical Blueprint #
# Configure AWS CLI with IAM access keys on your local machine:
aws configure
# This will prompt for:
# AWS Access Key ID [None]: AKIAIOSFODNN7EXAMPLE
# AWS Secret Access Key [None]: wJalrXUtnFEMI/K7MDENG/bPxRfiCYEXAMPLEKEY
# Default region name [None]: us-east-1
# Default output format [None]: json
# Deploy a CloudFormation stack using the configured CLI:
aws cloudformation deploy --template-file template.yaml --stack-name my-stack
The Comparative Analysis #
| Option | API Complexity | Performance | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Not supported | N/A | Console login only, no CLI programmatic use |
| B | Not applicable | N/A | For SSH into EC2 instances, not API calls |
| C | Standard AWS CLI auth | High | Correct: IAM Access Key + Secret Key for CLI and SDK access |
| D | Legacy / Deprecated | Medium | X.509 cert not used for CloudFormation CLI or SDK |
Real-World Application (Practitioner Insight) #
Exam Rule #
For the exam, always pick IAM Access Key and Secret Key when authentication via CLI or SDK is required.
Real World #
In production, developers often use IAM roles attached to EC2 instances or AWS SSO for credentials provider chaining, but for local CLI use, access keys remain standard.
(CTA) Stop Guessing, Start Mastering #
Disclaimer
This is a study note based on simulated scenarios for the AWS DVA-C02 exam.