The answer is yes, the Scan operation is allowed because the IAM policy includes an explicit Allow for `dynamodb:Scan` on the Orders table. In IAM policy evaluation logic, an explicit Allow overrides the default implicit Deny, and the Deny statement in this policy uses a `NotAction` element that does not block Scan—it only denies actions not listed, so Scan passes through unblocked. This question tests your understanding of IAM policy evaluation for DynamoDB, a core concept on the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, where the common trap is assuming a Deny statement always blocks everything. Remember the evaluation order: explicit Deny wins, then explicit Allow, then default Deny—so if no explicit Deny matches, an explicit Allow grants access. Memory tip: “Allow beats default Deny, but a matching explicit Deny beats all.”
DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of workload-specific database design. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy is attached to a role used by an application that accesses the DynamoDB 'Orders' table. The application needs to perform a Scan operation on the table. According to the policy, is the Scan operation allowed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Yes, because the policy explicitly allows Scan
The IAM policy includes an explicit Allow statement for the `dynamodb:Scan` action on the `Orders` table. In IAM policy evaluation logic, an explicit Allow overrides any default implicit Deny, and the Deny statement in the policy only blocks actions that match its `NotAction` element, which does not include Scan. Therefore, the Scan operation is allowed.
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.
✗
Yes, but only if the scan uses a filter expression
Why it's wrong here
Filter expression is not required for permission.
✗
No, because the Deny statement blocks all actions
Why it's wrong here
Deny only applies to 'DeleteTable', not all actions.
✓
Yes, because the policy explicitly allows Scan
Why this is correct
The Allow statement includes 'Scan', so it is permitted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
No, because the policy does not specify a condition
Why it's wrong here
Conditions are not required for the action to be allowed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates misread the Deny statement's `NotAction` as a blanket denial of all actions, when in fact it only denies actions not explicitly listed, allowing the explicit Allow for Scan to take effect.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IAM policy evaluation follows an explicit Deny override rule: if a Deny statement applies, it overrides any Allow, but here the Deny uses `NotAction`, which denies all actions except those specified. Since `dynamodb:Scan` is not in the `NotAction` list, it is not denied. The Allow statement for Scan is explicit, so the final result is Allow. This demonstrates the importance of understanding `NotAction` vs `Action` in policy statements.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Workload-Specific Database Design — This question tests Workload-Specific Database Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Yes, because the policy explicitly allows Scan — The IAM policy includes an explicit Allow statement for the `dynamodb:Scan` action on the `Orders` table. In IAM policy evaluation logic, an explicit Allow overrides any default implicit Deny, and the Deny statement in the policy only blocks actions that match its `NotAction` element, which does not include Scan. Therefore, the Scan operation is allowed.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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