The answer is that the action is allowed because the Allow statement applies and the Deny condition excludes t2.micro. This occurs because the Deny statement uses a StringNotEquals condition on the ec2:InstanceType, meaning it only blocks instances that are NOT t2.micro; since the developer is launching a t2.micro, the condition evaluates to false, the Deny does not apply, and the Allow takes full effect. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of IAM policy evaluation logic, specifically how a Deny with a condition can be more restrictive than a blanket Deny, and it is a common trap where candidates mistakenly assume any Deny always overrides an Allow. The key insight is that AWS evaluates all policies, and if a Deny’s condition does not match the request, the Deny is effectively skipped, leaving the Allow to win. Memory tip: think of the Deny condition as a bouncer with a list—if your instance type is on the “allowed in” list (t2.micro), the bouncer steps aside.
DVA-C02 Security Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The action is allowed because the Allow statement applies and the Deny condition excludes t2.micro.
The Deny applies to instances that are NOT t2.micro. Since the condition uses StringNotEquals, the Deny does not apply to t2.micro. So the Allow takes effect.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 action is denied because ec2:RunInstances requires additional permissions.
Why it's wrong here
No other conditions.
✓
The action is allowed because the Allow statement applies and the Deny condition excludes t2.micro.
Why this is correct
Deny condition does not match t2.micro.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The action is denied because the Deny statement overrides the Allow.
Why it's wrong here
Deny condition does not apply.
✗
The action is allowed only if the user has ec2:DescribeInstances as well.
Why it's wrong here
DescribeInstances is separate.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DVA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security — This question tests Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The action is allowed because the Allow statement applies and the Deny condition excludes t2.micro. — The Deny applies to instances that are NOT t2.micro. Since the condition uses StringNotEquals, the Deny does not apply to t2.micro. So the Allow takes effect.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DVA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This DVA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services 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 DVA-C02 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.