- A
Create an IAM policy that allows only read-only access to the production stack and a separate role with write access.
Why wrong: D: This prevents unauthorized updates but does not enforce an approval process.
- B
Require that all stack updates be performed through a change set that is reviewed and executed by a separate role.
B: Change sets allow previewing changes; a separate role can execute after review.
- C
Use AWS CodePipeline with a manual approval step before executing a CloudFormation change set.
C: CodePipeline's manual approval action provides a formal approval gate before deploying.
- D
Use AWS Config rules to detect unapproved changes and automatically revert them.
Why wrong: E: Config rules can detect but not prevent changes; auto-revert may cause instability.
- E
Use an SCP to deny all CloudFormation actions except from a specific CI/CD role.
Why wrong: A: SCPs deny actions but do not provide an approval workflow.
DOP-C02 Configuration Management and IaC Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of configuration management and iac. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A company uses AWS CloudFormation to manage a production environment with multiple stacks. The DevOps team needs to implement a change management process that requires approval for any changes to the production stack. Which approaches meet this requirement? (Choose TWO.)
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
Require that all stack updates be performed through a change set that is reviewed and executed by a separate role.
Options B and C are correct. B: Using a change set allows reviewing proposed changes without applying them. C: StackSets with approval workflows are not standard; however, using a separate pipeline with a manual approval step in CodePipeline before executing the change set is a valid approach. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot control CloudFormation changes specifically. Option D is wrong because IAM policies can restrict who can update, but not provide an approval workflow. Option E is wrong because Config rules are detective, not preventive.
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.
- ✗
Create an IAM policy that allows only read-only access to the production stack and a separate role with write access.
Why it's wrong here
D: This prevents unauthorized updates but does not enforce an approval process.
- ✓
Require that all stack updates be performed through a change set that is reviewed and executed by a separate role.
Why this is correct
B: Change sets allow previewing changes; a separate role can execute after review.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
Use AWS CodePipeline with a manual approval step before executing a CloudFormation change set.
Why this is correct
C: CodePipeline's manual approval action provides a formal approval gate before deploying.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Use AWS Config rules to detect unapproved changes and automatically revert them.
Why it's wrong here
E: Config rules can detect but not prevent changes; auto-revert may cause instability.
- ✗
Use an SCP to deny all CloudFormation actions except from a specific CI/CD role.
Why it's wrong here
A: SCPs deny actions but do not provide an approval workflow.
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 DOP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DOP-C02 question test?
Configuration Management and IaC — This question tests Configuration Management and IaC — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Require that all stack updates be performed through a change set that is reviewed and executed by a separate role. — Options B and C are correct. B: Using a change set allows reviewing proposed changes without applying them. C: StackSets with approval workflows are not standard; however, using a separate pipeline with a manual approval step in CodePipeline before executing the change set is a valid approach. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot control CloudFormation changes specifically. Option D is wrong because IAM policies can restrict who can update, but not provide an approval workflow. Option E is wrong because Config rules are detective, not preventive.
What should I do if I get this DOP-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 DOP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DOP-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 DOP-C02 exam.
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