The answer is to install the OpsWorks agent on the EC2 instance, register the instance with the OpsWorks stack, and then assign the registered instance to the appropriate layer. This sequence is required because OpsWorks for Chef Automate relies on a running agent to communicate with the stack; without the agent, the instance cannot be managed. Registration links the instance to the stack’s Chef server, while layer assignment dictates which recipes and run-list are applied, ensuring the instance serves its intended role. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of OpsWorks lifecycle hooks versus manual registration flows—a common trap is confusing automatic registration with auto-scaling group integration, which is handled differently. Remember the mnemonic “A-R-L”: Agent first, then Register, then Layer.
DOP-C02 SDLC Automation Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of sdlc automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 DevOps team uses AWS OpsWorks for Chef Automate to manage configuration. They want to ensure that all EC2 instances automatically register with OpsWorks and are assigned to the correct layer. Which THREE steps are required? (Choose THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install the AWS OpsWorks agent on each EC2 instance.
Options A, C, and E are correct: install agent, register stack, assign layer. Option B is not required. Option D is for other services.
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.
✓
Install the AWS OpsWorks agent on each EC2 instance.
Why this is correct
The agent is required for communication with the OpsWorks service.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure the instance's user data to run the Chef client.
Why it's wrong here
Chef client runs automatically via the OpsWorks agent; user data is not needed.
✗
Attach an IAM role with the AmazonEC2RoleforOpsWorks policy to the EC2 instance.
Why it's wrong here
OpsWorks uses a service role, not an instance profile; the instance uses the agent's built-in credentials.
✓
Register the EC2 instance with the OpsWorks stack using the AWS CLI or console.
Why this is correct
Registration links the instance to the stack.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Assign the registered instance to the appropriate layer (e.g., web, app).
Why this is correct
Layers define the configuration and lifecycle events for the instance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 DOP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
SDLC Automation — This question tests SDLC Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install the AWS OpsWorks agent on each EC2 instance. — Options A, C, and E are correct: install agent, register stack, assign layer. Option B is not required. Option D is for other services.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DOP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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