The answer is that the user is allowed to launch the EC2 instance in eu-west-1 because the request region matches the condition exception. This outcome hinges on how IAM policy conditions and effects interact: the policy uses a Deny effect with a condition that only triggers when the region is NOT us-east-1 or eu-west-1. Since the requested region is eu-west-1, the condition is not met, so the explicit deny does not apply, and by default all actions are implicitly allowed. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this tests your understanding of the difference between explicit deny with conditions and default implicit allow—a common trap is assuming a deny always blocks, but a deny only applies when its condition evaluates to true. A reliable memory tip is “Deny is conditional; if the condition fails, the deny fails, and implicit allow wins.”
DOP-C02 Configuration Management and IaC Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of configuration management and iac. 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.
An administrator attaches the IAM policy shown in the exhibit to an IAM user. What is the effect on the user's ability to launch an EC2 instance in eu-west-1?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user is allowed because the request region matches the condition exception.
Option D is correct because the policy denies all EC2 actions when the requested region is NOT us-east-1 or eu-west-1. Since the requested region is eu-west-1, the condition is not met, so the deny does not apply. By default, actions are allowed if not explicitly denied. Option A is wrong because the deny only applies when the region is not in the list. Option B is wrong because the policy does not explicitly allow. Option C is wrong because there is no explicit allow, but the default allow applies.
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 user is allowed because the request region matches the condition exception.
Why this is correct
The deny does not apply to eu-west-1.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The user is denied from launching instances in eu-west-1.
Why it's wrong here
eu-west-1 is in the exception list.
✗
The user is allowed because the policy does not explicitly deny.
Why it's wrong here
The policy denies under condition.
✗
The user is allowed only if they also have an explicit allow policy.
Why it's wrong here
Default allow applies.
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.
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: The user is allowed because the request region matches the condition exception. — Option D is correct because the policy denies all EC2 actions when the requested region is NOT us-east-1 or eu-west-1. Since the requested region is eu-west-1, the condition is not met, so the deny does not apply. By default, actions are allowed if not explicitly denied. Option A is wrong because the deny only applies when the region is not in the list. Option B is wrong because the policy does not explicitly allow. Option C is wrong because there is no explicit allow, but the default allow applies.
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.
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 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.
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.