- A
Step scaling
Why wrong: Step scaling is more complex.
- B
Scheduled scaling
Why wrong: Scheduled scaling is for predictable traffic.
- C
Target tracking scaling
Target tracking automatically adjusts capacity based on a target metric.
- D
Simple scaling
Why wrong: Simple scaling requires manual thresholds.
Question 1,312 of 1,755
SageMaker Endpoint Auto Scaling — Target Tracking Policy
This MLS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of modeling. 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.
A machine learning engineer is deploying a model using Amazon SageMaker and wants to automatically scale the endpoint based on the number of incoming requests. Which scaling policy should be used?
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
✓
Target tracking scaling
Amazon SageMaker endpoints support Application Auto Scaling. A target tracking scaling policy (Option C) is the recommended approach when you want to automatically scale based on a metric like InvocationsPerInstance. It adjusts capacity to maintain the target value of the metric. Step scaling (Option A) requires defining step adjustments and thresholds. Simple scaling is no longer recommended by AWS. Scheduled scaling (Option B) is for predictable traffic patterns. Therefore, Option C is correct.
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.
- ✗
Step scaling
Why it's wrong here
Step scaling is more complex.
- ✗
Scheduled scaling
Why it's wrong here
Scheduled scaling is for predictable traffic.
- ✓
Target tracking scaling
Why this is correct
Target tracking automatically adjusts capacity based on a target metric.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Simple scaling
Why it's wrong here
Simple scaling requires manual thresholds.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which MLS-C01 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this MLS-C01 question test?
Modeling — This question tests Modeling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Target tracking scaling — Amazon SageMaker endpoints support Application Auto Scaling. A target tracking scaling policy (Option C) is the recommended approach when you want to automatically scale based on a metric like InvocationsPerInstance. It adjusts capacity to maintain the target value of the metric. Step scaling (Option A) requires defining step adjustments and thresholds. Simple scaling is no longer recommended by AWS. Scheduled scaling (Option B) is for predictable traffic patterns. Therefore, Option C is correct.
What should I do if I get this MLS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which MLS-C01 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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on MLS-C01
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A machine learning engineer is deploying a model to Amazon SageMaker for real-time inference. The model requires low latency and must handle variable traffic patterns. Which SageMaker feature should the engineer use to automatically scale the number of instances based on demand?
easy- ✓ A.SageMaker automatic scaling
- B.Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling
- C.Elastic Inference
- D.SageMaker Batch Transform
Why A: SageMaker automatic scaling (Application Auto Scaling) is the correct feature because it allows the engineer to define scaling policies (e.g., based on CPU utilization or request latency) that automatically adjust the number of instances behind a SageMaker endpoint in response to real-time traffic patterns. This ensures low latency by maintaining sufficient capacity during spikes and reducing costs during lulls, without manual intervention.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This MLS-C01 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 MLS-C01 exam.
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