Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Verified Access. This service is the correct choice because it provides secure, VPN-free access to internal web applications hosted in a VPC by authenticating users against the company’s Active Directory and enforcing fine-grained access controls at the application level, eliminating the need for any client software or network tunnels. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of modern zero-trust networking concepts versus traditional VPN solutions; a common trap is confusing AWS Client VPN, which still requires a software client, or assuming an Application Load Balancer with OIDC is sufficient, but Verified Access is purpose-built for this exact scenario. Remember the key distinction: if the requirement explicitly says “without a VPN” and integrates with an external IdP like Active Directory for application access, think Verified Access. A helpful memory tip is to associate “Verified” with “VPN-less” — both start with V, and Verified Access verifies identity and device posture before granting access, not the network path.
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network security, compliance and governance. 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 company wants to allow its employees to securely access internal web applications hosted in a VPC without using a VPN. The solution must authenticate users against the company's Active Directory and apply fine-grained access controls. Which AWS service should be used?
AWS Single Sign-On (SSO)
Why wrong: SSO is for AWS accounts, not applications.
AWS Verified Access
Provides secure access without VPN, integrates with AD.
AWS Client VPN
Why wrong: Requires VPN client; not the goal.
Application Load Balancer with OIDC authentication
Why wrong: Possible but requires VPN or public exposure; Verified Access is simpler.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Verified Access
Option C is correct because AWS Verified Access provides secure access to corporate applications without a VPN, integrating with identity providers like Active Directory. Option A is wrong because AWS Client VPN requires VPN client software. Option B is wrong because AWS SSO is for federating access to AWS accounts, not applications. Option D is wrong because ALB with OIDC is possible but requires public exposure or VPN; Verified Access is purpose-built.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS Single Sign-On (SSO)
Why it's wrong here
SSO is for AWS accounts, not applications.
AWS Verified Access
AWS Client VPN
Why it's wrong here
Requires VPN client; not the goal.
Application Load Balancer with OIDC authentication
Why it's wrong here
Possible but requires VPN or public exposure; Verified Access is simpler.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which ANS-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
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS Verified Access — Option C is correct because AWS Verified Access provides secure access to corporate applications without a VPN, integrating with identity providers like Active Directory. Option A is wrong because AWS Client VPN requires VPN client software. Option B is wrong because AWS SSO is for federating access to AWS accounts, not applications. Option D is wrong because ALB with OIDC is possible but requires public exposure or VPN; Verified Access is purpose-built.
Identify which ANS-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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This ANS-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 ANS-C01 exam.
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