The answer is an explicit Deny statement for ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection. This is correct because in AWS IAM, an explicit Deny overrides any Allow for the same action, regardless of the order in the policy. Even if the policy grants permissions for other EC2 actions, the Deny for creating a VPC peering connection blocks that specific operation entirely. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this tests your understanding of IAM policy evaluation logic, specifically the principle that Deny statements are absolute and cannot be bypassed by a broader Allow. A common trap is assuming that an Allow for all EC2 actions would permit peering, but the explicit Deny for ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection takes precedence. Remember the memory tip: "Deny always wins" — when troubleshooting an IAM policy denying VPC peering connection, always look for an explicit Deny first, as it overrides any Allow.
ANS-C01 Network Implementation Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A network engineer is creating an IAM policy for a junior engineer who needs to set up a VPC with public and private subnets and an internet gateway. The junior engineer reports that they cannot create a VPC peering connection. Based on the policy, what is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy has an explicit Deny statement for ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection.
The policy explicitly denies the ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection action with an Effect of Deny. Even though there is an Allow for other actions, the Deny overrides any Allow for that specific action. Option C is correct. Options A and B are not relevant because the policy does not allow or deny those actions. Option D is incorrect because the policy does not require MFA.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 policy has an explicit Deny statement for ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection.
Why this is correct
The explicit Deny overrides any Allow and prevents the action.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The policy does not allow the ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection action.
Why it's wrong here
The policy explicitly denies it, not just missing allow; denies are explicit.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ANS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy has an explicit Deny statement for ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection. — The policy explicitly denies the ec2:CreateVpcPeeringConnection action with an Effect of Deny. Even though there is an Allow for other actions, the Deny overrides any Allow for that specific action. Option C is correct. Options A and B are not relevant because the policy does not allow or deny those actions. Option D is incorrect because the policy does not require MFA.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ANS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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