The answer is to include the x-amz-server-side-encryption header with the value aws:kms in the upload request. This is required because the S3 bucket policy explicitly enforces SSE-KMS encryption on upload by using a condition that checks for that specific header and value; without it, the PutObject operation is denied regardless of the IAM permissions granted to the cross-account role. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how bucket policy conditions can override IAM policy allowances—a common trap is assuming the role’s IAM policy is sufficient, but the bucket policy acts as an additional gatekeeper. Remember that for SSE-KMS, the header must match exactly, and KMS key permissions are a separate concern. Memory tip: “Header holds the key”—the request header must carry the encryption key type to unlock the bucket policy gate.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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.
A company has a bucket policy on an S3 bucket as shown in the exhibit. A cross-account role (CrossAccountRole) is used to access the bucket. The role has an IAM policy that allows s3:GetObject and s3:PutObject on the bucket. When users assume the role and try to upload objects without specifying encryption, the upload fails. What must the users do to successfully upload objects?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Include the x-amz-server-side-encryption header with value aws:kms in the upload request.
The bucket policy condition requires that the request includes the header 'x-amz-server-side-encryption' with value 'aws:kms' for PutObject. Users must specify SSE-KMS encryption in their upload request. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because the bucket policy already allows. Option B is wrong because the role policy allows it. Option D is wrong because KMS key permission is not the issue.
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.
✗
Remove the condition from the bucket policy.
Why it's wrong here
The condition is required for compliance.
✗
Add an IAM policy that allows s3:PutObject to the role.
Why it's wrong here
The role already has the permission.
✓
Include the x-amz-server-side-encryption header with value aws:kms in the upload request.
Why this is correct
The condition requires that header.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Grant the role permission to use the KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
The condition requires encryption header, not KMS key permission.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SAP-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.
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Include the x-amz-server-side-encryption header with value aws:kms in the upload request. — The bucket policy condition requires that the request includes the header 'x-amz-server-side-encryption' with value 'aws:kms' for PutObject. Users must specify SSE-KMS encryption in their upload request. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because the bucket policy already allows. Option B is wrong because the role policy allows it. Option D is wrong because KMS key permission is not the issue.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SAP-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.
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 SAP-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 SAP-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.