Quick Answer
The answer is a target tracking scaling policy, because it is the only approach that automatically adjusts capacity in real time to handle sudden traffic spikes without manual intervention. This policy works by selecting a metric—such as average CPU utilization or request count per target—and a target value, then the Auto Scaling group continuously calculates the necessary capacity to keep the metric at that target, scaling up or down as demand fluctuates. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of dynamic scaling versus simpler methods; a common trap is confusing target tracking with simple scaling, which requires manual cooldown periods and cannot react to rapid changes. Scheduled scaling is for predictable patterns, not spikes, and manual scaling defeats the automation requirement. Remember the memory tip: “Target tracks the metric, simple needs a ticket”—target tracking is the hands-off choice for unpredictable bursts.
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 is designing a new web application that will run on Amazon EC2 instances behind an Application Load Balancer. The application must handle sudden spikes in traffic without manual intervention. Which scaling approach should they use?
Manual scaling
Why wrong: Manual scaling requires human intervention and is not automatic.
Scheduled scaling
Why wrong: Scheduled scaling is for predictable traffic patterns, not sudden spikes.
Target tracking scaling policies
Target tracking automatically adjusts capacity to maintain a target metric value.
Simple scaling policies
Why wrong: Simple scaling requires cooldown periods and may not handle spikes well.
Answer choices
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 policies
Option B is correct because target tracking scaling policies automatically adjust capacity based on a target metric. Option A is wrong because simple scaling requires manual intervention for cooldown. Option C is wrong because scheduled scaling is for predictable traffic. Option D is wrong because manual scaling is not automatic.
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.
Manual scaling
Why it's wrong here
Manual scaling requires human intervention and is not automatic.
Scheduled scaling
Why it's wrong here
Scheduled scaling is for predictable traffic patterns, not sudden spikes.
Target tracking scaling policies
Why this is correct
Target tracking automatically adjusts capacity to maintain a target metric value.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Simple scaling policies
Why it's wrong here
Simple scaling requires cooldown periods and may not handle spikes well.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Target tracking scaling policies — Option B is correct because target tracking scaling policies automatically adjust capacity based on a target metric. Option A is wrong because simple scaling requires manual intervention for cooldown. Option C is wrong because scheduled scaling is for predictable traffic. Option D is wrong because manual scaling is not automatic.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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