Quick Answer
The answer is a target tracking scaling policy based on average CPU utilization, as it provides the most cost-effective auto scaling for variable traffic patterns. This policy works by automatically adjusting the number of EC2 instances to maintain a target metric—like 50% CPU—so the application scales up precisely when traffic spikes hit and scales down when demand drops, avoiding over-provisioning. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish dynamic scaling from rigid approaches: manual scaling (Option A) fails to react to spikes, scheduled scaling (Option B) only handles predictable patterns, and simple scaling (Option C) is less responsive because it lacks the continuous adjustment loop of target tracking. A common trap is confusing simple scaling with target tracking—remember that target tracking is like a thermostat, constantly measuring and correcting, while simple scaling is a one-shot alarm reaction. Memory tip: “Track the target, don’t just trigger it.”
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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 is designing a web application that must handle sudden spikes in traffic. The application runs in a VPC and uses an Application Load Balancer (ALB) to distribute traffic to EC2 instances. The solution must be cost-effective for variable traffic patterns. Which scaling strategy should be used?
Simple scaling with step adjustments
Why wrong: Less responsive than target tracking.
Target tracking scaling policy based on average CPU utilization
Automatically adjusts capacity to maintain a target metric, cost-effective.
Scheduled scaling
Why wrong: Works for predictable patterns, not sudden spikes.
Manual scaling
Why wrong: Requires human intervention, not suitable for sudden spikes.
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 policy based on average CPU utilization
Option D is correct because a target tracking scaling policy with a predefined metric like CPU utilization is the simplest and most cost-effective way to handle variable traffic. Option A (manual scaling) is not dynamic. Option B (scheduled scaling) works for predictable patterns, not sudden spikes. Option C (simple scaling) is less responsive than target tracking.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Simple scaling with step adjustments
Why it's wrong here
Less responsive than target tracking.
Target tracking scaling policy based on average CPU utilization
Scheduled scaling
Why it's wrong here
Works for predictable patterns, not sudden spikes.
Manual scaling
Why it's wrong here
Requires human intervention, not suitable for sudden spikes.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Target tracking scaling policy based on average CPU utilization — Option D is correct because a target tracking scaling policy with a predefined metric like CPU utilization is the simplest and most cost-effective way to handle variable traffic. Option A (manual scaling) is not dynamic. Option B (scheduled scaling) works for predictable patterns, not sudden spikes. Option C (simple scaling) is less responsive than target tracking.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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