The answer is to apply an SCP that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the request includes the CostCenter tag. This works because a Service Control Policy (SCP) operates at the AWS Organizations level to enforce tag propagation by blocking resource creation entirely when the required tag is missing, making it a preventive control rather than a detective one. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between preventive and detective controls—a common trap is choosing AWS Config (which only detects non-compliance after creation) or a post-creation Lambda fix (which is reactive and allows a window of untagged resources). The key insight is that SCPs enforce cost center tag requirements at the API call level, preventing any untagged EC2 instance from being launched across all accounts in the OU. Memory tip: SCPs are the "bouncer" at the door—deny entry before the party starts, not after.
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions for organizational complexity. 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 uses AWS Organizations with multiple OUs. The finance team needs visibility into costs across all accounts. They want to tag resources with a 'CostCenter' tag. What is the BEST way to enforce tag propagation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apply an SCP that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the request includes the CostCenter tag.
Using an SCP to deny creation of untagged resources is effective. Option A is wrong because AWS Config can detect but not enforce. Option C is wrong because it doesn't prevent creation. Option D is wrong because it's after the fact.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use AWS Service Catalog to enforce tagging on provisioned products.
Why it's wrong here
Only applies to products provisioned via Service Catalog.
✗
Run a Lambda function that tags resources after creation based on the creator's cost center.
Why it's wrong here
Does not prevent untagged resources from being created.
✗
Use AWS Config rules to mark non-compliant resources and auto-remediate.
Why it's wrong here
Reactive; resources are created without tags.
✓
Apply an SCP that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the request includes the CostCenter tag.
Why this is correct
SCP can enforce tag requirements at creation time.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SAP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity — This question tests Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply an SCP that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the request includes the CostCenter tag. — Using an SCP to deny creation of untagged resources is effective. Option A is wrong because AWS Config can detect but not enforce. Option C is wrong because it doesn't prevent creation. Option D is wrong because it's after the fact.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SAP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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