The answer is that the AWS Management Console makes API calls to multiple services beyond just EC2, and the SCP denying all actions except allowed services blocks those auxiliary calls. This is correct because when you launch an EC2 instance via the console, it triggers calls to services like CloudWatch, Systems Manager, or KMS for encryption, which are not in the allowed list, causing the entire action to fail even though EC2 itself is permitted. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how SCPs interact with console workflows versus direct API calls—a common trap is assuming that allowing the target service is sufficient. Remember the memory tip: “Console calls a crowd; SCPs see every cloud.” Always consider that the console bundles multiple service requests, so your SCP must explicitly allow every service the console touches, not just the primary one.
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions for organizational complexity. 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 large enterprise uses AWS Organizations with 200 accounts. The central security team has implemented a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions unless the request comes from a specific set of allowed AWS services. The SCP is attached to the root OU. Recently, the DevOps team reported that they cannot launch Amazon EC2 instances in any account, even though they have full administrator access via IAM roles. The security team verifies that the SCP is correctly configured and that allowed services include EC2. However, the error message states 'Action 'ec2:RunInstances' is not authorized.' The DevOps team is using the AWS Management Console. What is the MOST LIKELY cause?
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 SCP denies all actions except those from allowed services, but the console makes calls that are not from an allowed service.
Option D is correct because SCPs that deny all actions unless the request comes from allowed services would block the initial API call to EC2 because the console makes calls to multiple services. Option A is wrong because the SCP already allows EC2. Option B is wrong because the SCP is attached to the root OU, so it applies to all accounts. Option C is wrong because the issue is not about resource-based policies.
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.
✗
The SCP does not include 'ec2:RunInstances' in the list of allowed actions.
Why it's wrong here
The team confirmed EC2 is in the allowed services list.
✗
The SCP is attached only to the root OU and not to the specific account OUs.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs attached to the root OU apply to all accounts.
✗
The IAM roles used by the DevOps team do not have a trust policy that allows the EC2 service.
Why it's wrong here
IAM roles trust users, not services; the issue is with the SCP.
✓
The SCP denies all actions except those from allowed services, but the console makes calls that are not from an allowed service.
Why this is correct
The console may call other services (e.g., CloudFormation) to launch instances, which could be denied if not in allowed list.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" 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 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 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: The SCP denies all actions except those from allowed services, but the console makes calls that are not from an allowed service. — Option D is correct because SCPs that deny all actions unless the request comes from allowed services would block the initial API call to EC2 because the console makes calls to multiple services. Option A is wrong because the SCP already allows EC2. Option B is wrong because the SCP is attached to the root OU, so it applies to all accounts. Option C is wrong because the issue is not about resource-based policies.
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: "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?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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