- A
Create a new launch configuration each time a new AMI is released and associate it with the Auto Scaling group.
Why wrong: Launch configurations do not support dynamic AMI IDs; they are immutable.
- B
Use AWS CloudFormation to update the stack with the new AMI ID and then manually trigger a rolling update.
Why wrong: This still requires manual steps and does not automatically use the latest AMI.
- C
Manually update the AMI ID in the EC2 Auto Scaling group configuration every time a new AMI is released.
Why wrong: Manual updates are error-prone and not scalable.
- D
Use an EC2 Auto Scaling group with a launch template that dynamically references the latest AMI ID from AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store.
This allows automatic retrieval of the latest AMI ID at launch time.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use an EC2 Auto Scaling group with a launch template that dynamically references the latest AMI ID from AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store. This works because the launch template can resolve the AMI ID at instance launch time using a dynamic reference, such as `resolve:ssm:/aws/service/ami-amazon-linux-latest/amzn2-ami-hvm-x86_64-gp2`, which automatically pulls the most recent AMI from Parameter Store without any manual updates. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to decouple infrastructure from hard-coded AMI IDs, often appearing in questions about spot instances or immutable pipelines where consistency is critical. A common trap is selecting CloudFormation or manual launch configuration updates, but those require explicit code changes or stack updates. Memory tip: think “SSM resolve for AMI evolve” — if you want the AMI to change automatically, use a dynamic SSM reference in your launch template.
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing 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 media company runs a video transcoding pipeline on AWS using Amazon EC2 Spot Instances. The pipeline uses a custom AMI with pre-installed software. The operations team notices that the latest AMI is not always used when new instances launch, causing inconsistent transcoding results. What should the team do to ensure that all new Spot Instances use the latest AMI?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"always"Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use an EC2 Auto Scaling group with a launch template that dynamically references the latest AMI ID from AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store.
Option A is correct because Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling with a launch template can reference the latest AMI ID using SSM Parameter Store. Option B is wrong because updating the AMI ID in the Auto Scaling group requires manual intervention. Option C is wrong because it does not automatically update the AMI. Option D is wrong because CloudFormation does not automatically update the AMI.
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.
- ✗
Create a new launch configuration each time a new AMI is released and associate it with the Auto Scaling group.
Why it's wrong here
Launch configurations do not support dynamic AMI IDs; they are immutable.
- ✗
Use AWS CloudFormation to update the stack with the new AMI ID and then manually trigger a rolling update.
Why it's wrong here
This still requires manual steps and does not automatically use the latest AMI.
- ✗
Manually update the AMI ID in the EC2 Auto Scaling group configuration every time a new AMI is released.
Why it's wrong here
Manual updates are error-prone and not scalable.
- ✓
Use an EC2 Auto Scaling group with a launch template that dynamically references the latest AMI ID from AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store.
Why this is correct
This allows automatic retrieval of the latest AMI ID at launch time.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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.
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.
- →
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SAP-C02 questions
1,746 questions across all exam domains
- →
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SAP-C02 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SAP-C02 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity practice questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity.
Design for New Solutions practice questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Design for New Solutions.
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions practice questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization practice questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization.
SAA-C03 VPC practice questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 VPC.
SAA-C03 S3 lifecycle policy questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 S3 lifecycle policy questions.
SAA-C03 RDS Multi-AZ questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 RDS Multi-AZ questions.
SAA-C03 IAM policy practice questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 IAM policy.
SAA-C03 Route 53 failover questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 Route 53 failover questions.
SAA-C03 CloudFront practice questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 CloudFront.
SAA-C03 NAT gateway questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 NAT gateway questions.
SAA-C03 VPC endpoint questions
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 VPC endpoint questions.
Practice this exam
Start a free SAP-C02 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — This question tests Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use an EC2 Auto Scaling group with a launch template that dynamically references the latest AMI ID from AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store. — Option A is correct because Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling with a launch template can reference the latest AMI ID using SSM Parameter Store. Option B is wrong because updating the AMI ID in the Auto Scaling group requires manual intervention. Option C is wrong because it does not automatically update the AMI. Option D is wrong because CloudFormation does not automatically update the AMI.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
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 →
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.
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.