- A
The instance does not have an IAM role that allows sending metrics to CloudWatch.
Why wrong: While an IAM role is needed, the exhibit does not show IAM information; this is a possible cause but not the most likely given the monitoring state.
- B
The instance's security group is blocking outbound traffic to CloudWatch endpoints.
Why wrong: The instance has internet connectivity, so security group is likely not the issue.
- C
The instance is in the wrong AWS region for CloudWatch.
Why wrong: The region is not shown, but CloudWatch is region-specific; however, the instance would still send metrics to its own region.
- D
The CloudWatch agent is not installed or running on the instance.
The monitoring state is 'disabled', indicating detailed monitoring is off, but even with basic monitoring, the CloudWatch agent is needed for system-level metrics.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the CloudWatch agent is not installed or running on the instance. This is the most likely reason because standard EC2 metrics like CPU and network are sent automatically by the hypervisor, but custom metrics—such as memory or disk utilization—require the CloudWatch agent to be installed and configured on the operating system. Without the agent, the instance simply has no mechanism to push those additional metrics to CloudWatch, even if it has internet connectivity and a valid IAM role. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the distinction between basic EC2 monitoring (enabled by default at 5-minute intervals) and detailed monitoring or custom metric collection, which demands the agent. A common trap is assuming that a running instance with internet access will automatically report all metrics; in reality, the agent is a separate installation. Memory tip: “Agent for custom, hypervisor for standard”—if it’s not CPU, network, or disk read/write, you need the CloudWatch agent.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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 solutions architect is troubleshooting an EC2 instance that is not sending metrics to CloudWatch. The instance is running and has internet connectivity. Based on the exhibit, what is the MOST likely reason?
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 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
The CloudWatch agent is not installed or running on the instance.
The exhibit shows that monitoring is disabled. Detailed monitoring is required for EC2 metrics at 1-minute frequency, but basic monitoring (5-minute) is enabled by default. However, if the CloudWatch agent is not installed, custom metrics won't be sent. The most likely reason is that the CloudWatch agent is not installed or configured. Option A (no IAM role) is possible but not shown. Option B (security group) is not shown. Option D (wrong region) is unlikely.
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.
- ✗
The instance does not have an IAM role that allows sending metrics to CloudWatch.
Why it's wrong here
While an IAM role is needed, the exhibit does not show IAM information; this is a possible cause but not the most likely given the monitoring state.
- ✗
The instance's security group is blocking outbound traffic to CloudWatch endpoints.
Why it's wrong here
The instance has internet connectivity, so security group is likely not the issue.
- ✗
The instance is in the wrong AWS region for CloudWatch.
Why it's wrong here
The region is not shown, but CloudWatch is region-specific; however, the instance would still send metrics to its own region.
- ✓
The CloudWatch agent is not installed or running on the instance.
Why this is correct
The monitoring state is 'disabled', indicating detailed monitoring is off, but even with basic monitoring, the CloudWatch agent is needed for system-level metrics.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" 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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While an IAM role is needed, the exhibit does not show IAM information; this is a possible cause but not the most likely given the monitoring state.
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 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.
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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Design for New Solutions — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The CloudWatch agent is not installed or running on the instance. — The exhibit shows that monitoring is disabled. Detailed monitoring is required for EC2 metrics at 1-minute frequency, but basic monitoring (5-minute) is enabled by default. However, if the CloudWatch agent is not installed, custom metrics won't be sent. The most likely reason is that the CloudWatch agent is not installed or configured. Option A (no IAM role) is possible but not shown. Option B (security group) is not shown. Option D (wrong region) is unlikely.
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: "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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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