- A
Create a Lambda function that tags resources after creation.
Why wrong: Incorrect: This approach is reactive—it tags resources after creation, but untagged resources may exist temporarily, violating compliance requirements.
- B
Use IAM policies to require tagging on all resource creation.
Why wrong: Incorrect: IAM policies cannot reliably enforce tagging on all resource types across all services; many services do not support condition keys for tags at creation time.
- C
Use a CloudFormation stack policy with a deny effect for resource creation without tags.
Why wrong: Incorrect: CloudFormation stack policies do not prevent resource creation based on tags; they only control updates and deletions. They cannot enforce tagging at creation.
- D
Use an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation via SSM Automation.
Correct: An AWS Config rule can evaluate resources as they are created and trigger an SSM Automation document to automatically apply the required CostCenter tag, providing near real-time remediation.
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing 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 company uses AWS CloudFormation to deploy infrastructure. The team wants to ensure that all resources are tagged with a CostCenter tag. They want to automatically remediate any stack that creates resources without the required tag. Which approach is MOST effective?
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 AWS Config rule with auto-remediation via SSM Automation.
Option D is correct because using an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation via SSM Automation can detect untagged resources in near real-time and automatically apply the required CostCenter tag, ensuring compliance without manual intervention. Option A is incorrect because tagging after creation is reactive and does not prevent untagged resources from existing temporarily. Option B is incorrect because IAM policies cannot enforce tagging across all services consistently, and many services allow resource creation without tags even with IAM restrictions. Option C is incorrect because CloudFormation stack policies only control updates and deletions, not creation; they cannot prevent the creation of untagged resources.
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.
- ✗
Create a Lambda function that tags resources after creation.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This approach is reactive—it tags resources after creation, but untagged resources may exist temporarily, violating compliance requirements.
- ✗
Use IAM policies to require tagging on all resource creation.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: IAM policies cannot reliably enforce tagging on all resource types across all services; many services do not support condition keys for tags at creation time.
- ✗
Use a CloudFormation stack policy with a deny effect for resource creation without tags.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: CloudFormation stack policies do not prevent resource creation based on tags; they only control updates and deletions. They cannot enforce tagging at creation.
- ✓
Use an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation via SSM Automation.
Why this is correct
Correct: An AWS Config rule can evaluate resources as they are created and trigger an SSM Automation document to automatically apply the required CostCenter tag, providing near real-time remediation.
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.
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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 — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation via SSM Automation. — Option D is correct because using an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation via SSM Automation can detect untagged resources in near real-time and automatically apply the required CostCenter tag, ensuring compliance without manual intervention. Option A is incorrect because tagging after creation is reactive and does not prevent untagged resources from existing temporarily. Option B is incorrect because IAM policies cannot enforce tagging across all services consistently, and many services allow resource creation without tags even with IAM restrictions. Option C is incorrect because CloudFormation stack policies only control updates and deletions, not creation; they cannot prevent the creation of untagged resources.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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