Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the instance is running and has passed its status checks. In the `aws ec2 describe-instance-status` output, the "running" state refers to the EC2 instance lifecycle state, meaning the instance is powered on and has completed its initial boot process. However, the key technical distinction is that this command also returns separate status fields—instance status and system status—and when both show "ok," it confirms that all status checks have passed. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between the instance lifecycle state and the results of status checks, a common trap where candidates mistakenly think "running" alone implies health. Remember that an instance can be "running" but still fail status checks if it is unresponsive or has underlying hardware issues. A useful memory tip: "Running is the power, 'ok' is the health—both must be green for a fully healthy machine."
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A solutions architect runs the CLI command and gets the output shown. What does the state 'running' indicate about the instance?
The instance is pending.
Why wrong: Pending is a different state with Code 0.
The instance is stopped.
Why wrong: The state is running, not stopped.
The instance is running and has passed its status checks.
Running means the instance is operational.
The instance is terminated.
Why wrong: Terminated state has Code 48.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The instance is running and has passed its status checks.
The CLI command `aws ec2 describe-instance-status` returns the instance state as 'running' and the instance status as 'ok'. The 'running' state in the output refers to the EC2 instance's lifecycle state, but the question specifically asks what the 'running' state indicates about the instance. In the context of `describe-instance-status`, the 'running' state shown is the instance's lifecycle state, which means the instance is powered on and has passed its initial boot. However, the correct interpretation here is that the instance is running and has passed its status checks (both system status and instance status are 'ok'), as indicated by the full output. Option C is correct because the output shows the instance is in the 'running' state and all status checks have passed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The instance is pending.
Why it's wrong here
Pending is a different state with Code 0.
The instance is stopped.
Why it's wrong here
The state is running, not stopped.
The instance is running and has passed its status checks.
Why this is correct
Running means the instance is operational.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The instance is terminated.
Why it's wrong here
Terminated state has Code 48.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the instance lifecycle state (e.g., 'running') with the status check results, assuming 'running' alone implies full health, but the question requires recognizing that the output also includes 'InstanceStatus: ok' and 'SystemStatus: ok', which together confirm the instance is running and has passed its status checks.
Detailed technical explanation
The `describe-instance-status` command returns two types of status: the instance lifecycle state (e.g., pending, running, stopping, stopped, terminated) and the status checks (system status and instance status). The system status check monitors the underlying physical host for AWS issues, while the instance status check monitors the software and network configuration of the instance. When both status checks show 'ok', it indicates the instance is fully operational. In real-world scenarios, an instance can be in the 'running' state but fail status checks (e.g., due to corrupted file system or misconfigured networking), which would cause the status to show 'impaired' or 'insufficient-data'.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The instance is running and has passed its status checks. — The CLI command `aws ec2 describe-instance-status` returns the instance state as 'running' and the instance status as 'ok'. The 'running' state in the output refers to the EC2 instance's lifecycle state, but the question specifically asks what the 'running' state indicates about the instance. In the context of `describe-instance-status`, the 'running' state shown is the instance's lifecycle state, which means the instance is powered on and has passed its initial boot. However, the correct interpretation here is that the instance is running and has passed its status checks (both system status and instance status are 'ok'), as indicated by the full output. Option C is correct because the output shows the instance is in the 'running' state and all status checks have passed.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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