Quick Answer
The answer is rehost, also known as lift-and-shift, because it is the only migration strategy that moves a monolithic application to AWS with zero code changes, typically by migrating workloads directly to Amazon EC2 instances. This approach is correct when the primary goal is to minimize application modifications while still gaining the operational benefits of AWS, such as improved scalability and reduced data center overhead. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between the seven common migration strategies (the 7 Rs), where rehost is the fastest path to the cloud but does not leverage managed services like Amazon RDS or Lambda without additional effort. A common trap is confusing rehost with replatform, which still requires minor code tweaks to use managed services; remember that rehost means “no code changes, just move the box.” Memory tip: think “Rehost = Relocate, not Refactor.”
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. 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 company is migrating a monolithic application to AWS. They want to minimize changes to the application code while taking advantage of AWS managed services. Which migration strategy should they use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Rehost / Lift-and-Shift
Moves the application as-is, minimizing code changes.
Repurchase / Drop and Shop
Why wrong: Replaces the application with a commercial off-the-shelf product.
Replatform / Lift, Tinker, and Shift
Why wrong: Involves some optimizations like moving to RDS but still requires changes.
Refactor / Re-architect
Why wrong: Requires modifying application code to use cloud-native features.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Rehost / Lift-and-Shift
Option B (Rehost) is correct because it involves moving the application as-is to AWS, often using services like EC2, without code changes. Option A (Refactor) requires code changes. Option C (Replatform) involves some optimizations but still requires changes. Option D (Repurchase) replaces the application with a SaaS solution.
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.
Rehost / Lift-and-Shift
Why this is correct
Moves the application as-is, minimizing code changes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Repurchase / Drop and Shop
Why it's wrong here
Replaces the application with a commercial off-the-shelf product.
Replatform / Lift, Tinker, and Shift
Why it's wrong here
Involves some optimizations like moving to RDS but still requires changes.
Refactor / Re-architect
Why it's wrong here
Requires modifying application code to use cloud-native features.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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 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.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Rehost / Lift-and-Shift — Option B (Rehost) is correct because it involves moving the application as-is to AWS, often using services like EC2, without code changes. Option A (Refactor) requires code changes. Option C (Replatform) involves some optimizations but still requires changes. Option D (Repurchase) replaces the application with a SaaS solution.
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.
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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