- A
{"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"ec2:CreateAction":"true"}}}
Denies if the create action is not null, but actually the null condition on ec2:CreateAction ensures the tag is provided.
- B
{"Effect":"Allow","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"aws:RequestTag/CostCenter":"false"}}}
Why wrong: Allows only if tag is present, but does not deny if absent.
- C
{"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"aws:RequestTag/CostCenter":"true"}}}
Why wrong: Denies if tag is not present, but condition should be on the action.
- D
{"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"StringNotEquals":{"aws:RequestTag/CostCenter":"MyProject"}}}
Why wrong: Requires a specific value, not just presence.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is the policy that uses a Deny effect with the condition key `ec2:CreateAction` set to `"true"`. This works because the `ec2:CreateAction` condition key specifically checks whether a tag is being applied during the EC2 launch action itself, rather than checking for an existing tag on a resource. By denying the `ec2:RunInstances` action when this condition is null, you enforce that the `CostCenter` tag must be provided at the moment of launch, not added afterward. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between condition keys that evaluate tag creation versus tag existence—a common trap is confusing `ec2:CreateAction` with `aws:RequestTag` or `aws:ResourceTag`. Remember the mnemonic: “Create at launch, deny if null” to recall that `ec2:CreateAction` enforces tagging during the API call itself.
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions for organizational complexity. 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 wants to allow developers to launch EC2 instances only if they include a specific tag 'CostCenter'. The tag must be provided at launch. Which IAM policy should be used?
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
{"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"ec2:CreateAction":"true"}}}
Option B is correct because the condition ec2:CreateAction ensures the tag is applied during launch. Option A is wrong because the condition is on the tag, not on the action. Option C is wrong because it requires a specific value. Option D is wrong because it denies all launches without tag.
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.
- ✓
{"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"ec2:CreateAction":"true"}}}
Why this is correct
Denies if the create action is not null, but actually the null condition on ec2:CreateAction ensures the tag is provided.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
{"Effect":"Allow","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"aws:RequestTag/CostCenter":"false"}}}
Why it's wrong here
Allows only if tag is present, but does not deny if absent.
- ✗
{"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"aws:RequestTag/CostCenter":"true"}}}
Why it's wrong here
Denies if tag is not present, but condition should be on the action.
- ✗
{"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"StringNotEquals":{"aws:RequestTag/CostCenter":"MyProject"}}}
Why it's wrong here
Requires a specific value, not just presence.
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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Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity — This question tests Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: {"Effect":"Deny","Action":"ec2:RunInstances","Resource":"*","Condition":{"Null":{"ec2:CreateAction":"true"}}} — Option B is correct because the condition ec2:CreateAction ensures the tag is applied during launch. Option A is wrong because the condition is on the tag, not on the action. Option C is wrong because it requires a specific value. Option D is wrong because it denies all launches without tag.
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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