- A
Create an SCP that denies all actions in non-approved regions.
SCPs can centrally deny actions in specific regions.
- B
Enable AWS Config rules to detect untagged resources and automatically apply the required tag.
Config rules can detect and remediate untagged resources.
- C
Use IAM policies in each account to deny actions in non-approved regions.
Why wrong: IAM policies are per-account and not centrally managed; SCPs are better.
- D
Define a tag policy using AWS Organizations to enforce cost center tags.
Why wrong: Tag policies enforce tagging on resource creation but do not remediate existing resources; Config is needed for that.
- E
Create an SCP that denies the creation of resources that do not have a cost center tag.
SCPs can enforce tagging on resource creation.
Quick Answer
The correct answer combines three actions: creating a Service Control Policy (SCP) to deny resource creation outside approved AWS Regions, an SCP to deny creation of resources lacking a cost center tag, and using AWS Config rules to detect and remediate untagged resources. SCPs are the ideal centralized mechanism because they apply across all accounts in AWS Organizations, allowing you to restrict AWS regions and enforce cost center tags across accounts at the organizational root or OU level, overriding any per-account IAM permissions. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of governance at scale—specifically how SCPs differ from IAM policies (which are account-bound) and Tag Policies (which enforce tagging on creation but don’t remediate existing resources). A common trap is choosing IAM policies for central enforcement, but remember: SCPs are the only tool that can deny actions across all accounts from a single point. Memory tip: “SCPs set the guardrails, Config cleans the garage.”
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 manages 200 AWS accounts using AWS Organizations. The security team wants to prevent developers from creating resources outside of a set of approved AWS Regions. Additionally, they want to restrict the creation of resources that are not tagged with a cost center tag. Which THREE actions should be taken to enforce these requirements?
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
Create an SCP that denies all actions in non-approved regions.
Option A is correct because SCPs can deny actions in non-approved regions. Option C is correct because SCPs can deny creation of resources that do not have the required tag. Option D is correct because AWS Config rules can detect untagged resources and trigger remediation. Option B is wrong because IAM policies are per-account and not centrally managed; they can be used but SCPs are more centralized. Option E is wrong because Tag Policies enforce tagging on resource creation via SCPs, but they do not remediate existing 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 an SCP that denies all actions in non-approved regions.
Why this is correct
SCPs can centrally deny actions in specific regions.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
Enable AWS Config rules to detect untagged resources and automatically apply the required tag.
Why this is correct
Config rules can detect and remediate untagged resources.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Use IAM policies in each account to deny actions in non-approved regions.
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies are per-account and not centrally managed; SCPs are better.
- ✗
Define a tag policy using AWS Organizations to enforce cost center tags.
Why it's wrong here
Tag policies enforce tagging on resource creation but do not remediate existing resources; Config is needed for that.
- ✓
Create an SCP that denies the creation of resources that do not have a cost center tag.
Why this is correct
SCPs can enforce tagging on resource creation.
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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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: Create an SCP that denies all actions in non-approved regions. — Option A is correct because SCPs can deny actions in non-approved regions. Option C is correct because SCPs can deny creation of resources that do not have the required tag. Option D is correct because AWS Config rules can detect untagged resources and trigger remediation. Option B is wrong because IAM policies are per-account and not centrally managed; they can be used but SCPs are more centralized. Option E is wrong because Tag Policies enforce tagging on resource creation via SCPs, but they do not remediate existing 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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