- A
Create a resource-based policy on each resource type that denies creation in unapproved Regions.
Why wrong: Resource-based policies are scoped to individual resources and are not practical for organization-wide enforcement.
- B
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies actions in unapproved Regions. Attach it to the root or OUs.
SCPs provide centralized control over maximum permissions for accounts in an organization.
- C
Create an IAM policy that denies actions in unapproved Regions. Attach it to all IAM users and roles.
Why wrong: IAM policies cannot be attached to OUs; they apply to users/roles only and may be overridden.
- D
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log resource creation and set up a CloudWatch alarm to notify if resources are created in unapproved Regions.
Why wrong: CloudTrail logs events but does not prevent resource creation.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create a service control policy (SCP) that denies actions in unapproved Regions and attach it to the root or OUs. This works because SCPs act as a centralized permission guardrail across all accounts in an AWS Organization, effectively restricting resource creation to approved regions by blocking any API call to a non-permitted Region at the account level, regardless of IAM policies attached to users or roles. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of governance boundaries versus identity-based permissions—a common trap is confusing SCPs with IAM policies, which cannot be attached to OUs, or with resource-based policies, which apply only to specific resources. Remember the memory tip: SCPs are the "fence" around your entire organization, while IAM policies are the "keys" inside the fence.
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 uses AWS Organizations with multiple OUs. The security team wants to enforce that no resources can be created outside of approved AWS Regions. Which policy should be used, and how should it be attached?
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 a service control policy (SCP) that denies actions in unapproved Regions. Attach it to the root or OUs.
Option A is correct because SCPs can be attached to the root or OUs to deny actions in unapproved Regions. Option B is wrong because IAM policies can be attached to users/roles but not to OUs. Option C is wrong because resource-based policies are attached to individual resources. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail trails only log events, not enforce policies.
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 resource-based policy on each resource type that denies creation in unapproved Regions.
Why it's wrong here
Resource-based policies are scoped to individual resources and are not practical for organization-wide enforcement.
- ✓
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies actions in unapproved Regions. Attach it to the root or OUs.
Why this is correct
SCPs provide centralized control over maximum permissions for accounts in an organization.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Create an IAM policy that denies actions in unapproved Regions. Attach it to all IAM users and roles.
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies cannot be attached to OUs; they apply to users/roles only and may be overridden.
- ✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log resource creation and set up a CloudWatch alarm to notify if resources are created in unapproved Regions.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail logs events but does not prevent resource creation.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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 a service control policy (SCP) that denies actions in unapproved Regions. Attach it to the root or OUs. — Option A is correct because SCPs can be attached to the root or OUs to deny actions in unapproved Regions. Option B is wrong because IAM policies can be attached to users/roles but not to OUs. Option C is wrong because resource-based policies are attached to individual resources. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail trails only log events, not enforce policies.
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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