The correct answer is that the user can modify the production SAP RDS instance. This is because the IAM policy grants full rds:* access to all resources, and the only explicit deny is on the DeleteDBInstance action specifically for the prod-sap-db resource. Since modifying an instance is a separate action from deletion, and no other denies are present, the wildcard allow for rds:* permits all other operations, including modifications, on that database. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your ability to parse IAM policy logic, particularly how an explicit deny overrides an allow but only for the specific action and resource listed. A common trap is assuming a deny on deletion blocks all write actions, but the policy still allows modifications, backups, and other management tasks. Memory tip: think of IAM as a bouncer—denying entry for one specific person (DeleteDBInstance) doesn’t stop that person from talking to others (ModifyDBInstance).
PAS-C01 Migration Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of migration. 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 SAP database to Amazon RDS. The IAM policy shown in the exhibit is attached to a user. Which action is allowed by this policy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the production SAP RDS instance.
Option D is correct because the policy allows rds:* on all resources except the specific deny on DeleteDBInstance for the prod-sap-db. Therefore, the user can modify the production database. Option A is wrong because the deny on DeleteDBInstance for prod-sap-db prevents deletion. Option B is wrong because the policy does not restrict to read-only. Option C is wrong because the policy does allow some write actions.
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 new RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
While allowed, the question asks about an action allowed; modify is more direct.
✓
Modify the production SAP RDS instance.
Why this is correct
Modify is allowed under rds:*.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Delete the production SAP RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
Deny explicitly blocks deletion.
✗
Only read RDS instances.
Why it's wrong here
Policy allows all rds actions except deletion.
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 PAS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Migration — This question tests Migration — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the production SAP RDS instance. — Option D is correct because the policy allows rds:* on all resources except the specific deny on DeleteDBInstance for the prod-sap-db. Therefore, the user can modify the production database. Option A is wrong because the deny on DeleteDBInstance for prod-sap-db prevents deletion. Option B is wrong because the policy does not restrict to read-only. Option C is wrong because the policy does allow some write actions.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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