Quick Answer
The correct answer is ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances, as these are the precise API actions required to power an EC2 instance on and off without granting any additional permissions. This follows the principle of least privilege by limiting the IAM policy to only the actions necessary for the SAP administrator’s task, avoiding broader permissions like ec2:RebootInstances, ec2:RunInstances, or ec2:TerminateInstances, which would introduce unnecessary risk or destructive capability. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of crafting granular IAM policies for SAP environments, where operational control must be tightly scoped to prevent accidental disruption of critical systems. A common trap is confusing stop with terminate or including reboot when it isn’t specified, so always match the policy actions exactly to the required workflow. Memory tip: think “Start and Stop, nothing more—no reboot, no terminate, no door.”
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of operations and maintenance. 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 SAP administrator needs to grant an IAM user permission to start and stop EC2 instances that are part of an SAP environment. The administrator wants to follow the principle of least privilege. Which IAM policy action should be included?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
ec2:TerminateInstances
Why wrong: Terminate permanently deletes instances, which is beyond the required permissions.
ec2:RunInstances
Why wrong: RunInstances launches new instances, which is not required.
ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances
These actions specifically allow starting and stopping instances.
ec2:RebootInstances
Why wrong: Reboot is not the same as stop/start.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances
Option C is correct because ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances are the specific actions needed. Option A is wrong because ec2:RebootInstances is not required. Option B is wrong because ec2:RunInstances launches new instances. Option D is wrong because ec2:TerminateInstances is more destructive than needed.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ec2:TerminateInstances
Why it's wrong here
Terminate permanently deletes instances, which is beyond the required permissions.
ec2:RunInstances
Why it's wrong here
RunInstances launches new instances, which is not required.
ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances
Why this is correct
These actions specifically allow starting and stopping instances.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
ec2:RebootInstances
Why it's wrong here
Reboot is not the same as stop/start.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PAS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Operations and Maintenance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Operations and Maintenance — This question tests Operations and Maintenance — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances — Option C is correct because ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances are the specific actions needed. Option A is wrong because ec2:RebootInstances is not required. Option B is wrong because ec2:RunInstances launches new instances. Option D is wrong because ec2:TerminateInstances is more destructive than needed.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PAS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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