The answer is that the missing s3:AbortMultipartUpload permission is the most likely cause of the access denied error. AWS DMS uses multipart uploads when writing data to S3, and if the IAM policy attached to the DMS role grants s3:PutObject but omits s3:AbortMultipartUpload, DMS cannot cleanly finalize or cancel incomplete uploads, resulting in a denied request. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DMS-specific S3 permissions beyond basic write access, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume PutObject alone is sufficient. A common mistake is overlooking that DMS requires both actions to handle upload lifecycle events, especially during large data migrations. Remember the mnemonic "DMS Needs Both Put and Abort" to avoid this pitfall.
PAS-C01 Migration Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of migration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:PutObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::migration-bucket/*"
}
]
}
Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy is attached to a role used by AWS DMS to write data to an S3 bucket. The migration fails with an access denied error. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy does not include s3:AbortMultipartUpload.
Option B is correct because DMS needs s3:PutObject and s3:AbortMultipartUpload actions. Option A is incorrect because the bucket exists. Option C is incorrect because encryption settings are not shown. Option D is incorrect because the policy allows PutObject.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The policy does not allow s3:PutObject.
Why it's wrong here
The policy does allow s3:PutObject.
✓
The policy does not include s3:AbortMultipartUpload.
Why this is correct
DMS uses multipart uploads and requires the abort action.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The bucket has default encryption enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not cause access denied if policy allows.
✗
The bucket name is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
The ARN uses bucket name migration-bucket, which is assumed correct.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PAS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Migration — This question tests Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy does not include s3:AbortMultipartUpload. — Option B is correct because DMS needs s3:PutObject and s3:AbortMultipartUpload actions. Option A is incorrect because the bucket exists. Option C is incorrect because encryption settings are not shown. Option D is incorrect because the policy allows PutObject.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which PAS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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