Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Compute Optimizer. This service is the correct choice because it analyzes historical CPU, memory, and I/O utilization metrics from Amazon CloudWatch to generate specific, data-driven recommendations for instance type changes, directly addressing the need to right-size EC2 instances for SAP workloads by identifying over-provisioned resources. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between cost-optimization tools: while Trusted Advisor offers high-level checks and Cost Explorer shows spending patterns, only Compute Optimizer provides granular, instance-level suggestions based on actual usage. A common trap is confusing CloudWatch, which provides the raw metrics, with Compute Optimizer, which interprets them into actionable recommendations. Memory tip: Think of Compute Optimizer as the “personal trainer” for your EC2 instances—it analyzes past performance to recommend the right size, not just the cost.
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. 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 running SAP ERP on AWS and wants to reduce costs by right-sizing the EC2 instances. The administrator has identified that the current instances are over-provisioned for CPU and memory. Which AWS service can provide recommendations for instance type changes based on historical usage?
AWS Trusted Advisor
Why wrong: Trusted Advisor offers cost optimization checks but less specific instance recommendations.
AWS Compute Optimizer
Compute Optimizer uses machine learning to recommend optimal AWS resources.
Amazon CloudWatch
Why wrong: CloudWatch provides raw metrics, not recommendations.
AWS Cost Explorer
Why wrong: Cost Explorer shows historical cost data, not instance recommendations.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Compute Optimizer
Option C is correct because AWS Compute Optimizer analyzes utilization and recommends optimal instance types. Option A is wrong because AWS Trusted Advisor provides cost optimization checks but not detailed instance recommendations. Option B is wrong because Amazon CloudWatch provides metrics but not recommendations. Option D is wrong because AWS Cost Explorer provides cost usage data, not instance recommendations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS Trusted Advisor
Why it's wrong here
Trusted Advisor offers cost optimization checks but less specific instance recommendations.
AWS Compute Optimizer
Why this is correct
Compute Optimizer uses machine learning to recommend optimal AWS resources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Amazon CloudWatch
Why it's wrong here
CloudWatch provides raw metrics, not recommendations.
AWS Cost Explorer
Why it's wrong here
Cost Explorer shows historical cost data, not instance recommendations.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Cost Explorer shows historical cost data, not instance recommendations.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
Technology — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Technology practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PAS-C01 questions
1,733 questions across all exam domains
AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
PAS-C01 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Design of SAP Workloads on AWS.
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Technology.
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Migration.
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Operations and Maintenance.
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to PAS-C01 fundamentals.
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to PAS-C01 scenario.
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to PAS-C01 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Technology — This question tests Technology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS Compute Optimizer — Option C is correct because AWS Compute Optimizer analyzes utilization and recommends optimal instance types. Option A is wrong because AWS Trusted Advisor provides cost optimization checks but not detailed instance recommendations. Option B is wrong because Amazon CloudWatch provides metrics but not recommendations. Option D is wrong because AWS Cost Explorer provides cost usage data, not instance recommendations.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This PAS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PAS-C01 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.