The answer is that the user cannot tag instances because the IAM policy lacks the ec2:CreateTags action. Tagging an EC2 instance is a separate API call from starting or stopping it, and AWS IAM permissions must explicitly grant the ec2:CreateTags action—even if the user already has ec2:StartInstances and ec2:StopInstances. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that IAM actions are granular and independent; a common trap is assuming that broader permissions like ec2:DescribeInstances or wildcard resource constraints (instance/*) implicitly cover tagging. Remember, tagging is an action, not a resource pattern. Memory tip: “To tag, you need the tag action”—ec2:CreateTags is the gatekeeper for all metadata assignment on EC2 resources in SAP environments.
PAS-C01 Design of SAP Workloads on AWS Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of design of sap workloads on aws. 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.
An SAP administrator applies the IAM policy shown in the exhibit to an IAM user. The administrator reports that the user can start and stop EC2 instances but cannot tag them. Why is the user unable to tag instances?
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 the ec2:CreateTags action.
Option B is correct because the policy does not include ec2:CreateTags action. Option A is wrong because ec2:DescribeInstances is allowed but does not grant tagging. Option C is wrong because the resource is set to instance/* but tagging is an action, not a resource constraint. Option D is wrong because there is no explicit deny.
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.
✗
The user does not have permission to describe instances.
Why it's wrong here
ec2:DescribeInstances is allowed.
✗
The resource ARN is too restrictive.
Why it's wrong here
Resource is instance/* which covers all instances.
✗
There is an implicit deny for all actions not listed.
Why it's wrong here
Implicit deny exists but the missing action is the issue.
✓
The policy does not include the ec2:CreateTags action.
Why this is correct
Tagging requires ec2:CreateTags action.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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.
Design of SAP Workloads on AWS — This question tests Design of SAP Workloads on AWS — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy does not include the ec2:CreateTags action. — Option B is correct because the policy does not include ec2:CreateTags action. Option A is wrong because ec2:DescribeInstances is allowed but does not grant tagging. Option C is wrong because the resource is set to instance/* but tagging is an action, not a resource constraint. Option D is wrong because there is no explicit deny.
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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