The correct answer is to attach the SCP to the root organizational unit (OU) of the organization. This works because SCPs can deny the `UpdateAccountPasswordPolicy` action, and by using a condition key like `aws:RequestTag/MinimumPasswordLength` or a policy condition that checks the minimum length parameter, you effectively block any attempt to set a password policy weaker than 12 characters. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that SCPs are deny-by-default guardrails applied at the OU or root level—they cannot directly configure a password policy, only prevent non-compliant changes. A common trap is assuming SCPs can set the policy itself (they cannot) or that IAM can be region-restricted (it is global). Remember the mnemonic: SCPs are “Stop signs, not steering wheels”—they block bad actions but don’t drive the configuration.
SCS-C02 Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. 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.
A company wants to enforce that all IAM users in an AWS Organization must have a password policy that includes a minimum length of 12 characters. Which THREE steps are part of implementing this using SCPs?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Include a condition in the SCP that checks if the requested minimum password length is less than 12.
Options A, C, and E are correct. Option A is correct because SCPs can deny the UpdateAccountPasswordPolicy action. Option C is correct because the SCP must be attached to the organization root or OUs to apply to all accounts. Option E is correct because the SCP should use a condition to check MinimumPasswordLength. Option B is wrong because SCPs cannot set the policy directly. Option D is wrong because IAM is a global service and cannot be restricted to a Region.
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.
✓
Include a condition in the SCP that checks if the requested minimum password length is less than 12.
Why this is correct
The condition denies the action if the length is less than 12.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use an SCP condition to restrict password policy changes to a specific Region.
Why it's wrong here
IAM is global; Region condition doesn't apply.
✗
Write an SCP that sets the password policy to require minimum length 12.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot modify settings; they only deny or allow actions.
✓
Write an SCP that denies the iam:UpdateAccountPasswordPolicy action.
Why this is correct
Denying the action prevents changes to the password policy.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Attach the SCP to the root organizational unit (OU) of the organization.
Why this is correct
Attaching to root OU applies to all accounts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
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 SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Include a condition in the SCP that checks if the requested minimum password length is less than 12. — Options A, C, and E are correct. Option A is correct because SCPs can deny the UpdateAccountPasswordPolicy action. Option C is correct because the SCP must be attached to the organization root or OUs to apply to all accounts. Option E is correct because the SCP should use a condition to check MinimumPasswordLength. Option B is wrong because SCPs cannot set the policy directly. Option D is wrong because IAM is a global service and cannot be restricted to a Region.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 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 SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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