Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Security Token Service (STS), which is the correct IAM feature for granting temporary, limited-privilege credentials for a specific role. STS works by issuing a temporary security token that has a configurable expiration time, allowing users or applications to assume a role and access AWS resources with only the permissions defined in that role’s trust and access policies. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept often appears in scenario-based questions where you need to distinguish between the feature that creates temporary credentials (STS) and the entity that holds the permissions (the IAM role itself). A common trap is confusing IAM roles with STS—remember that roles are the container for permissions, while STS is the service that generates the temporary keys to access that container. For a quick memory tip: think of STS as the “temporary key maker” for roles, not the role itself.
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. 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.
Which IAM feature allows you to grant temporary, limited-privilege credentials for a specific role?
Resource-based policies
Why wrong: Resource-based policies grant access but not temporary credentials.
IAM roles
Why wrong: Roles are the container; STS provides the credentials.
AWS STS
Security Token Service issues temporary credentials.
Service control policies
Why wrong: SCPs control maximum permissions.
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 STS
Option A is correct because STS is used for temporary credentials. Option B is wrong because IAM roles are the entity, not the feature. Option C is wrong because SCPs are for Organizations. Option D is wrong because resource-based policies are for granting to other accounts.
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.
Resource-based policies
Why it's wrong here
Resource-based policies grant access but not temporary credentials.
IAM roles
Why it's wrong here
Roles are the container; STS provides the credentials.
AWS STS
Why this is correct
Security Token Service issues temporary credentials.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Service control policies
Why it's wrong here
SCPs control maximum permissions.
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 SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Identity and Access Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: AWS STS — Option A is correct because STS is used for temporary credentials. Option B is wrong because IAM roles are the entity, not the feature. Option C is wrong because SCPs are for Organizations. Option D is wrong because resource-based policies are for granting to other accounts.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SCS-C02 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 SCS-C02 exam.
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