- A
Condition: StringEquals aws:PrincipalOrgID
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'aws:PrincipalOrgID' restricts access to a specific AWS Organization, but it does not prevent the root user from delegating within that organization.
- B
Condition: Bool aws:PrincipalIsAWSService false
Why wrong: Incorrect. Setting 'aws:PrincipalIsAWSService' to false only prevents AWS services from assuming the role; it does not prevent the root user or IAM users/roles from assuming it, so delegation is still possible.
- C
Condition: ArnLike aws:SourceArn
Correct. By using 'ArnLike aws:SourceArn' with a specific IAM role ARN, only that role can assume the cross-account role, effectively preventing the root user from delegating permissions.
- D
Condition: StringEquals aws:SourceAccount
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'aws:SourceAccount' is used to restrict requests to a specific source account, but it does not restrict the principal within that account, so delegation remains possible.
SCS-C02 aws:PrincipalIsAWSService Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: aws:PrincipalIsAWSService. 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 security engineer is designing a cross-account IAM role that allows an external AWS account to access resources in the company's account. The external account's root user must not be able to delegate permissions to other users. Which trust policy condition should be included?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Condition: ArnLike aws:SourceArn
The condition 'ArnLike aws:SourceArn' is used in trust policies to restrict the source principal to a specific ARN. By setting this condition to the ARN of a specific IAM role in the external account, only that role can assume the cross-account role. This prevents the root user from assuming the role directly, and since the root user cannot delegate permissions it doesn't have, delegation is prevented. Option B ('aws:PrincipalIsAWSService' false) only excludes AWS services but does not restrict the root user or IAM users/roles, so it does not prevent delegation.
Key principle: aws:PrincipalIsAWSService
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Condition: StringEquals aws:PrincipalOrgID
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'aws:PrincipalOrgID' restricts access to a specific AWS Organization, but it does not prevent the root user from delegating within that organization.
- ✗
Condition: Bool aws:PrincipalIsAWSService false
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Setting 'aws:PrincipalIsAWSService' to false only prevents AWS services from assuming the role; it does not prevent the root user or IAM users/roles from assuming it, so delegation is still possible.
- ✓
Condition: ArnLike aws:SourceArn
Why this is correct
Correct. By using 'ArnLike aws:SourceArn' with a specific IAM role ARN, only that role can assume the cross-account role, effectively preventing the root user from delegating permissions.
Related concept
aws:PrincipalIsAWSService
- ✗
Condition: StringEquals aws:SourceAccount
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'aws:SourceAccount' is used to restrict requests to a specific source account, but it does not restrict the principal within that account, so delegation remains possible.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
This question tests the understanding that to prevent the root user from delegating, the trust policy must restrict the principal to a specific IAM entity using 'aws:SourceArn' or 'aws:PrincipalArn', not generic conditions like 'aws:PrincipalIsAWSService'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- aws:PrincipalIsAWSService
- Cross-account IAM role
- Trust policy
- Delegation of permissions
TExam Day Tips
- 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
aws:PrincipalIsAWSService
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 aws:PrincipalIsAWSService, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — aws:PrincipalIsAWSService.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Condition: ArnLike aws:SourceArn — The condition 'ArnLike aws:SourceArn' is used in trust policies to restrict the source principal to a specific ARN. By setting this condition to the ARN of a specific IAM role in the external account, only that role can assume the cross-account role. This prevents the root user from assuming the role directly, and since the root user cannot delegate permissions it doesn't have, delegation is prevented. Option B ('aws:PrincipalIsAWSService' false) only excludes AWS services but does not restrict the root user or IAM users/roles, so it does not prevent delegation.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review aws:PrincipalIsAWSService, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
aws:PrincipalIsAWSService
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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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