- A
The policy does not include ec2:RunInstances in the Action list
Why wrong: This option is incorrect because if the policy simply did not include ec2:RunInstances in the Action list, the simulation would return 'implicitDeny', not 'explicitDeny'. An explicitDeny requires a Deny statement.
- B
The policy includes an explicit Deny statement for ec2:RunInstances
This option is correct because the 'explicitDeny' result directly corresponds to an explicit Deny statement in the policy that denies ec2:RunInstances.
- C
The policy allows ec2:Describe* but the action ec2:RunInstances is not a Describe action
Why wrong: This option is incorrect because the fact that ec2:RunInstances is not a Describe action is irrelevant to the 'explicitDeny' outcome; it would still result in an implicit deny if no Allow statement existed.
- D
The policy uses a Resource of '*' which does not include the required resources
Why wrong: This option is incorrect because an allow with Resource '*' would still allow the action if it were in the Action list; the 'explicitDeny' indicates a Deny statement, not a resource mismatch.
SCS-C02 Explicit Deny Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. A key principle to apply: explicit Deny. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A security engineer runs the 'simulate-custom-policy' command to test a policy. The output shows 'explicitDeny' for ec2:RunInstances. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The policy includes an explicit Deny statement for ec2:RunInstances
The 'simulate-custom-policy' output shows 'explicitDeny', which indicates that the policy contains an explicit Deny statement for the action ec2:RunInstances. An explicitDeny is only returned when a Deny statement matches the action, not when the action is simply missing from an Allow list. Therefore, the most likely reason is that the policy includes an explicit Deny statement.
Key principle: Explicit Deny
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 policy does not include ec2:RunInstances in the Action list
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect because if the policy simply did not include ec2:RunInstances in the Action list, the simulation would return 'implicitDeny', not 'explicitDeny'. An explicitDeny requires a Deny statement.
- ✓
The policy includes an explicit Deny statement for ec2:RunInstances
Why this is correct
This option is correct because the 'explicitDeny' result directly corresponds to an explicit Deny statement in the policy that denies ec2:RunInstances.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Explicit Deny
- ✗
The policy allows ec2:Describe* but the action ec2:RunInstances is not a Describe action
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect because the fact that ec2:RunInstances is not a Describe action is irrelevant to the 'explicitDeny' outcome; it would still result in an implicit deny if no Allow statement existed.
- ✗
The policy uses a Resource of '*' which does not include the required resources
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect because an allow with Resource '*' would still allow the action if it were in the Action list; the 'explicitDeny' indicates a Deny statement, not a resource mismatch.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is confusing 'explicitDeny' with 'implicitDeny'. An explicitDeny only occurs when an actual Deny statement in the policy or identity-based policy denies the action. A missing allow leads to an implicitDeny, not explicitDeny.
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
- Explicit Deny
- Implicit Deny
- AWS Policy Simulator
- Effect of Missing Allow
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
Explicit Deny
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Explicit Deny Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review explicit Deny, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Identity and Access Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Explicit Deny.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy includes an explicit Deny statement for ec2:RunInstances — The 'simulate-custom-policy' output shows 'explicitDeny', which indicates that the policy contains an explicit Deny statement for the action ec2:RunInstances. An explicitDeny is only returned when a Deny statement matches the action, not when the action is simply missing from an Allow list. Therefore, the most likely reason is that the policy includes an explicit Deny statement.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review explicit Deny, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Explicit Deny
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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