- A
Ensure that the task definition is registered in the CodePipeline build stage before the deploy stage.
The build stage should register the new task definition. Without it, the deploy stage may fail.
- B
Manually update the ECS service with the new task definition after the pipeline runs.
Why wrong: Manual intervention defeats the purpose of automation.
- C
Use the ECS deploy action in CodePipeline which automatically registers the task definition.
The ECS deploy action can be configured to register the task definition from a file.
- D
Add a step in the pipeline to register the task definition using the AWS CLI or SDK.
This ensures the task definition is registered before deployment.
- E
Store the task definition in Amazon ECR alongside the container image.
Why wrong: ECR stores container images, not task definitions.
Quick Answer
The answer is to add a step in the pipeline to register the task definition using the AWS CLI or SDK, along with ensuring the pipeline’s deploy action references the correct revision. This resolves the failure because CodePipeline’s ECS deploy action requires a registered task definition ARN before it can update the service; if the new definition isn’t registered first, the deployment has nothing to apply. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this tests your understanding of the deployment sequence in CodePipeline—specifically that task definition registration is a separate, prerequisite action from the ECS service update. A common trap is confusing ECR (which stores container images) with the task definition (which is a JSON blueprint stored in ECS), or assuming the pipeline automatically registers the definition. Remember the order: register the task definition first, then deploy—think “register before you deploy” to avoid the failure.
SOA-C02 Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment, provisioning, and automation. 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 deploys microservices on Amazon ECS using Fargate. The deployment is managed by AWS CodePipeline. The administrator notices that deployments sometimes fail because the new task definition is not registered before the deployment. Which THREE steps should the administrator take to resolve this issue? (Choose THREE.)
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
Ensure that the task definition is registered in the CodePipeline build stage before the deploy stage.
The issue is that the task definition must be registered before the ECS service update. Options A, D, and E are correct. Option B is wrong because the task definition is not stored in ECR; ECR stores container images. Option C is wrong because the ECS service update is triggered by CodePipeline, not manually.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Ensure that the task definition is registered in the CodePipeline build stage before the deploy stage.
Why this is correct
The build stage should register the new task definition. Without it, the deploy stage may fail.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Manually update the ECS service with the new task definition after the pipeline runs.
Why it's wrong here
Manual intervention defeats the purpose of automation.
- ✓
Use the ECS deploy action in CodePipeline which automatically registers the task definition.
Why this is correct
The ECS deploy action can be configured to register the task definition from a file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Add a step in the pipeline to register the task definition using the AWS CLI or SDK.
Why this is correct
This ensures the task definition is registered before deployment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Store the task definition in Amazon ECR alongside the container image.
Why it's wrong here
ECR stores container images, not task definitions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which SOA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SOA-C02 question test?
Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation — This question tests Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Ensure that the task definition is registered in the CodePipeline build stage before the deploy stage. — The issue is that the task definition must be registered before the ECS service update. Options A, D, and E are correct. Option B is wrong because the task definition is not stored in ECR; ECR stores container images. Option C is wrong because the ECS service update is triggered by CodePipeline, not manually.
What should I do if I get this SOA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SOA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SOA-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 SOA-C02 exam.
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