The answer is to use AWS Systems Manager Run Command to install the CodeDeploy agent on existing EC2 instances. This is correct because the CodeDeploy agent is a required piece of software that runs on each target instance to pull and execute deployment instructions from the CodeDeploy service; without it, the instance cannot participate in any deployment. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that fixing a failed deployment requires addressing the root cause on existing instances, not just updating launch configurations or deployment groups—a common trap is thinking a new launch configuration alone will retroactively fix running instances. The three required actions are installing the agent via user data for new instances, baking it into a custom AMI, or using Run Command for existing instances. Memory tip: “Run, Bake, or Boot” — Run Command for live instances, bake into an AMI, or boot with user data.
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 is using AWS CodeDeploy to deploy an application to an Auto Scaling group. The deployment fails because the instances do not have the CodeDeploy agent installed. Which THREE actions are required to resolve this issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install the CodeDeploy agent on the instances using user data in the launch configuration.
The CodeDeploy agent must be installed on each instance. This can be done by installing it via user data, using a pre-built AMI with the agent, or using AWS Systems Manager Run Command. Changing the deployment configuration does not install the agent. Updating the Auto Scaling group launch configuration alone does not install the agent on existing instances.
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.
✓
Install the CodeDeploy agent on the instances using user data in the launch configuration.
Why this is correct
User data can install the agent at launch.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Create a new AMI that includes the CodeDeploy agent.
Why this is correct
A pre-built AMI with the agent ensures it's installed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use AWS Systems Manager Run Command to install the agent on existing instances.
Why this is correct
Run Command can install the agent on running instances.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the deployment configuration to 'OneAtATime'.
Why it's wrong here
The deployment configuration controls batch size, not agent installation.
✗
Update the Auto Scaling group's launch configuration to use a different instance type.
Why it's wrong here
Instance type is irrelevant to agent installation.
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.
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: Install the CodeDeploy agent on the instances using user data in the launch configuration. — The CodeDeploy agent must be installed on each instance. This can be done by installing it via user data, using a pre-built AMI with the agent, or using AWS Systems Manager Run Command. Changing the deployment configuration does not install the agent. Updating the Auto Scaling group launch configuration alone does not install the agent on existing instances.
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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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is using AWS CodeDeploy to deploy an application to an EC2 instances in an Auto Scaling group. The deployment fails because the instances are not reporting to CodeDeploy. What is the most likely cause?
easy
A.The security group does not allow inbound traffic from CodeDeploy.
B.The instances do not have the correct IAM role to allow CodeDeploy to access them.
C.The application is not running on the instances.
✓ D.The CodeDeploy agent is not installed on the instances.
Why D: Option B is correct because the CodeDeploy agent must be installed and running on the instances to receive deployment instructions. Option A is wrong because the IAM role is necessary but typically assigned to the Auto Scaling group. Option C is wrong because the application might be running, but the agent is not. Option D is wrong because the security group might be blocking, but the agent uses HTTPS which is usually allowed.
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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.
Question Discussion
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