The correct answer is to install the SSM Agent on the existing instances using a script or AWS Systems Manager Run Command. This approach is correct because the SSM Agent is the core component that enables an EC2 instance to communicate with the Systems Manager service; installing it on a running instance requires no reboot or instance replacement, allowing you to migrate from OpsWorks to Systems Manager without downtime. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding that configuration management migration is about agent installation, not infrastructure recreation—a common trap is assuming you must rebuild instances or swap stacks, which would violate the critical uptime requirement. Remember the key principle: you can add the SSM Agent to any existing, running Amazon Linux 2 instance via Run Command or a simple script, making it instantly manageable by Systems Manager while OpsWorks continues to run in parallel until you fully cut over. Memory tip: "Agent, not AMI" — you install the agent, you don't replace the instance.
SOA-C02 Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment, provisioning, and automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 OpsWorks for configuration management of their EC2 instances. The SysOps Administrator wants to migrate to AWS Systems Manager for a more modern approach. The administrator needs to ensure that existing instances running Amazon Linux 2 can be managed by Systems Manager without downtime. The instances are currently in a running state and are critical to operations. What should the administrator do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install the SSM Agent on the existing instances using a script or AWS Systems Manager Run Command.
Option B is correct. Installing the AWS Systems Manager Agent (SSM Agent) on the existing instances allows them to be managed by Systems Manager without downtime. Option A is wrong because creating a new AMI and launching new instances would cause downtime. Option C is wrong because replacing OpsWorks with Systems Manager is not a simple switch; the agent must be installed. Option D is wrong because recreating the stack would be disruptive.
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.
✗
Change the OpsWorks stack configuration to use Systems Manager instead of OpsWorks agent.
Why it's wrong here
OpsWorks cannot be directly replaced by Systems Manager.
✗
Create a custom AMI with the SSM Agent pre-installed and launch new instances from it.
Why it's wrong here
This would require instance replacement and downtime.
✗
Delete the OpsWorks stack and recreate it with Systems Manager integration.
Why it's wrong here
This would cause downtime.
✓
Install the SSM Agent on the existing instances using a script or AWS Systems Manager Run Command.
Why this is correct
Installation can be done without downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 SSM Agent on the existing instances using a script or AWS Systems Manager Run Command. — Option B is correct. Installing the AWS Systems Manager Agent (SSM Agent) on the existing instances allows them to be managed by Systems Manager without downtime. Option A is wrong because creating a new AMI and launching new instances would cause downtime. Option C is wrong because replacing OpsWorks with Systems Manager is not a simple switch; the agent must be installed. Option D is wrong because recreating the stack would be disruptive.
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.
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Question Discussion
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