- A
Apply a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:CreateBucket unless the request includes the required tag
SCPs can enforce tagging at the organizational level by denying bucket creation without the required tag.
- B
Create an IAM policy that allows s3:CreateBucket only if the bucket has the tag, and attach it to all users
Why wrong: While IAM policies can enforce tagging, they apply only to users, not to services or root user; SCPs provide broader coverage.
- C
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log bucket creation and review logs daily
Why wrong: CloudTrail only logs; it does not enforce tagging or prevent creation.
- D
Use an AWS Config rule to automatically delete untagged buckets
Why wrong: AWS Config can detect but not prevent; automatic deletion is risky and not a recommended practice.
Quick Answer
The correct approach is to apply a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:CreateBucket unless the request includes the required tag. This works because SCPs in AWS Organizations allow you to centrally enforce permissions across all accounts in the organization using condition keys like aws:RequestTag, which checks for tags at the time of the API call—preventing the creation of untagged S3 buckets entirely. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of the difference between preventive controls (SCPs) and detective controls (AWS Config rules); a common trap is choosing AWS Config, which can detect non-compliant buckets but cannot block their creation. Remember, SCPs are the only option here that stops the action before it happens. Memory tip: "SCP stops creation, Config catches the crime."
SOA-C02 Security and Compliance Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. 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 requires that all S3 buckets be tagged with a 'CostCenter' tag. A SysOps administrator needs to enforce this and prevent creation of untagged buckets. Which approach should be used?
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
Apply a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:CreateBucket unless the request includes the required tag
AWS Organizations SCPs can be used to deny actions that do not meet certain conditions, such as requiring specific tags. An SCP with a condition for 'aws:RequestTag' can enforce tagging at bucket creation. IAM policies can also enforce tagging for specific users, but SCPs apply to all accounts in the organization. AWS Config rules can detect non-compliant resources but cannot prevent creation. CloudTrail is for logging, not enforcement.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Apply a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:CreateBucket unless the request includes the required tag
Why this is correct
SCPs can enforce tagging at the organizational level by denying bucket creation without the required tag.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Create an IAM policy that allows s3:CreateBucket only if the bucket has the tag, and attach it to all users
Why it's wrong here
While IAM policies can enforce tagging, they apply only to users, not to services or root user; SCPs provide broader coverage.
- ✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log bucket creation and review logs daily
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail only logs; it does not enforce tagging or prevent creation.
- ✗
Use an AWS Config rule to automatically delete untagged buckets
Why it's wrong here
AWS Config can detect but not prevent; automatic deletion is risky and not a recommended practice.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SOA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
- →
Security and Compliance — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Security and Compliance practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SOA-C02 question test?
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:CreateBucket unless the request includes the required tag — AWS Organizations SCPs can be used to deny actions that do not meet certain conditions, such as requiring specific tags. An SCP with a condition for 'aws:RequestTag' can enforce tagging at bucket creation. IAM policies can also enforce tagging for specific users, but SCPs apply to all accounts in the organization. AWS Config rules can detect non-compliant resources but cannot prevent creation. CloudTrail is for logging, not enforcement.
What should I do if I get this SOA-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SOA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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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