The answer is to specify the target group ARN in the Auto Scaling group configuration and ensure the instance security group allows traffic from the ALB. When you attach an Auto Scaling group to an ALB, you must provide the target group ARN directly in the Auto Scaling group settings; this is the mechanism that triggers automatic instance registration as new instances launch. Additionally, the security group attached to the instances must have an inbound rule permitting traffic from the ALB’s security group or the ALB’s source IP range, otherwise health checks and user traffic will be blocked. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of the integration between Auto Scaling and Elastic Load Balancing, often trapping candidates who confuse where health checks are configured—health checks live on the target group, not the Auto Scaling group. A common memory tip is “ARN in ASG, SG from ALB”—remember that the Auto Scaling group holds the target group ARN, and the security group must open the door for the ALB.
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 SysOps administrator is creating an Auto Scaling group using a launch template. The administrator wants to ensure that instances are automatically registered with an Application Load Balancer (ALB) target group. Which TWO steps are required? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the instance security group to allow traffic from the ALB.
Option B is correct because the target group ARN must be specified in the Auto Scaling group to enable automatic registration. Option D is correct because the security group must allow traffic from the ALB to the instance. Option A is wrong because health checks are configured on the target group, not the Auto Scaling group. Option C is wrong because the launch template does not attach to target groups. Option E is wrong because the ALB does not need a security group for health checks.
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.
✓
Configure the instance security group to allow traffic from the ALB.
Why this is correct
Instances must accept traffic from the ALB to be healthy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Specify the target group ARN in the Auto Scaling group configuration.
Why this is correct
This is required to associate the ASG with the target group.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure health checks on the Auto Scaling group to use ELB.
Why it's wrong here
Health check type can be ELB, but it is not required for registration.
✗
Create a security group for the ALB and attach it to the Auto Scaling group.
Why it's wrong here
ALB security groups are separate from ASG.
✗
Include the target group ARN in the launch template.
Why it's wrong here
Launch templates do not reference target groups.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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: Configure the instance security group to allow traffic from the ALB. — Option B is correct because the target group ARN must be specified in the Auto Scaling group to enable automatic registration. Option D is correct because the security group must allow traffic from the ALB to the instance. Option A is wrong because health checks are configured on the target group, not the Auto Scaling group. Option C is wrong because the launch template does not attach to target groups. Option E is wrong because the ALB does not need a security group for health checks.
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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