The correct answer is to configure an Auto Scaling group with a target tracking scaling policy based on ALB request count per target. This approach directly addresses the goal to minimize idle capacity because target tracking automatically adjusts the number of EC2 instances to maintain a specified metric, such as requests per target, at a target value—scaling up when demand rises and scaling down when it falls, thereby eliminating over-provisioned, idle resources. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of dynamic scaling policies versus static or step scaling; a common trap is choosing step scaling, which requires manual thresholds and can lag behind demand changes, leading to either idle capacity or performance issues. Remember the memory tip: “Target tracking tracks the target—step scaling steps on the spot.” This means target tracking continuously adjusts to hit a precise utilization goal, while step scaling reacts only when predefined thresholds are breached, making target tracking the superior choice for cost-efficient, demand-responsive scaling.
SOA-C02 Cost and Performance Optimization Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of cost and performance optimization. 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 uses an Application Load Balancer (ALB) to distribute traffic to EC2 instances. The SysOps team wants to reduce costs by ensuring that idle capacity is minimized. Which configuration should they implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an Auto Scaling group with a target tracking scaling policy based on ALB request count per target.
Option A is correct because a target tracking policy automatically adjusts capacity based on demand, minimizing idle resources. Option B is wrong because step scaling can be used but is less efficient than target tracking. Option C is wrong because adding more instances increases idle capacity. Option D is wrong because fixed instance count does not adapt to demand.
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 an Auto Scaling group with a step scaling policy based on CPU utilization.
Why it's wrong here
Step scaling is less responsive and may keep idle instances longer than target tracking.
✓
Configure an Auto Scaling group with a target tracking scaling policy based on ALB request count per target.
Why this is correct
Target tracking adjusts capacity to maintain a target metric, reducing idle instances.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the number of EC2 instances in the Auto Scaling group to handle peak load.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing instances increases idle capacity during low traffic.
✗
Set the Auto Scaling group desired capacity to the maximum expected load.
Why it's wrong here
Fixed desired capacity leads to over-provisioning.
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 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.
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.
Cost and Performance Optimization — This question tests Cost and Performance Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an Auto Scaling group with a target tracking scaling policy based on ALB request count per target. — Option A is correct because a target tracking policy automatically adjusts capacity based on demand, minimizing idle resources. Option B is wrong because step scaling can be used but is less efficient than target tracking. Option C is wrong because adding more instances increases idle capacity. Option D is wrong because fixed instance count does not adapt to demand.
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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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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