A company has a management group hierarchy: Root → UK → Production. They assign a policy at the Root level that allows only certain VM sizes. Later, they assign another policy at the UK level that denies all resources. What is the effective effect on the Production subscription?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
Only the Root policy applies because it is at the highest level.
Policies at lower levels also apply; they are evaluated in combination.
Distractor review
Only the UK policy applies because it is more specific.
Both policies apply, but the more restrictive effect wins in a conflict.
Distractor review
Both policies apply, and the order of evaluation could cause a conflict.
No conflict; Azure Policy resolves conflicts by applying the most restrictive effect.
Best answer
Both policies apply, and the most restrictive (Deny) takes precedence.
Correct. Deny overrides any other effect, so the UK-level Deny prevents all resource creation.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-900 question test?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Both policies apply, and the most restrictive (Deny) takes precedence. — Azure Policy effects are cumulative from the root down. If there is a conflict, the 'Deny' effect overrides 'Allow' (or 'Append') because denials cannot be overridden by less restrictive policies. Therefore, the Deny policy at the UK level will prevent all resource creation, including VMs, in the Production subscription despite the Root policy allowing certain sizes.
What should I do if I get this AZ-900 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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