The correct choice is to use a full load migration task followed by ongoing replication with change data capture (CDC). This approach first performs an initial bulk copy of the 2 TB Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, then continuously captures and applies incremental changes from the highly active source, keeping the target synchronized with minimal downtime. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of AWS DMS migration types under real-world constraints—specifically, that a full load alone cannot handle continuous writes, and CDC alone assumes existing data is already present. A common trap is choosing CDC-only, forgetting that an initial snapshot must precede it. Remember the memory tip: “Full load first, then CDC—zero data loss, minimal downtime.”
DEA-C01 Data Ingestion and Transformation Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data ingestion and transformation. 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 Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate a 2 TB Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The migration must have minimal downtime. The source database is highly active with continuous writes. Which DMS migration type and additional configuration should the engineer use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a full load migration task followed by ongoing replication (CDC).
Option D is correct because full load + change data capture (CDC) allows initial bulk load and then continuously replicates ongoing changes to keep the target in sync, minimizing downtime. Option A is wrong because full load only will not capture changes during migration, causing data loss. Option B is wrong because CDC only requires an initial snapshot anyway; starting with CDC assumes existing data is already present, which isn't the case. Option C is wrong because task restart does not address ongoing changes.
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.
✗
Use a CDC-only migration task to capture changes from the source.
Why it's wrong here
CDC-only tasks apply ongoing changes but require an existing target with data; they do not load initial data.
✗
Use a full load migration task and stop the source database before starting.
Why it's wrong here
Stopping the source would cause downtime; a full load alone cannot capture changes during migration.
✗
Use a full load migration task with task restart enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Task restart only resumes a failed task; it does not capture ongoing changes.
✓
Use a full load migration task followed by ongoing replication (CDC).
Why this is correct
Full load migrates existing data, then CDC replicates new changes, minimizing downtime.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 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. 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. 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.
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 DEA-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Data Ingestion and Transformation — This question tests Data Ingestion and Transformation — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a full load migration task followed by ongoing replication (CDC). — Option D is correct because full load + change data capture (CDC) allows initial bulk load and then continuously replicates ongoing changes to keep the target in sync, minimizing downtime. Option A is wrong because full load only will not capture changes during migration, causing data loss. Option B is wrong because CDC only requires an initial snapshot anyway; starting with CDC assumes existing data is already present, which isn't the case. Option C is wrong because task restart does not address ongoing changes.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 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 DEA-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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