- A
Use AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication to minimize downtime.
DMS can perform a full load and then replicate changes, reducing downtime.
- B
Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) export wizard to transfer data.
Why wrong: The export wizard is not suitable for 2 TB and does not support ongoing replication.
- C
Take a native backup of the on-premises database and restore it to RDS.
Native backup/restore provides a consistent snapshot with minimal downtime.
- D
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) to convert the schema and migrate data.
Why wrong: AWS SCT only converts schema; it does not migrate data.
- E
Export the database to CSV files and use BULK INSERT to load into RDS.
Why wrong: This approach is time-consuming and requires application downtime.
DEA-C01 Data Store Management Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 data engineer is migrating an on-premises Microsoft SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server. The database is 2 TB in size and has a 4-hour maintenance window. The company needs to minimize downtime and ensure data consistency. Which TWO methods should the engineer use? (Choose TWO.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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
Use AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication to minimize downtime.
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) is correct because it allows continuous synchronization from the on-premises SQL Server to Amazon RDS for SQL Server, minimizing downtime by keeping the target database up-to-date until the final cutover. This approach ensures data consistency by capturing and applying ongoing changes without requiring a long outage window.
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.
- ✓
Use AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication to minimize downtime.
Why this is correct
DMS can perform a full load and then replicate changes, reducing downtime.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) export wizard to transfer data.
Why it's wrong here
The export wizard is not suitable for 2 TB and does not support ongoing replication.
- ✓
Take a native backup of the on-premises database and restore it to RDS.
Why this is correct
Native backup/restore provides a consistent snapshot with minimal downtime.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) to convert the schema and migrate data.
Why it's wrong here
AWS SCT only converts schema; it does not migrate data.
- ✗
Export the database to CSV files and use BULK INSERT to load into RDS.
Why it's wrong here
This approach is time-consuming and requires application downtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume native backup/restore alone is sufficient for minimal downtime, forgetting that it only handles the initial data load and does not capture changes made during the backup window without additional replication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AWS DMS uses a replication instance to read the source SQL Server transaction logs via native CDC (Change Data Capture) or MS-CDC, applying changes to the target RDS instance in near real-time. The native backup and restore method (Option C) leverages SQL Server's native backup format (e.g., .bak files) and the RESTORE DATABASE command with the WITH MOVE option, which is the fastest way to transfer the initial full backup but requires a separate ongoing replication mechanism (like DMS) to minimize downtime. In practice, combining a full native restore for the baseline data with DMS for ongoing replication is a common hybrid approach to meet both speed and consistency requirements.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Data Store Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DEA-C01 question test?
Data Store Management — This question tests Data Store Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication to minimize downtime. — AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) is correct because it allows continuous synchronization from the on-premises SQL Server to Amazon RDS for SQL Server, minimizing downtime by keeping the target database up-to-date until the final cutover. This approach ensures data consistency by capturing and applying ongoing changes without requiring a long outage window.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DEA-C01 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 DEA-C01 exam.
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