- A
Use AWS Lambda to transform the data on the fly and write to Redshift.
Why wrong: Lambda has a maximum execution time of 15 minutes and is not ideal for complex transformations on large datasets.
- B
Use Amazon EMR with Apache Spark to transform the data and load it into Redshift.
Why wrong: EMR is powerful but requires cluster management and is more suited for complex big data workloads, not simple incremental transformations.
- C
Use AWS Glue to create an ETL job that runs on a schedule or trigger.
AWS Glue is a serverless ETL service that can handle incremental transformations and load data into Redshift efficiently.
- D
Use Amazon Kinesis Data Firehose to transform and load data into Redshift in real time.
Why wrong: Kinesis Data Firehose is for streaming data, not for batch processing of existing S3 objects.
Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Glue, as it is the best choice for an incremental JSON to Parquet to Redshift transformation. AWS Glue provides a fully serverless ETL service that can be triggered by S3 events, allowing new JSON data to be automatically converted to columnar Parquet format and loaded into Redshift Serverless without managing any infrastructure. This scenario tests your understanding of batch-oriented, event-driven data pipelines on the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, where the common trap is confusing Glue’s batch capabilities with streaming services like Kinesis Data Firehose or overcomplicating with EMR. Remember that Glue is purpose-built for schema-on-read transformations and incremental loads via job bookmarks, making it the natural fit for scheduled or trigger-based workflows. A helpful memory tip: Glue “sticks” new data to your Redshift table incrementally, while Lambda “times out” on complex Parquet conversions.
DEA-C01 Data Ingestion and Transformation Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data ingestion and transformation. 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 needs to transform JSON data from an S3 bucket into Parquet format and load it into Amazon Redshift. The transformation must be performed incrementally as new data arrives. Which AWS service is BEST suited for this task?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 Glue to create an ETL job that runs on a schedule or trigger.
Option C is correct because AWS Glue provides a serverless ETL service that can run jobs triggered by S3 events to transform data incrementally and load into Redshift. Option A (Amazon EMR) is more suited for large-scale big data processing but requires cluster management. Option B (AWS Lambda) can be used for simple transformations but may hit time limits for complex transformations. Option D (Amazon Kinesis Data Firehose) is for streaming data, not for batch transformation of existing S3 objects.
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 Lambda to transform the data on the fly and write to Redshift.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda has a maximum execution time of 15 minutes and is not ideal for complex transformations on large datasets.
- ✗
Use Amazon EMR with Apache Spark to transform the data and load it into Redshift.
Why it's wrong here
EMR is powerful but requires cluster management and is more suited for complex big data workloads, not simple incremental transformations.
- ✓
Use AWS Glue to create an ETL job that runs on a schedule or trigger.
Why this is correct
AWS Glue is a serverless ETL service that can handle incremental transformations and load data into Redshift efficiently.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use Amazon Kinesis Data Firehose to transform and load data into Redshift in real time.
Why it's wrong here
Kinesis Data Firehose is for streaming data, not for batch processing of existing S3 objects.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DEA-C01 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.
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Data Ingestion and Transformation — study guide chapter
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Data Ingestion and Transformation practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DEA-C01 question test?
Data Ingestion and Transformation — This question tests Data Ingestion and Transformation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Glue to create an ETL job that runs on a schedule or trigger. — Option C is correct because AWS Glue provides a serverless ETL service that can run jobs triggered by S3 events to transform data incrementally and load into Redshift. Option A (Amazon EMR) is more suited for large-scale big data processing but requires cluster management. Option B (AWS Lambda) can be used for simple transformations but may hit time limits for complex transformations. Option D (Amazon Kinesis Data Firehose) is for streaming data, not for batch transformation of existing S3 objects.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DEA-C01 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DEA-C01
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company needs to transform JSON data from an S3 bucket into a structured format for Amazon Redshift. The transformation should be done serverlessly. Which service should be used?
easy- ✓ A.AWS Glue
- B.Amazon EMR
- C.Amazon Athena
- D.AWS Lambda
Why A: Option B is correct because AWS Glue is a serverless ETL service that can transform data for Redshift. Option A is wrong because Lambda can process events but is not ideal for large-scale ETL. Option C is wrong because Athena is a query service, not for transformation. Option D is wrong because EMR is not serverless.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 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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