The answer is to modify the DMS task to use Apache Parquet as the target table preparation mode. This is correct because AWS DMS allows you to specify the target table preparation mode, which controls how data is written to Amazon S3; setting this mode to Parquet instructs DMS to convert the incoming CSV data into columnar Parquet format during the replication process, without needing any external transformation. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of DMS native format conversion capabilities versus common misconceptions—many candidates mistakenly look for S3 lifecycle policies or Lambda integrations, but DMS handles this conversion internally through its task settings. A frequent trap is confusing storage-level format changes with DMS’s built-in output options. Remember the memory tip: “Prep mode picks the Parquet path”—the target table preparation mode is the direct lever for format conversion within a DMS task.
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 company uses AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to continuously replicate data from an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon S3. The data is stored as CSV files. The downstream team requires the data to be in Apache Parquet format. Which change should the data engineer make to the DMS task?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the DMS task to use Apache Parquet as the target table preparation mode.
Option C is correct because DMS supports target table preparation mode to convert data to Parquet format. Option A is wrong because S3 lifecycle policies do not convert formats. Option B is wrong because DMS does not support Lambda transformations natively. Option D is wrong because switching to full load only would stop continuous replication.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Modify the DMS task to use Apache Parquet as the target table preparation mode.
Why this is correct
DMS can write directly in Parquet format.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Add an S3 lifecycle rule to convert CSV to Parquet.
Why it's wrong here
Lifecycle rules cannot change data format.
✗
Change the DMS task to use full load instead of continuous replication.
Why it's wrong here
Full load stops ongoing replication.
✗
Configure a Lambda function to transform data after DMS writes to S3.
Why it's wrong here
This adds complexity and latency; DMS can do it directly.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DEA-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Data Ingestion and Transformation — This question tests Data Ingestion and Transformation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the DMS task to use Apache Parquet as the target table preparation mode. — Option C is correct because DMS supports target table preparation mode to convert data to Parquet format. Option A is wrong because S3 lifecycle policies do not convert formats. Option B is wrong because DMS does not support Lambda transformations natively. Option D is wrong because switching to full load only would stop continuous replication.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DEA-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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