The answer is to create a cross-region read replica and configure automated cross-region snapshots. A cross-region read replica for RDS SQL Server can be promoted to a standalone instance in the recovery region within minutes, meeting the 15-minute RTO, while automated cross-region snapshots allow you to restore a database to another region from a backup, providing a second valid recovery path. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinction between Multi-AZ (which is strictly intra-region high availability) and true cross-region disaster recovery mechanisms. A common trap is confusing Multi-AZ with cross-region failover, but remember that Multi-AZ does not span regions. Memory tip: think "Replica for speed, Snapshot for safety" — the replica gets you running fast, the snapshot gives you a reliable fallback.
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 company is designing a disaster recovery strategy for an Amazon RDS for SQL Server database. The database must be recoverable in another AWS region within 15 minutes of a regional outage. Which TWO actions should the data engineer take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure automated cross-region snapshots to be copied to the recovery region.
Options A and D are correct. A cross-region read replica can be promoted to a standalone instance in another region, providing recovery within minutes. Automated cross-region snapshots can also be used to restore to another region. Option B is incorrect because Multi-AZ is within a region, not cross-region. Option C is incorrect because cross-region automated backups are not supported; you need snapshots.
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.
✗
Enable Multi-AZ deployment on the primary instance.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-AZ is for high availability within a region, not disaster recovery.
✗
Configure automated backups to copy to the recovery region.
Why it's wrong here
RDS automated backups are region-specific; cannot be copied automatically.
✓
Configure automated cross-region snapshots to be copied to the recovery region.
Why this is correct
Cross-region snapshot copy allows restoring in another region.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Create a cross-region read replica in the desired recovery region.
Why this is correct
Read replicas can be promoted to a primary instance in another region.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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 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.
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: Configure automated cross-region snapshots to be copied to the recovery region. — Options A and D are correct. A cross-region read replica can be promoted to a standalone instance in another region, providing recovery within minutes. Automated cross-region snapshots can also be used to restore to another region. Option B is incorrect because Multi-AZ is within a region, not cross-region. Option C is incorrect because cross-region automated backups are not supported; you need snapshots.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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