The answer is that the DMS task is configured to use multiple parallel threads to load data, overwhelming the target instance. When troubleshooting DMS high CPU on target during full load, the core issue is that AWS DMS maximizes throughput by spawning several concurrent threads to write to the target database, which can saturate the target’s CPU if the instance size is undersized or the thread count is too aggressive. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of how DMS’s parallel loading mechanism directly impacts target resource consumption, often tripping candidates who confuse it with validation or LOB settings. A common trap is assuming high CPU comes from post-load validation, but validation runs after the full load phase, not during it. Memory tip: think “parallel threads = parallel pressure” on the target CPU during the load phase.
DEA-C01 Data Operations and Support Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data operations and support. 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 uses AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon Aurora MySQL. The migration is successful, but the engineer notices that the target Aurora cluster has a higher CPU utilization than expected during the full load phase. What is the MOST likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DMS task is configured to use multiple parallel threads to load data, overwhelming the target instance.
Option A is correct because DMS uses multiple tasks in parallel to maximize throughput, which can cause high CPU on the target. Option B is wrong because DMS does not use read replicas during full load. Option C is wrong because LOB settings affect column size handling, not CPU load. Option D is wrong because validation occurs after migration, not during full load.
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.
✗
The DMS task has LOB mode set to 'Full LOB mode', causing additional processing.
Why it's wrong here
LOB mode affects how large objects are handled, not CPU load.
✗
DMS is performing data validation during the full load phase.
Why it's wrong here
Validation is typically done after full load.
✗
DMS is reading from an Amazon Aurora read replica instead of the primary instance.
Why it's wrong here
DMS reads from the source, not from a read replica of the target.
✓
The DMS task is configured to use multiple parallel threads to load data, overwhelming the target instance.
Why this is correct
Parallel threads increase throughput but also increase CPU usage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
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 Operations and Support — This question tests Data Operations and Support — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DMS task is configured to use multiple parallel threads to load data, overwhelming the target instance. — Option A is correct because DMS uses multiple tasks in parallel to maximize throughput, which can cause high CPU on the target. Option B is wrong because DMS does not use read replicas during full load. Option C is wrong because LOB settings affect column size handling, not CPU load. Option D is wrong because validation occurs after migration, not during full load.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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