The answer is to enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for the table. This is correct because DynamoDB Auto Scaling dynamically adjusts provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) based on actual traffic patterns, directly resolving read throttling during peak hours without manual intervention. Since the table has high-cardinality partition keys and a read-heavy workload, the throttling stems from insufficient RCUs, which Auto Scaling automatically increases to match demand. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DynamoDB capacity management versus common traps like adding indexes or rewriting queries, which address hot partitions or inefficient access patterns, not overall throughput limits. A common memory tip is to think of Auto Scaling as a thermostat for RCUs: it turns up the capacity when traffic heats up and turns it down when things cool off, preventing both throttling and over-provisioning.
DEA-C01 Data Store Management Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 DynamoDB with provisioned capacity and experiences throttling on a table during peak hours. The data engineer notices that the table has a partition key with high cardinality and the workload is read-heavy. Which action would best resolve the throttling?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for the table.
DynamoDB Auto Scaling adjusts the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) based on actual traffic patterns, preventing throttling during peak hours without manual intervention. Since the table has high-cardinality partition keys and is read-heavy, throttling is likely due to insufficient RCUs, which Auto Scaling dynamically increases to match demand.
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 DynamoDB Auto Scaling for the table.
Why this is correct
Auto Scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic, preventing throttling 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.
✗
Switch the table to on-demand capacity mode.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand scales automatically but may be more expensive; auto scaling is more cost-effective.
✗
Increase the provisioned write capacity units.
Why it's wrong here
Read throttling is not resolved by increasing write capacity.
✗
Add a global secondary index (GSI) to distribute reads.
Why it's wrong here
GSI does not increase base table capacity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
AWS often tests the misconception that adding a GSI or switching to on-demand is the default fix for throttling, but the correct answer requires identifying that the read-heavy workload needs RCU adjustments, not structural changes or mode switches.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB Auto Scaling uses the AWS Application Auto Scaling service to adjust provisioned capacity based on target utilization (e.g., 70% of consumed RCUs). Under the hood, it creates scaling policies that trigger when consumed capacity exceeds or falls below thresholds, using CloudWatch alarms to avoid throttling during traffic spikes. In a read-heavy workload with high-cardinality keys, Auto Scaling ensures each partition gets sufficient RCUs, preventing hot partitions from throttling.
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.
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: Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for the table. — DynamoDB Auto Scaling adjusts the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) based on actual traffic patterns, preventing throttling during peak hours without manual intervention. Since the table has high-cardinality partition keys and is read-heavy, throttling is likely due to insufficient RCUs, which Auto Scaling dynamically increases to match demand.
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: "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.
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Question Discussion
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